Britain's reservists are 'immeasurably important' and must be recognised says shadow armed forces minister, Stephen Morgan

MAKING up around a sixth of our armed forces capability, forming 100 national units across the tri-services and recruiting from all over the UK, our reserve forces are a powerful part in Britain’s military capability, writes shadow armed forces minister Stephen Morgan on Reserves Day.
Site Manager and Army Reservist Major Adrian Peel with the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan, Captain John Voyce OBE.

Picture: PO Photographer Nicola Harper/Royal NavySite Manager and Army Reservist Major Adrian Peel with the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan, Captain John Voyce OBE.

Picture: PO Photographer Nicola Harper/Royal Navy
Site Manager and Army Reservist Major Adrian Peel with the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan, Captain John Voyce OBE. Picture: PO Photographer Nicola Harper/Royal Navy

While at the peak in 2004, reservists made up 20 per cent of those serving in Iraq and 12 per cent of those in Afghanistan.

These are often-unsung heroes who walk among us have been involved in crucial conflicts from across the globe.

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They continue to give up their spare time to keep our nation safe.

Stephen Morgan, shadow armed forces minister (pictured centre) talking to troops during an engagement visit overseas.Stephen Morgan, shadow armed forces minister (pictured centre) talking to troops during an engagement visit overseas.
Stephen Morgan, shadow armed forces minister (pictured centre) talking to troops during an engagement visit overseas.

From medical expertise to unsurpassed cyber security capability, reservists make up some of the most able people in our armed forces.

While we are aware of their involvement in major theatres of war, it is important to recognise too their contributions to civil society.

The ruthless nature of the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed their immeasurable value. Over 3,000 armed forces reservists have been called up to aid the military response to the coronavirus pandemic, providing support to the Covid Support Force by helping set up test sites and assisting in the delivery of PPE.

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Looking back, reserves stepping in at the nation’s time of need is nothing new. We know that 2,100 reserve personnel provided support to the police and other civil authorities throughout Operation Olympics.

Reservist soldiers from  4th Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment carrying out an exercise at the Browndown Training in December. Photo: Corporal Rob KaneReservist soldiers from  4th Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment carrying out an exercise at the Browndown Training in December. Photo: Corporal Rob Kane
Reservist soldiers from 4th Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment carrying out an exercise at the Browndown Training in December. Photo: Corporal Rob Kane

This meant that during the 2012 London Olympic Games, they made up around 15 per cent of the armed forces personnel working on the delivery of the games.

When Britain is on the backfoot, our reserves never fail stand up to be counted.

As we find ourselves in midst of Armed Forces Week and today on Reserves Day, I pay tribute to these brave men and women who continue to deliver for the nation.

As shadow armed forces minister, I know I speak for many within the nation when I extend my gratitude for their continued efforts in these challenging times.

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