BR 3(2)
CHAPTER 18
FULL TIME RESERVE SERVICE
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 - SCOPE
Para
1801.
1802.
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
General
Policy and Accountability
Regular Positions
FTRS Only Positions
Offers and Issue of FTRS Commitments
Eligibility of Personnel
Registering Interest
Effect on Reserve Status
SECTION 2 - EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURES
1809.
1810.
1811.
Advertising Positions
Offer of Employment
The Commitment
SECTION 3 - TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1837.
General
Terms of the Commitment
Types of Commitment
Age limits
Changes to a Commitment
Completion of Commitments
Extension of FTRS Commitments
Early Termination
Grievance Procedures
Medical Fitness
Long Term Medical and Dental Care
Sickness or Other Absence
Medical Downgrading
Medical Discharge from the Service
Attributable Benefits
Compulsory Drug Testing
Common Maritime Skills (CMS) and RN Fitness Test (RNFT).
Maternity/Adoption Benefits
Transfer/Re-entry into the Regular Forces
Call-Out whilst on FTRS
Safeguard of Employment
Service, Advancement, Promotion
Honours and Awards
Annual Reports
Security Clearance
Discipline
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April 2016
BR 3(2)
SECTION 3 - TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE (CONTINUED)
Para
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
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April 2016
Pre-Employment Training
Amortization of Training Costs
Pay
Allowances and Charges
Pension
Leave
Uniform
Resettlement
Electoral Registration
Jury Service
Welfare Support
Electoral Candidature
BR 3(2)
CHAPTER 18
FULL TIME RESERVE SERVICE
SECTION 1 - SCOPE
1801.
General
Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) is a period of full time service undertaken by a
member of the Reserve Force, for a specific period of time, normally three months to three
years. This is formalised by means of a FTRS commitment. Throughout the period of the
FTRS commitment, a Reservist has a continuous liability for duty. FTRS is not intended to be,
nor is it managed as, a full career. Personnel remain members of the Reserve Force
throughout their FTRS service and are managed in and out of commitments to meet the
manning requirement.
1802.
Policy and Accountability
The policy for the requirement of FTRS to fill both Regular positions and the creation
of FTRS fill only (FTRS-only) positions, including coherence with Manpower Delegation, is
determined by the PPLAN FTRS Branch Manager on behalf of CNPS. FTRS strength and
liability is monitored and reported monthly by PPLAN (DATAN). SO1 Reserves CM (Registrar
of Reserves) is responsible for both the Career Management of Reserve Force personnel
employed on FTRS and the issuing and managing of commitments.
1803.
Regular Positions
a. FTRS may be used, subject to approval, to fill Regular liability-driving positions.
Requests to fill Regular non-liability driving positions are to be staffed via the same
process as FTRS-only positions. When FTRS is used to fill Regular Positions the
Regular Career Manager for that position should complete an FTRS Request form that
informs NPT(Res) of the JPA Position Number, the employer’s details and the
proposed start date. NPT(Res) will engage with the Line Manager who will provide the
TOR and complete an FTRS Commitment Level Justification Form. This will be
forwarded by NPT(Res) to the Regular Branch Manager, requesting an FTRS fill. NPT
(Res) will then seek Registrar of Reserves and the PPLAN FTRS Branch Manager
approval prior to initiating the recruitment process.
b. Subject to there being a suitable candidate, the whole process for filling a regular
liability post with an FTRS incumbent should take no longer than six weeks. This
period commences from the Career Manager raising the FTRS request and ends with
the recruitment period initiated. NPT(Res) are to inform DACOS CM of any request
that is delayed or where a breach of the six week timeline is likely.
1804.
FTRS Only Positions
a. FTRS-only positions constitute any position to be filled by FTRS that is not a
Regular liability-driving position. As well as standard TLB-funded FTRS-only
positions, FTRS-only positions include all non-Regular Careers Service positions,
FTRS positions funded from the Treasury Reserve (i.e. under RfR2 funding
arrangements) and any third party funded FTRS position. National Plot positions
should not, under normal circumstances, be filled by personnel on FTRS.
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b. Authority for the creation, extension and/or enrichment/de-enrichment of FTRSonly positions rests with the PPLAN FTRS Branch Manager who should ensure that:
(1) Advice on the feasibility of recruiting into the post has been obtained from
the Register of Reserves.
(2) An audit trail of the financial authority from the appropriate TLB has been
received.
c.
Regular personnel are not to fill FTRS only positions.
d. The Registrar of Reserves will career manage these FTRS-only positions and
recruit and, subject to approval from the PPLAN FTRS Branch Manager, apply
extensions of service to these positions as required in accordance with these
regulations.
