The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has outlined steps to adapt its training programmes for Reservists, following a question raised by Labour MP Calvin Bailey.
Referring to the Council of Reserve Forces and Cadets’ Associations’ Annual Statutory Report 2024, Bailey asked what measures were being implemented to ensure training aligns with Reservists’ needs.
In response, Veterans Minister Al Carns confirmed that the MOD delivers all its training under the Defence Systems Approach to Training, a framework designed to continuously refine delivery. Carns said:
“This is a formal iterative process to continually improve course delivery, integrate learning technologies and formally record student feedback, resulting in improved changes to Course Programmes.”
Modular Training for Greater Flexibility
One significant change has been the introduction of modular courses through the Defence Learning Environment (DLE). This system tracks individual progress, offering flexibility for Reservists juggling civilian jobs and family responsibilities.
Carns explained: “Many Defence courses now offer a modular approach to completion… providing significant flexibility, allowing Reservists to complete courses in a way that fits around their employment needs and family commitments.”
The modular approach also allows Reservists to access training at their convenience, say the MOD, with content tailored to their specific roles and operational requirements.
Localised Training Options
The MOD has made additional adaptations by offering training locally on weekends or in condensed time blocks. These adjustments aim to accommodate Reservists’ civilian commitments. Carns added:
“Adaptations include tailoring to deliver training locally at weekends or in blocks of time that are accessible, allowing Reservists to balance their civilian and military commitments effectively.”
Challenges and Progress
The department’s adaptations aim to ensure training remains effective and accessible, but questions remain about how well these measures are addressing broader recruitment and retention issues within the Reserve Forces. While the Council of Reserve Forces and Cadets’ Associations’ Annual Statutory Report highlights progress, it also underlines ongoing challenges in balancing the demands of military readiness with the realities of Reservists’ civilian lives.
The MOD’s iterative approach to training reflects an understanding of these challenges, but whether these measures will meet long-term needs remains to be seen.
The army generals talk a good game about being prepared for a major conflict as long as being prepared for a major conflict means keeping as many regular army infantry battalions as possible. The regular Amy dropped from 120,000 at the end of the Cold War to 70,000 today while the TA and now reserves were cut from 76,000 to just 26,000 today. Cuts have always as been heavier on reserve forces. Reserve forces cost 5 times less to operate than regular army and if the British army was really serious about fighting a major land war they would be rapidly increasing the size of reserves and not regular units.
We should aim for an army of 80,000 with a reserve of 60,000. This is much more inline with the USA. If it’s good enough for the worlds greatest army then it’s good enough for us.