The most significant included the fact that the FCA and Slua Muir , in common with many other voluntary organisations, are experiencing an increasing difficulty in recruiting new members. The retention of trained personnel is increasingly problematic and uncertain. The Steering Group noted that the standard of training available is far too variable. Crucially, the Reserve has little or no presence in some major urban areas. Recruitment is not always targeted at the type of individuals who are the more likely to give long and useful service or to provide valuable, scarce and ready made skills.
Many reservists serve only for a short period.
This in turn inevitably leads to repetitive, basic, induction-type training for all members due to a pattern of 'revolving door' entry and exit. All of these issues will have to be addressed in an integrated package. We need to set out a clearer and well defined contingency role and function for the new Reserve, as a voluntary organisation, in training and preparing for the support of the PDF in a national emergency. The need for more and better quality training and improved equipment and resourcing has been recognised by the Steering Group and this will be addressed in a phased and ordered manner as overall resources permit. I might mention the question of possible access to overseas peace support missions for members of the Reserve.