Reserves
There are around 33,000 Reservists in the UK. Coming from all backgrounds, regions and jobs, these are ordinary people who give up their time to train and serve alongside the Regular Forces.
The Reserve Forces consist of the Maritime Reserves, which includes both the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Marines Reserve, the Army Reserve and the Royal Air Force Reserve.
Reservists are called out to supplement Regular Forces whenever operational demands require it. If they are mobilised they will carry out the same roles to the same high standards as their Regular counterparts. They also receive the same world-class training and develop the same skills. None of this would be possible without the support of their employers.
Reservists are an essential part of UK Defence strategy. They are called upon as individuals for their specific skills or as ready-formed units to serve alongside the Regular Forces whenever required.