RAF

Nine In Ten Reservists Wear Their Uniform With Pride

91 per cent of reservists are proud to serve their country in their spare time and 82 per cent would recommend signing up to their friends and family, a new survey released today has revealed.

The first Tri-Service Reserves Continuous Attitude Survey also found that three quarters are satisfied with life in the reserves, with seven in 10 receiving the support they need from their employer.

The survey has been published for the first time, nearly a year after the government set out its new improved offer for reservists and employers.

Boosted by an investment of £1.8 billion for better training and equipment, these measures are helping to turn around the long-term decline of reserves and increase their size to 35,000 by 2018.

For the first time in 18 years, the size of the reserves is now increasing.

The key findings today revealed:

91 per cent of Reservists feel proud to be in the Reserves;
82 per cent would recommend joining the Reserves to others;
77 per cent feel well motivated;
73 per cent of Reservists are satisfied with life in the Reserve Forces;
69 per cent feel that their employer supports their service; and
65 per cent say their Reserve service has given them useful skills in their civilian jobs.

Defence Minister Anna Soubry said:

“It is extremely encouraging to see that the vast majority of Reservists are proud to serve in the Reserve Forces and feel that it has equipped them with vital skills for their everyday jobs.
“We know we can still do better which is why we are working closely with employers, local communities and Reservists and are investing £1.8 billion in their training and equipment.”