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History

Defence Reserves have played an important part in Australian history since early colonial days.

The Reserve pre-dates Federation, when each of the States (colonies at the time) maintained locally based naval and army militia. These forces served in the Sudan, in China during the Boxer Rebellion and in South Africa during the Boer War.

The modern Australian Army was drawn from this base at Federation on 1 January 1901, with the Royal Australian Navy and [[[Royal Australian Air Force]]] following some years later.

Volunteers participated in active service during World Wars I and II, with large numbers transferring into the permanent armed forces. At the end of hostilities, many seasoned veterans returned to the Reserve force, maintaining a pool of expertise and experience to be drawn on in a defence emergency.

In the years between the two World Wars, the Reserve maintained strong links with many community and State-based units. Since World War II, the role has changed gradually from separate Reserve units and formations with their own identities and roles, to a concept where permanent and Reserve personnel have combined to form a strong and viable force.

With Australia's regular Army not formed until 1948, the Reserve has been a fundamental part of the nation's defence policy. (1)

What are Reservists

Defence Reserves are a fundamental part of the Australian Defence Force and play a key role in safeguarding Australia's security.

Reservists join the Navy, Army or Air Force as part-time members. There are about 41,546 active and standby Reservists, which represents about 42% of the ADF. They are volunteers who bring with them civilian skills and experience and who are given the opportunity to gain new skills as part of their Reserve training.

Reservists can join as new recruits or can transfer from the full-time Defence Force. They are people prepared to take on the challenge of training and through their dedication and time, show a strong commitment to Australia. (2)

What the Reservists do

People joining the Reserve make a commitment to train and serve in the defence and protection of Australia.

The Reserve has contributed to every major conflict in which Australia has been involved since before Federation. Today we are increasingly drawing on the skills and expertise of Reservists to maintain the Defence Force's capability.

In recent years they have provided humanitarian relief to tsunami and earthquake victims in our region and operations in the Middle East, Solomon Islands and elsewhere. They have served alongside their full-time counterparts in peace missions to East Timor and Bougainville and they regularly deploy a rifle company to Malaysia as part of Australia's commitment to the Five Power Defence Arrangement.

Reservists played key security roles at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

They also make a valuable contribution to the community, providing assistance in times of natural disasters such as floods, droughts and fires and in emergency rescue operations. (3)

Training Requirements

Training commitments for Reservists is based on their employment and the requirements of the service and category they join. Each service requires a period of continuous service from Reservists each year, generally a two-week period.

For Navy, the minimum training requirement each year is 20 days. Naval Reservists are usually able to serve up to 100 days a year. In the Army, it generally means undertaking two full weeks a year and one weekend per month.

Most Reservists also attend one night a week. Army Reservists can work as few as 14 days a year to as many as 100 days. For Air Force, the minimum training requirement is 32 days per year and they can serve up to 130 days a year.

Reservists in each service might also be required for extra attendance to complete promotion or professional development courses.

There is flexibility for people whose civilian occupations don't allow them to fully participate in the training requirements. (4)

Refernces

(1) Defence Reserves Website http://www.defencereserves.com/aspx/history.aspx

(2) Defence Reserves Website http://www.defencereserves.com/aspx/what_are_reserves.aspx

(3) Defence Reserves Website http://www.defencereserves.com/aspx/what_are_reserves.aspx

(4) Defence Reserves Website http://www.defencereserves.com/aspx/training_requirements.aspx