1805.
Offers and Issue of FTRS Commitments
The following points apply to the offer and issue of commitments for all FTRS
positions:
a. Only Authorised Officers in NPT(Res) have the authority to offer FTRS
Appointments/Drafts (including extensions or further periods of FTRS), on either a
provisional or confirmed basis.
b. It is essential that all communications (whether verbal or written) with Reserve
personnel about FTRS appointments/drafts (including extensions or further periods of
FTRS) prior to the completed commitment form being signed by both parties carry a
warning that they do not constitute official offers of an FTRS Commitment.
c. An application may be withdrawn without penalty by the Reservist at any time
before he/she signs the commitment.
d. Officers, ratings and other ranks whose Reserve Force commissions/
engagements or enlistments are due to end before the completion of the proposed
FTRS will not be entitled to be discharged from their Reserve Force before the end of
their period of FTRS. Reservists undertaking FTRS are to extend their service, reengage or re-enlist in their Reserve Force to ensure that they are members of it for the
full period of their FTRS Commitment.
1806.
Eligibility of Personnel
Application to volunteer to undertake Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) may be made
by any officer, rating or other rank in the Royal Fleet Reserve (RFR), Royal Naval Reserve
(RNR) or Royal Marine Reserve (RMR) within the age range, rank and category authorised by
the NPT(Res) providing that the applicant:
a. can satisfy the NPT(Res) that he or she is prepared to undertake a set period of
service as stipulated in a written contract.
b. holds the minimum required rank/rate (or is prepared to serve at a lower rank/
rate).
c. has completed the necessary professional training to undertake the specified
duties.
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April 2016
BR 3(2)
d. at the time of application is medically fit for Service. (Personnel are required to
be Medically Fit for Deployment (MFD); however, those in a reduced category may
exceptionally be considered by NSMBOS SE SO1 in consultation with NPT(Res)).
e.
for RNR/RMR is recommended by his or her Commanding Officer.
f. is not a Transitional Member of the Reserve Forces. Personnel who are classed
as ‘Transitional Members’ under RFA 96 (i.e. still subject to RFA 80) are not eligible to
undertake FTRS until they have elected irrevocably to cease to be a Transitional
Member provided for under RFA 96. Additionally, second class transitional members
make an election under RFA 96 (as amended by DRA 14) will not be eligible. If they
subsequently proceed with a commitment, it will be necessary for them to complete
and sign the appropriate form, which will be sent to them.
1807.
Registering Interest
The sole method of registering interest in FTRS is to submit an Application/Preference
Form to NPT(Res).
a. Once received all applications will be acknowledged. If deemed necessary, a
Reservist may be interviewed to assess suitability. Successful applicants will be
added to the FTRS Database and will be considered ‘live’ until either a commitment is
commenced or an applicant declares they are no longer interested in the scheme.
Personnel should be aware that applications do not always result in an offer of a
commitment. They should not jeopardise any current employment until a firm offer has
been made.
b. Only NPT(Res) can make an offer of FTRS employment; individuals should be
aware that any verbal or written reference to possible employment on FTRS terms,
prior to the contract being signed by both parties, does not constitute an official offer
of FTRS employment.
c. For personnel already in the regular service and wishing to register for the
scheme when they leave, selection criteria will be applied. Specifically the applicant
must be:
(1) In date for BFT (RM) beyond their TX date in the Regular Service, or be in
possession of a BFT medical and/or age waiver before leaving Regular Service.
(2)
Medically fit for Service beyond termination.
(3)
Security Cleared beyond their TX date.
(4)
Recommended for further service in their final OJAR/SJAR.
(5) Receive a positive recommendation for further Service by their Career
Manager.
(6)
Have their application approved by DACOS CM.
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April 2016
BR 3(2)
d. Regular personnel who elect to submit notice to be considered for Service on
FTRS must complete an Application/Preference Form. Regular personnel who are
electing to submit notice to transfer to FTRS must have their application approved by
DACOS CM. These individuals will have to complete the standard notice period
before transferring to FTRS employment; any deviation from this policy must be
approved by DACOS(BM).
1808.
Effect on Reserve Status
a. RFR Reservists undertaking FTRS will retain their reserve status. Officers will not
be discharged from the Emergency or Retired Lists; nor will ratings or Other Ranks be
discharged from the RFR.
b. RNR/RMR Reservists undertaking FTRS will retain their volunteer Reserve
status; they will not be discharged from the RNR/RMR. They will be permitted to
undertake Reserve training during off-duty hours and leave periods, this will attract no
further pay, nor will it count for bounty qualification purposes, but it will count towards
the individual’s Certificate of Efficiency.
c. Reservists undertaking FTRS will not be eligible to become High Readiness
Reservists.
