Following the establishment of the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA), the Director of ORA, who holds the rank of Colonel, advises that their immediate focus is on the development of a Regeneration Plan, in addition to focusing on general recruitment into the RDF.
As the Deputy will be aware, a recruitment competition was launched in October 2023. This competition is ongoing and the ORA are supporting the induction process at all stages.
The ORA is also tasked to support the day to day functioning of the RDF. This function includes the administration of Reservists pay, the updating of regulations pertaining to the RDF and all other aspects of administrative support.
The strategic objective for the Reserve Defence Force is to create a reserve force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy with the Permanent Defence Force, nationally and internationally. The ORA is tasked with a range of work packages associated with the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces. These work packages and the associated timelines are outlined in the published Detailed Implementation Plan.
I am advised that a broad spectrum of initiatives are currently under development, to enable the RDF to deliver enhanced military capabilities where and when required in support of the PDF. These initiatives, and the enabling actions, will be outlined in the Reserve Defence Force Regeneration and Development Plan which has been drafted by the Office of Reserve Affairs. The plan is currently in the approval phase and I am informed that this is due for publication early in Q3 this year as per the Detailed Implementation Plan.
The ORA will be staffed by personnel of the PDF and RDF including members of the First Line Reserve. There are currently seven personnel assigned to the ORA. This includes one Reservist. The next phase of resource allocation will be implemented later this year with an additional five PDF personnel assigned to the office. The assignment of additional Reservists will also take place this year. There are currently no plans for a civilian staff in the ORA.
I would like to assure the Deputy that it is my aim, and that of the Chief of Staff, to ensure that the regeneration of the RDF remains a key goal in 2024 and beyond.
