Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of Army reservists.

The Army is working to grow and modernise the Army Reserve by improving recruitment, retention and readiness. Locally focused recruiting and targeted digital engagement have shown improvements in application conversion rates, while tailored campaigns and professional networks are being used to attract core Reserve personnel and specialist civilian skills.

The Armed Forces Recruiting Service offers an opportunity to better reflect Reserve candidates’ differing motivations and circumstances. Future Reserve structures and a new Reserve Operating Model will provide clearer roles, missions and opportunities to contribute to national defence, with units retaining a central role in local recruitment and retention.