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April 2016
BR 3(2)
SECTION 2 - EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURES
1809.
Advertising Positions
a. There is no specific requirement to advertise every opportunity that arises for
FTRS. In cases where there is insufficient time to advertise, NPT(Res), in consultation
with the Regular CM, will identify a suitable fill. CM will be governed by the normal
career management principles articulated in Chapter 2. This provision does not
remove the requirements for minimum advertising timescales for the exceptional
award of Full Commitment detailed in Para 1813.
b. In cases where there is sufficient time to trawl for specific skills and competence,
and where a wider trawl of potential candidates might be beneficial, opportunities will
be advertised and subject to a recruitment process. Successful applicants will be called
forward for interview and individuals will be informed of the outcome within two weeks of
the date of interview.
c. The process from initiation of advertisement to an individual commencing an
FTRS commitment should ideally be no longer than 6 weeks. A record is to be kept
of all occasions where a FTRS contract does not generate a fill within this timeframe
and is to be reported to DACOS CM quarterly.
1810.
Offer of Employment
a. When an applicant has been successful at interview or selected from the FTRS
Database and the staff checks have been completed, an offer of employment will be
forwarded for consideration, signature and return. It is possible that the offer of
employment may differ from that applied for; for instance the tenure offered may be
shorter or longer.
b.
1811.
No Reservist has any right to undertake a period of FTRS.
The Commitment
a. Personnel who are offered FTRS commitments should read the associated
document carefully. If satisfied they should sign acknowledging their acceptance of
the terms of the commitment and return the signed paperwork to the FTRS Section.
Commitments that are dispatched and not returned and signed within 14 calendar
days of the date on that commitment may be revoked.
b. The Registrar of Reserves will countersign the commitment documentation within
14 calendar days to bring the individual into Service and a copy will be returned to the
individual as the authority to commence service on the date specified. However,
personnel should not anticipate commencing FTRS until their commitment has been
agreed and signed by both parties.
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April 2016
BR 3(2)
SECTION 3 - TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
1812.
General
FTRS personnel are posted to a specific assignment within a unit. They should
normally be employed in the assignment stated and may not be moved to alternative
employment without their agreement and the authority of the PPLAN FTRS Branch Manager
and NPT(Res). Personnel serving on FTRS (FC) are liable to serve with their units, in the
appointments specified in their assignment order, in any part of the world. Personnel serving
on FTRS (FC) may be nominated by that unit as an Augmentee for short notice deployment,
exercise or operational tour, in the same way as a Regular officer or rating/other rank. Full
details of the terms and conditions of service for personnel can be found in this section (in
conjunction with the References).
1813.
Terms of the Commitment
The Commitment will:
a. define the start date and length of FTRS that is to be undertaken (other than in
exceptional circumstances, this will be a minimum of 3 months and will not normally
exceed 3 years).
b. specify, in broad terms, the duties the Reservist will be expected to undertake,
and his or her Parent Unit.
c. specify that the Reservist will be expected to serve worldwide. This may require
service in operational areas or war zones, should the duties being undertaken so
require. (This applies to FTRS (FC) only).
d. contain details of any specialised training that the Reservist has to undergo either
before taking up duties or during his/her FTRS.
e. refer the Reservist to these regulations for his/her Terms and Conditions of
Service.
1814.
Types of Commitment
The types of Commitment under which a member of the Reserve Forces may
undertake a period of FTRS are delineated by the duties and Detached Duty/deployment
requirements for the post. In this context, Detached Duty is defined as overnight absence
away from normal place of permanent duty where the requirement for overnight absence is for
Service reasons:
a. Full Commitment. Fulfilling the same range of duties and Detached Duty/
deployment liability as a Regular Service person. The deployment liability will be
assessed in the context of the duration of the FTRS commitment. Applications staffed
by both the Register of Reserves and the PPLAN FTRS Branch Manager for the
exceptional award of Full Commitment for a maximum of 24 months may be approved
by CNPS where it has not been possible to fill a Regular or FTRS-only Limited or
Home Commitment post either:
(1) Having advertised the post continuously for a minimum of three months,
providing that:
(a) No suitable candidates are willing to take up the post at the advertised
level of commitment.
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BR 3(2)
(b) The normal place of residence of the individual who will hold the post is
outside normal daily commuting distance of the post’s location.
