What is mobilisation?
Mobilisation is the process of calling Reservists into full-time service to support military operations. With the exception of the Cadet Forces, all members of the Volunteer Reserve Forces are committed to the possibility of mobilisation if required, under the provisions of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 (see Legislation for mobilisation).
Is mobilisation compulsory?
Legally, all mobilisation is compulsory, however currently and in most cases the Armed Forces use a process known as intelligent selection to identify Reservists for call out. This is the process of identifying willing and available individuals for specific appointments. The process includes dialogue between the Reservist and their employer and the Reservist and their unit to determine whether they are available to be mobilised.
Occasionally, however, for example when there are very short operational deadlines, the MOD cannot meet its requirements using intelligent selection. Under these circumstances a Reservist may be mobilised without taking account of personal, welfare and employment issues.
In all cases of mobilisation, you have the right to seek exemption from, or deferral and revocation of, mobilisation if the Reservist's absence will cause serious harm to the business or a related business.
High Readiness Reserves
High Readiness Reservists (HRRs) have specific skills which the Armed Forces may need, but which are only required occasionally. They volunteer for High Readiness status and can be deployed at short notice. If an HRR has a regular job and works more than two days per week, they will require the written consent of their employer to hold HRR status. This consent takes the form of an agreement that is renewed annually. In the event of mobilisation, an HRR can be asked to serve for up to nine months.
Civil Contingency Reaction Forces
Members of the four Volunteer Reserve Forces may also volunteer to join one of the Civil Contingency Reaction Forces (CCRF) that exist to provide support for the civil authorities in the event of extreme national need, such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack. They receive special training and may be called up for service at very short notice.
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