Anyone who follows our Talkback letters page will know the age disparity in the outgoing policy was a persistent bone of contention for reserve personnel.
Under the new rules, any reservist serving until 60 must be at, or above, the medical retention standard.
They must voluntarily agree the offer of additional service and cannot be compelled to re-engage. Re-engagement will be offered only where the soldier’s commanding officer considers there to be a service need. The offer applies equally to those serving on an over-age extension, who may be offered additional service to this revised normal retirement age.
“It’s not an automatic extra five years for everyone,” said Brig Thammy Evans, Director of Army Reserve Personnel.
“Troops need to fit with the service’s requirements, just as the situation is now. “But overall this is great news for our soldiers – they’ve been asking for this for quite some time.
Maj Gen Mark Lancaster, Director Reserves, added: “It is not only good news for our reservists but for defence as a whole, helping us retain talent for the training and regeneration we need to increase our fighting power.
“We’re fitter and healthier than we were when the serve to 55 policy was introduced.
”We’ve invested in these soldiers and they often come with great skills in innovation areas like cyber, drone ops and production, artificial intelligence and smart logistic supply. Now we have parity.“
An army briefing note is due to be issued shortly
