Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2006/NPT - working towards improved Reserves capability

Stories by LCDR Antony Underwood

Planning is underway in Navy Personnel and Training Branch to assist the wide-reaching changes announced at the most recent Naval Reserve Symposium.

Director-General Naval Personnel and Training CDRE Nigel Coates said the changes, for the first time, mandate a specific output from the Reserves.

"While these changes are not monumental, they are nonetheless significant in that we will have to examine the way we currently do business and set in place the necessary processes to accommodate the desired outcomes," he said.

The changes for Reserves outlined by CDRE Coates include:

• Providing continuing professional training and the ability to maintain currency with new equipment;
• Movement and travel of Reserves to enable unrestricted movement to where they are needed;
• Recognition that Reserves need to be current if full capability benefits are to be achieved.

"The Reserve force has lacked the opportunity to undertake ongoing professional training and maintain currency despite the many new platforms and systems entering service," he said.

"The throughput of ex-PN officers into the Reserves and localised ad-hoc training arrangements has ensured that the professional standing of the Reserves has not been degraded.

"However, ongoing professional training will now be provided for a certain number of positions to ensure a high level of competency. Training is not only considered necessary but will be an important attraction and retention tool."

The intention to train Reservists raised a number of issues which needed further exploration.

"The cost of training has not been fully examined but will need to be funded to a level that has yet to be set," CDRE Coates said.

"Does the current system have the capacity to accommodate additional Reserve personnel? The training pipeline for some categories and PQs cannot cope with current PN numbers so how can it cope with additional numbers?

"These problems are not insurmountable but are complex and time-consuming to resolve. But that is a challenge for NPT and I am sure that we will rise to that challenge."

Another change, CDRE Coates added, was an improvement in Reserves travel.

"Travel funding will be made available to enable unrestricted movement of Reserves to where they are needed," he said.

"Needless to say, the judicious use of funds to maximise the benefit is paramount. It is not intended to fly a Reserve across Australia to undertake one week's work - there needs to be a level of return on investment."

CDRE Coates also addressed the issue of achieving and maintaining currency to reap the full benefits of the capability enhancement program.

"Currency is not something that can be taught but is accomplished through 'hands on' time at the 'coal face' in major and minor fleet units and other platforms," he said.

"Previously, this could not be achieved for a number of reasons however, for some positions this will now be set in place and thereby guarantee the opportunity to maintain currency. Again this will assist in retaining Reserve personnel."

But it was not a simple matter.

"Bunks at sea are at a premium for PN personnel at the best of times and putting more Reserve personnel at sea may 'break the camel's back'," he said.

"Similarly, are there enough flying hours for the pilots - I don't think there is any question that Reserve pilots in the flying seat should be 'in date'!"

Support of the commands and the force element groups (FEGs) was vital if the desired outcome was to be achieved.

"(It) relies on a cultural attitude shift more than anything else," CDRE Coates said. "The NR Capability Review outcome is not just a matter of creating a number of FRC positions and throwing some funding at it.

"There are a number of spin-offs that impact on current practices and it is clear that the full ramifications of any new process need to be carefully thought through.

"Further, the nature of the changes is reasonably complex, warranting deliberate planning to ensure a smooth implementation on July 1, 2006."