UK MoD announces Reserve Forces 2030 review to maximise skills

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has officially announced a new review that seeks to examine how best its reserve forces can contribute to defence.

Titled ‘The Reserve Forces 2030: A Review of the Reserve Service’, it is inviting ideas and views for maximising the skills of the reserves to support wider society, business and Her Majesty’s government objectives.

The MoD is seeking views from across defence and other government departments, employers in business and academia in the UK.

By the end of the decade, the review team aims to develop innovative ways for reserves to best contribute to the objectives.

Under the initiative, the ministry will also examine innovative ways to collaborate with businesses, government and the private sector.

This will not only help in cost-sharing but also skills and expertise sharing.

In the following months, the reserve forces 2030 plans to engage and review innovative methods.

UK Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said: “Reservists are an exceptional group of people with specialist skills and expertise in a wide range of sectors.

“Their integral role within our nation’s armed forces has been demonstrated once again in the support they have provided during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s crucial that we look towards the future, not only to consider how best to utilise our existing talent but also how we can strengthen the role of reserves for generations to come.”

Currently, the reserve forces are partnering with individuals with specialist or niche skills.