The deployment of ADF reservists: working towards best practice
Historically, the Australian Defence Force has utilised military reservists for overseas deployments on an individual basis for the delivery of specialist services such as medical and nursing to augment the regular force. This situation has changed considerably over the past few years with the deployment of larger numbers of reservists in a wider range of roles on military operations both within Australia and overseas. This is also the case for other allied nations. At present for example, fifteen percent of the Canadian force in Afghanistan is comprised of reservists. This situation
is unlikely to change.
The enactment of legislation to protect reservist’s jobs, the funding to employers such as employee support payments for their deployed employees, and increasing opportunities for service generally, have contributed to this situation.
In this context, the development of best practice is critical for the effective management of reservists. This is a significant retention issue for the ADF and opportunities to deploy stimulate interest in joining the ADF. The desire to utilise reservists for subsequent deployments rather than a ‘one off’ deployment requires active engagement of reserve units, employers, and a reservist’s family and their community.
Reservists often reside in areas not co-located with Defence establishments, have civilian careers and local social networks, and have competing demands from their family members who may not be a ‘military family’, in the sense that they may have a very limited understanding of military service including the support services available.
The approach to best practice in this important area has been constrained by a limited amount of research on the reservist’s experience pre and post deployment. Recent research indicates that reservists may have more difficulties with readjustment on return from deployments (Homecoming) than their regular counterparts (Hotopf, Wessely et al 2006, and Browne, Hotopf, Wessely et al 2007).
This presentation will draw upon a two year longitudinal study of reserve personnel who deployed as A Company 5/7RAR on active service in East Timor from October 2002 to May 2003. Personnel were followed up for over two years post deployment covering retention, adjustment and also their reintegration to their reserve units and also their communities. A direct comparison with a regular company which completed the same deployment will also be presented.
Additionally, current research on reservists deployed in the Solomon Islands will be included.
Finally, the direct application of key approaches identified to achieve best practice will be discussed. These will cover pre-deployment, deployment, post deployment and reintegration stages. It will also include improved approaches to engage employer, family and community stakeholders.
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