New head of the Royal Navy reserve plans huge shake-up of Britain's part-time force

Pioneering officer, Commodore Melanie Robinson wasted no time setting out her vision for the future after taking the reins of the 3,900-strong force of sailors this week.

The 27-year naval veteran, who was one of the first women to go to sea and command a ship, now becomes one of just four female naval officers to have achieved flag rank as Commodore maritime reserves – and the first reservist to do so.

And setting out her stall from day one, the ambitious officer said: ‘I am determined to lead a step-change in how the maritime reserves recruits, employs and deploys its personnel.’

First on Cdre Robinson’s to-do list is to swell the reserve numbers. She also hopes to simplify the force’s structure and improve opportunities for part-time sailors and their full-time counterparts.

Speaking during a ceremony on HMS Victory, in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Cdre Robinson said: ‘I will shortly set-out a future vision for an auxiliary naval force fit for the 21st century. A force that takes full advantage of its unique capacity to tap-into skills and talents unavailable as part of the regular service.

‘Under my command, we shall redesign the reserves, the way it’s run and the people structures that support it, setting the conditions and outlining the offer to Britons seeking to “protect their nation's interests” but on a more flexible basis better tuned to their availability.’

Her proposals for the future reserves include a wider employment offer, a better employment model, and proactive and recognised use of civilian skills to boost the navy’s fighting prowess.

‘The reserves' greatest strength is our capacity to recruit and employ a fantastic diversity of personnel, allowing the Royal Navy to draw upon otherwise unaffordable skills, both from existing personnel and future recruits.

‘From manning offshore patrol vessels to providing specialist skills, today marks the beginning of a reserves renaissance across the next 12 months.’

The reserves grew 4.3 per cent last year, from 3,750 in 2018 to 3,910 by October.