One of my key goals as Minister for Defence, is the development of a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis, with the Permanent Defence Force, both on-island and overseas.
The Defence Amendment Act 2021 provided for the application of voluntary Supplementary Military Service, to allow RDF members to volunteer to undertake activities, in certain circumstances. The Act provides that Supplementary Military Service can be used where there is a particular deficiency in skills or expertise in the Permanent Defence Force, or otherwise where it is in the best interests of the Defence Forces to deploy an officer on supplemental military service, subject to certain provisions (max 100 days in 365 days). 22 SMS applications for the deployment of RDF members overseas were processed and approved in 2025.
My officials and the Defence Forces are working to implement Supplemental Military Service, on island, from 1 June 2026. This has not impacted on any RDF activity undertaken, or due to be undertaken, to date.
Applications for Supplemental Military Service will be welcomed this month for specified support activities for effective members of the RDF.
