Afghanistan (Training and Assistance)

Mark Francois Excerpts

Tuesday 11th November 2014 Written Statements

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Mark Francois)]

A new call-out order has been made under section 56(1B) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 to enable reservists to be called into permanent service as part of the UK’s contribution to train, advise and assist operations in Afghanistan.

Reservists have already made a significant contribution to operations in Afghanistan, as part of Operation Herrick. We will continue to utilise our reserves as the UK moves from a combat role to one focused on the higher level development of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), including the Afghan National Army Officer Academy and GIRoA ministries, as part of the NATO Operation Resolute Support train, advise and assist mission. We expect around 50 personnel to be mobilised, including a formed Army Reserve infantry platoon, initially from 3rd Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (3 PWRR).

Reservists will operate alongside their regular colleagues, providing advice and assistance to the ANSF and ministries, protection for our own forces and carrying out support and enabling functions. This is fully in line with our policy of having more capable, usable, integrated and relevant reserve forces.

Currently, we plan on calling out only willing and available reservists, who have the support of their employer.

The order takes effect from 10 November 2014 and ceases to have effect on 9 November 2015.