Reserve Forces

Reservists are men and women of many ages who volunteer to undertake Reserve Force training with the Royal Naval Reserve; Royal Marine Reserves; Army Reserve or Royal Air Force Reserve outside of their civilian career. The civilian career of a Reservist generally does not dictate the role they undertake within the Reserve Forces, apart from those involved in certain specialisations, such as the medical profession. The number of Reserves is always increasing, there are more than 32,000 Reservists in the UK.

What do Reservists do? Members of the Reserve Forces, enhance the Regular (full-time) Forces whenever an operational demand requires it. Reservists can specialise in specific areas and the training they receive can complement their civilian career and personal development. Are Reserve Forces essential? Reservists are important as they form around 17% of the nation’s total defence capacity which in turn makes them an essential part of our Country’s defence strategy; this percentage will increase over the next few years. They are called upon as individuals for their specific skills or as ready-formed units to serve alongside their Regular Forces when required.

“Reservists are important as they form around 17% of the nation's total defence capacity. ”

Want to be there for your country when it needs you and inject some of the Royal Navy’s excitement into your civilian life? Then the Royal Naval Reserve could be for you! The Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) is an integral part of Britain’s naval forces, comprising a corps of some 3,250 men and women who train in peacetime to enable the Royal Navy to meet its operational commitments in times of stretch, crisis, tension and war. HMS Sherwood is one of 14 RNR Units found across the UK. The unit is based in Nottingham and it provides a focus for RNR training and activity in the East Midlands. Find out more…

“The Royal Naval Reserve could be for you! ”

Looking for a challenge? Want to be part of an elite Reserve force? If this sounds like you, you couldn’t do better than completing the world’s toughest military training and earning the coveted Green Beret. As a Royal Marines Reservist you’ll be one of about 600 people who combine their civilian jobs with serving as a part-time, fully trained Commando. Once you have some experience you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in amphibious operations, mountain and arctic warfare and operate a large variety of weapon systems whilst learning new skills. Just like regular (full-time) Royal Marines Commandos, you’ll learn to deploy your skills in any location, environment and terrain. Find out more…

“If you are aged between 16 -32 years old, are physically fit and enjoy a challenge then joining the Royal Marines Reserve could be for you. ”

The Army Reserve provides support to the regular (full-time) Army at home and overseas. Over the next few years the role of the Army Reserve will be expanded and they will work even more closely with the rest of the Army. This means that there will be even more opportunities for those who want to enjoy the challenges that come with being a Reservist. The Army Reserve provides highly trained soldiers who can work alongside the regular full-time soldiers on missions in the UK and overseas. It also offers people who have specialist skills, like medics and engineers, a range of exciting opportunities to use them in new ways. Find out more…

“Over the next few years the role of the Army Reserve will be expanded and they will work even more closely with the rest of the Army. ”

RAF Reserves get the best of both worlds by balancing their own careers and home life, with the challenge and adventure of the RAF. The role of the RAF Reserves has become more important over recent years due to conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya. The Royal Air Force Reserves were created in 1924 to support and augment the Regular Forces in times of crisis and this role has not changed. They are a vital, integral element of the total manpower mix required by the RAF to meet its commitments. Find out more…

“RAF Reserves get the best of both worlds by balancing their own careers and home life, with the challenge and adventure of the RAF. ”

Reserve Forces: What's Going On?

Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Awards

December 5th 2024

Exceptional Reserves, Cadets and Volunteers honoured at 2024 Lord-Lieutenants’ Awards

Dozens of inspirational characters involved in Reserve and Cadet Forces have been recognised for exceptional commitment and achievements at Lord-Lieutenants’ Awards ceremonies.

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September 27th 2024

RAF Wittering chefs compete in tri-service military catering competition

A team of Regular and Reserve chefs from RAF Wittering, on the Cambridgeshire-Northamptonshire border, competed in Exercise Army Sustainer earlier this year, with all competitors landing awards for their catering skills.

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September 11th 2024

‘Sir, what’s it like in the Army?’ The adventures of being a history teacher and part-time Soldier

In the summer of 2023, while his pupils enjoyed a well-deserved break after a busy academic year, history teacher Connor McGarry fired weapons and crawled through the mud on a gruelling 2-week battle camp.

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July 17th 2024

RAF Reserves train in exercise that focuses on ‘agile combat employment’ skills

Exercise CENTURION FORT recently took place at RAF Wittering to prepare the Royal Auxiliary Air Force’s Reserves Logistics Support Wing (RLSW) for future operations.

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July 17th 2024

‘It’s important to say thank you’ – Derbyshire NHS Trusts join with the University of Derby for Reserves Day celebration

Staff from three major Derbyshire employers gathered at Kingsway Army Reserve Centre in June to say thank you to Reservists, Service Leavers, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) and military spouses for their service.

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