Why we can all help the Armed Forces

SADLY, all wings of the Armed Forces that protect us year in and year out, are down on designated strengths. Despite carefully designed campaigns, new recruits are just not signing up, and whilst this may be good for the Exchequer, with no wages to pay, it is not good news for this country that depends on our forces to protect us if needed.

It takes a long time to properly train soldiers, sailors and air personnel in techniques able to combat the latest instruments of war that may be directed at us. To bolster service numbers in yesteryear, the United Kingdom introduced National Service, a two-year compulsory commitment for males, to be undertaken at the age of 18, or after completion of university degrees.

Nothing like that is envisaged these days, although I must say, it was a very useful experience, for lessons were learned that last for life, such as self-discipline and self-presentation.

However, there is an additional way to bolster numbers in our forces, namely by joining the Reserves. Now all sections are looking to recruit both men and women who are reasonably fit to train and gain experience alongside regular members. This fact was brought home to me recently at a Passing-Out parade at RAF Cosford, were recruits up to their middle fifties had passed the initial training syllabus to progress for more instruction.

The Armed Forces support reservists by helping them balance their civilian work with time spent on training and acquiring experience. Some employers take great pride having reservists on their pay-roll, and accept the inconvenience it may cause. Such businesses have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, the total now being in excess of 3,000, granting some paid leave to such staff.

So important are they to the defence of the realm that in the RAF, all meteorologists and trained media experts such as video editors are all Reservists.

Defence of our nation is essential, and by taking advantage of further training and experience, recruits will gain that extra self-confidence to stand them in good stead. Worth a thought! Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm AE Harris