High Readiness Reserve (HRR)

Did you know that the Army supports Civil Authorities in times of crisis?

What do the Armed Forces do in support of the UK?

Recent years have seen the Armed Forces deployed in support of the Emergency Services and Civil Authorities, responding to:

• Terrorist Threats & Attacks
• Flooding
• Foot & Mouth Disease
• Industrial Action

In all of the above the Armed Forces have acted in support of the Emergency Services and Local Authorities when specifically asked to do so.

The Territorial Army is an important component within this response. As such we need to ensure that our TA soldiers are there to support quickly within our communities when we need them!

What is the role of 2 (National Communications) Signal Brigade within UK Operations?

The military response to an incident within the UK will depend on the nature of the emergency and the specific skills requested by the civil authorities. This response may vary greatly and bring together troops from a variety of units.

2 (National Communications) Signal Brigade provides the means for these troops to communicate with each other and with the Emergency Services/Civil Authorities.

Uniquely, 2 (National Communications) Signal Brigade is the only military unit dedicated to providing Information Communications Services (ICS) in support of UK operations and is 90% manned by the Territorial Army with National Communications Regiments supporting the Regional Brigades throughout the UK. This means we have local soldiers supporting the local community.

What is a High Readiness Reservist (HRR)?

A High Readiness Reservist is a TA soldier who has signed an additional agreement undertaking to be available within a given response time in support of UK operations.

HRR applicants will need to fulfil a series of eligibility criteria before being accepted onto an HRR agreement.

The HRR Agreement

• Agreement duration is between 1 and 12 months.
• If called out, you will have to report for duty within 12 to 24 hours.
• Mobilised Service under the agreement will be in the UK only.
• Maximum period of service is 1 month, but could be less depending on operational requirements.
• Agreements can only be signed with your employer's consent.
• An HRR Bounty is payable annually, pro-rated for the period of the HRR agreement.
• Soldiers on an HRR agreement are still liable for their underlying for call-out liability under RFA 96.

What Happens if I am Called Out?

• If called out, you will be contacted by your Regiment and will need to report for duty within the Notice to Move time specified in your agreement.
• If you go away for more than 3 days you will need to inform your PSAO of your updated contact details.
• If you are away, you will need to make arrangements to return as quickly as possible.
• Once you arrive at the TA Centre you will go through Rapid Compulsory Mobilisation.
• If accepted into Permanent Service you will then move to being on Regular terms and conditions of service and pay for your period of mobilised service.
• As a mobilised HRR, you will be subject to the employment protection provisions of RFA 96 and Employment Protection Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985.

What do I need to do to Apply?

You need to complete an application form and meet the necessary eligibility criteria. Following approval of your application you will be asked to sign an HRR agreement for UK operations.

Eligibility Criteria

• Qualified by Rank, CEG and Classification for vacancy.
• Current MATTs.
• Run-out date to be in excess of 12 months.
• Medically/dentally fit.
• Carers must confirm domestic obligations will not affect their HRR commitment.
• Must not be on FTRS or sponsored reserve.
• Civilian income should not exceed relevant COLI ceiling, though exceptions may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
• Must have employer consent.

To find out more about the application process, and for support available in seeking your employers consent, please speak to Capt Manktelow.

Useful Links

• SaBRE - Support for Britain's Reservists and Employers
• 2 (National Communications) Signal Brigade

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