Duty To Serve?

[AB111]

Hi

I've been wondering under what conditions one can be re-called, besides outright war naturally.
Say you join the RN, then leave after 2-4 years or more. Are you obligated or can you be compelled to return to the RN if told, perhaps up until a certain age-limit is reached? I don't know what this rule is called, thus making it a little troublesome to find info on.

Thank you.

 

[WreckerL]

You normally have a 5 year reserve liability. I did and that was after >33 years service, one of my sons had the same after he left after 7 years.

Yes, you can be re-called, as I've said, it's called Reserve Liability.

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

The Reserve Forces Act 1996 outlines the Royal Fleet Reserve liability for those with former regular service.

Not to be confused with the RNR.

 

[Seadog]

I once met a Commander recalled after 30 years outside. Duffle coat, black cap, WWII Ribbons, the ish!

Turns out it was a younger, more junior retired Commander with the same name who should have been recalled but an admin error or two put paid to that. He served out his return to active service like the fine officer he was.

 

[AB111]

You normally have a 5 year reserve liability. I did and that was after >33 years service, one of my sons had the same after he left after 7 years.

Yes, you can be re-called, as I've said, it's called Reserve Liability.

Wow. Is it a common occurrence to be re-called or is it relatively rare? I'm thinking that due to the manpower shortages in the RN, it's increasingly common. Thoughts?

Thank you for the information everyone!

 

[WreckerL]

It's so rare it's never happened in recent times, certainly not since I joined up (that I know of).

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

Wow. Is it a common occurrence to be re-called or is it relatively rare? I'm thinking that due to the manpower shortages in the RN, it's increasingly common. Thoughts?

Thank you for the information everyone!

I don't remember hearing of anyone called back to serve in recent decades, possibly one or two key players in specialist areas but I think the last large-scale mobilisation of Royal Navy and Royal Marines Reservists (who who normarily be mobilised first) was during Desert Storm, but not Royal Fleet Reserve.

I had my notice in during the early part of Op Telic, transfering to recruiting and like many, received a phonecall asking if I'd like to consider serving on a Frigate in the Gulf because "it's taking longer than expected". "Delighted to consider it" was my reply. "So you will?" asked a hopeful drafting desk. "Nah, I was only joking".