How do we better the 'Army Reserve Offer'?

[wave_dodger]

dont be negative all your life, take a day off for once.

Sorry, SR, there's a gulf between negative and realistic, and I don't think he's trying to belittle anyones efforts. I've been in both RNR and then RN, and now work in the centre of the spiralling depression that is the MoD. From what I see on a daily basis, I'm afraid the RNR isn't the answer. A great example, we re-create an RNR engineer branch at a time we can't recruit or retain regulars! We set an age limit that even precludes many ex regulars joking this cadre, and all of this at a time when engineering has become more specialised and will be harder for RNR to access without a lot of PJT/OJT effort, which will be incredibly difficult yo resource.

The RNR is not the answer, it may help in some small ways and I'm honestly pleased that we're making efforts to bolster it but to be honest, we really need to sort out RN manning because if we don't it will implode and there will be no RN capability.

And that's all before we get into equipment capability, because that is all another tale of woe and misery.

 

[wave_dodger]

And I like how we're offering Surg Cdrs the option of becoming PWOs.....

Safeguard? That all said an E(IS) is now an Aussie PWO, so how hard can it be? "dog box, dog box, dog box......"

 

[alfred_the_great]

Safeguard? That all said an E(IS) is now an Aussie PWO, so how hard can it be? "dog box, dog box, dog box......"

Yup - I think it's mandatory we offer people we are making redundant the choice to join our OPP/CMGs: PWOs are an OPP, thus it's on the list. There's a DIN/RNTM on it - the opportunity is available to all those being made redundant.

"Dog box" is said once, by my Action Picture Supervisor, when a weapon is released. Do keep up......

 

[Purple_twiglet]

Dog Box, Dog Box - fiver says there is an intensive week long RNR course that could be created to put an AB onto the ship to say just that.

See, I just added RNR value to the RN kill chain

 

[SimpleReservist]

WD
You are right on the mark ref the potential implosion of elements of the regular branches. And yes is does need urgent fixes.
My point(s) about the negativity towards the RNR is that there are many who knock the efforts that the reserves are doing, and I do feel some of this negativity goes a tad too far. It is not the RNR's fault that the manners have screwed up the regulars. The fact that the RNR is now getting to grips with itself and doing some very positive things, should not be underestimated.

some comments are based on experiences of an oppo or family member from some time ago! Though I do feel for poor old 2DD, who has had a torid time. Though if one unit is poor, or doesn't have a functioning Divisional System, it doesn't mean all are as bad.

 

[northern-matelot]

One of my civy mates is currently applying for the AR, but getting sick of waiting. She's tried to see what the RNR will offer her but the RN's web page seems to be lacking in what trades the reservists do in general (mainly for a 25 year old lass), all it has is "Reservist" or "Reservist with specialisation" pushing to go towards the new cyber units. Does anyone on here know where I'd be able to find what branches are open to RNR ratings as I know there are ones that are pretty niche that a regular would probably never have heard off.

 

[SimpleReservist]

NM
pm me and I can put her in touch with a recruiter who will give her everything she needs!

 

[Axel.]

One of my civy mates is currently applying for the AR, but getting sick of waiting. She's tried to see what the RNR will offer her but the RN's web page seems to be lacking in what trades the reservists do in general (mainly for a 25 year old lass), all it has is "Reservist" or "Reservist with specialisation" pushing to go towards the new cyber units. Does anyone on here know where I'd be able to find what branches are open to RNR ratings as I know there are ones that are pretty niche that a regular would probably never have heard off.

http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/8c36244f7b4641889c07e4365d7b0893-0x0.pdf

Descriptions start on page 24. Not sure if this has spread to all units but you can now join as a 'Probationary Reserve' and and get paid to attend training nights. Activity is a bit limited until you've passed the medical but at least it gives a good introduction to the basics of drill, ranks and general RNR life.

 

[SimpleReservist]

Now that the PR thingy has been running a while, it is now policy that the only activity which is strictly off limits for a PR is excercise that results in sustained increase in heart rate (sensible precaution for someone who has yet to attend a medical). PRs are, along with INTs, actively encouraged to attend RFWEX14 - a weekend at sea at the Battle of Bornemouth!

 

[Tomahawk]

Could/Would this option be made available for those currently in the recruitment process for the full-time Navy and have an RNR unit nearby? So for example while you're waiting for a medical/fitness test/SIFT etc, you go to your Reserve Unit drill night and at least get an introduction and retain your interest. Obviously I appreciate that uniform etc would not be available and it might be a bit disruptive for the unit to possibly have a continuous stream of people coming in for a few weeks.

 

[SimpleReservist]

Tomahawk, it is (almost) available now, for people who wish to join the regulars, but where there is a long waiting list, they can join the reserves (as a PR), and then,min 2yrs or so, join the regulars. The big issue is that "a long waiting list" is open to interpretation, and also, some units that are short-staffed, are reluctant to expend effort on someone who will disappear in a couple of years. Personally, I think the investment is well worth it as
1. 2 yrs is a long time, things can change and they may not wish to go full time
2. If treated properly, they will have had a positive experience of the RNR, and thus fly the fkag during thier regular time
3. They may rejoin the reserves later when they leave the regulars, or they may even encourage others to do that

 

[instinct]

Tomahawk, it is (almost) available now, for people who wish to join the regulars, but where there is a long waiting list, they can join the reserves (as a PR), and then,min 2yrs or so, join the regulars. The big issue is that "a long waiting list" is open to interpretation, and also, some units that are short-staffed, are reluctant to expend effort on someone who will disappear in a couple of years. Personally, I think the investment is well worth it as
1. 2 yrs is a long time, things can change and they may not wish to go full time
2. If treated properly, they will have had a positive experience of the RNR, and thus fly the fkag during thier regular time
3. They may rejoin the reserves later when they leave the regulars, or they may even encourage others to do that

I had a mate who was on the waititng list for Sea Spec and managed to fully complete her training and bang in a mobilisation.

 

[SimpleReservist]

There have been a couple of SeaRes ratings who have got through all thier training and then mobilised before joining full time. Their CO & SO1 of spec can make a recommend for them to then only complete a 2 day RALEIGH Acquaint before joining phase 2 training at Collingrad.