The Secretary of State for Defence (Sir Michael Fallon)
On 29 June 2016 I informed Parliament (HCWS49) that, following the strategic and defence security review 2015, which set out the need to strengthen the armed forces’ contribution to UK resilience, the Army would in future plan to use Regular and Reserve phase 1 trained personnel in response to crises within the UK. This will increase the productivity, utility and size of force available in the event of a national emergency. To reflect this, the term “Trained Strength” will now include all personnel trained to undertake the core functions of the Army. Trained Strength 31 Mar 17 31 Mar 18 31 Mar 19 Maritime Reserve 2,320 2,790 3,100 Army Reserve 26,700 28,600 30,100 Royal Auxiliary Air Force 1,860 1,860 1,860 Total 30,880 33,250 35,060
The public consultation on the presentation of revised Trained Strength figures for the Army Reserve has now been completed and we will commence publication of the new statistics from 1 October. I have agreed the following revised growth profile for the for the Army Reserve with the Chief of the General Staff; unchanged growth targets for the Maritime Reserve and Royal Auxiliary Air Force are included for completeness:
These targets now replace all those announced on 19 December 2013 (Official Report, column 124WS).
[HCWS248]