I am a reservist about to deploy on an overseas adventurous training trip, I’ve been told the medical plan and admin instruction say I must have a dental check-up prior to departure.
The policy detailed in 2023DIN01-124 DMS Dental Care for Deploying and High Readiness Reserve personnel says I am not entitled to military dental service, though.
Can I claim back part or all off the costs of a civilian examination via JPA?
And, in the case of not being able to access my hugely oversubscribed local dental practice, would I be permitted to use the military system in order to comply with the exercise order and ensure any medical risk of this type is mitigated for the deployment? – Name and address supplied
Lt Col Christoph Harper, SO1 Dental Regulation and Training, Army Health, Directorate of Personnel, Army Headquarters, replies: You are correct to reference that DIN, noting an updated version is now available. Reservists currently do not enjoy access to Defence Primary Healthcare (Dental) provision and for this reason are unable to claim any costs or access this service for a dental assessment prior to attending adventurous training overseas. Dental care is currently being considered as part of an improved offer to reservists, though the prevailing situation is unlikely to change in the short term, I’m afraid.
There is an injustice when it comes to reservists looking to transfer into the regulars.
I have eight-and-a-half years of service towards my Volunteer Reserves Service Medal (VRSM).
If I make the transition, I cannot count any of the VRSM qualifying period towards the Long Service and Good Conduct medal, nor can I count any regular service towards the one-and-a-half years remaining for my VRSM.
However, regulars who transfer to the reserve may use up to five years’ contribution from their service to qualify for the VRSM, potentially earning it in just five years as opposed to ten. How can this particular policy only work one way?
I’ve been through my chain of command and the medal office and I’ve essentially been told: “That’s the policy. It doesn’t seem fair but crack on”. Is this another example of the “one army” mantra again not working in practice? – Name and address supplied
Lt Col Christopher Prior, SO1 Exploit, Personnel Directorate, Army Headquarters, replies: The VRSM is awarded to reservists of all ranks in recognition of ten continuous years’ efficient service.Personnel serving on full-time Reserve service (FTRS) assignments and non-regular permanent staff are also eligible for consideration. Clasps are available for additional periods of service. As you say, under current regulations, it is not possible for you to count the time spent towards qualifying for a VRSM against qualification for the LSGC medal. This specific matter, and wider issues regarding VRSM policy have been highlighted for review and plans are underway to resource a holistic study into the current policy. While I cannot promise changes will be made to the criteria, this issue will be seriously considered.
