Benefits to the employer

Training and serving in the Volunteer Reserve Forces enables people to develop skills and qualities that can be transferred directly to the workplace. Training that most employers could only dream about giving.

Teamwork, self-confidence, leadership qualities and experience of other cultures are skills and qualities that many Reservists develop - skills and qualities that are highly prized by employers.

Training in first aid and health and safety makes Reservists quick to respond when an accident happens at work. Weapons drill and parade drill develop precision, co-ordination and accuracy - useful skills for anyone using expensive machinery or technology in their civilian career.

Learning the skills that the military uses in the field develops resourcefulness, perseverance and the ability to improvise in unfamiliar or difficult circumstances.

Attributes such as organisational loyalty, reliability, integrity and confidence are less easy to measure but, thanks to their training and practical experience, Reservists have them in abundance.

All Reservists are given the chance to train in adventurous activities such as climbing, skiing, sailing, trekking, abseiling and white-water rafting. The Armed Forces place a high value on such activities because they are character-building and help develop fitness, self-confidence, determination and perseverance.

They also teach individuals how to lead or work within a team, solve problems, communicate, present ideas and organise a complex event or process.

About Mobilisation

Mobilisation is the process of calling Reservists into full-time service to support military operations. 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.

For more detaied informaton on how this affects you as an employee follow the link to SaBRE's (Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers) website in the right hand pane.