(c) That an SLA waiver is not forthcoming where SLA exists near the place
of duty or a SSSA waiver is not forthcoming where no SLA exists.
(2) Having advertised the post continuously for a minimum of six months and
where no suitable candidate has applied for the post and, were the post not to be
filled, a measurable impact to Defence Final Outputs or Department of State
functions would result because the individual post has not been filled.
b. Limited Commitment. Fulfilling a full range of duties in one assigned location,
but with a limited liability for compulsory Detached Duty in the UK or overseas for up
to 35 days in any one year with no single period of Detached Duty lasting in excess of
21 days.
c. Home Commitment. Fulfilling a limited range of duties in a restricted location;
compulsory Detached Duties are to be confined only to training periods and other
limited duties specified in the individual's FTRS Commitment.
1815.
Age limits
Applicants for FTRS should normally be under the age of 60. The maximum normal
retirement age limits for FTRS are given below; there is no guarantee of employment to these
age limits. Any employment past these age limits will be by exception only and require the
approval of DACOS CM:
a.
All FTRS FC personnel
-
60
b.
FTRS HC/LC personnel
-
60
c.
FTRS LC NCS personnel
-
55
1816.
Changes to a Commitment
An FTRS Commitment may be varied at any time with the consent of the individual
concerned. Should the Reservist not consent to the variation of the FTRS Commitment, the
terms and conditions of the signed FTRS commitment remain unaffected. Variations are to be
mutually agreed between the Reservist and NPT(Res) and signed by both parties.
1817.
Completion of Commitments
a. Where FTRS personnel do not wish to apply to renew on completion of their
commitment they should inform NPT(Res) no less than three months prior to the last
day of service. All post operational leave (POL), accrued annual leave and terminal
leave5 must be taken before the last day of the commitment. Individuals who believe
that their employing unit is not taking adequate steps to ensure that they receive their
entitled leave prior to their last paid day of FTRS are to bring this to the attention of
their local Chain of Command6. FTRS terminal leave is accrued at the rate of one day
per month to a maximum of 12 days.
5.
6.
Terminal leave may only be taken once, and at the end of continuous commitments.
NPT(Res) will assign individuals into an appropriate MA5 position for their Terminal Leave
18-9
April 2016
BR 3(2)
b. Where personnel are transferring from FTRS to an Additional Duties Commitment
(ADC) they are entitled to their accrued FTRS terminal leave before commencing
ADC.
c. Once an individual has completed their FTRS commitment they may, at their own
request, remain on the NPT(Res) register of interest for further FTRS opportunities.
1818.
Extension of FTRS Commitments
a. Applications to extend FTRS commitments in Regular Positions must be
submitted to NPT (Res) six months before the commitment expires, and 12 months for
FTRS-Only Positions. NPT(Res) will contact the CM to seek clarification as to whether
the position is to be filled with FTRS for another rotation. On occasions where the
FTRS fill is to endure, NPT(Res) is to contact the Line Manager to determine whether
the preference is for the current FTRS incumbent to be extended or for the position to
be advertised for an alternative FTRS fill. The current incumbent will only be extended
if the SJAR/OJAR has a recommendation from the 2RO for further Naval Service. All
extensions are to be authorised by the PPLAN FTRS Branch Manager.
b. Where positions are end dated it is the Line Managers’ responsibility to ensure
that the position end date is extended to cover the length of the request.
c. Where personnel are backfilling Regular Strength positions a commitment end
date will trigger the respective career manager to nominate a Regular fill when the
commitment ends. If a regular fill is not available the commitment will either be
extended or terminated, depending on the direction received from the Regular Career
Manager. Extensions are to be authorised by the PPLAN FTRS Branch Manager and
NPT(Res).
d. Line Managers will be made aware, no less than 3 months prior to the last day of
service, of all unsuccessful applications.
e. Those that fill FTRS commitments can only expect to be employed for the FTRS
commitment currently held.
Opportunities to extend will be subject to a
recommendation from the incumbent’s 2RO for further Naval Service and will be
dependent on the Service Requirement. Individuals who are not being extended in
their FTRS positions can expect to be informed 4 months before commitment expiry
in Regular Positions and 8 months in FTRS-only positions.
1819.
Early Termination
NPT(Res) may at any time revoke, in writing, an FTRS commitment before the
beginning of the specified period of full-time service, whether at the request of the individual or
not.
a. FC FTRS personnel who wish to terminate their service before the expiry of the
term of their FTRS commitment will be required to give a minimum of six months’
notice unless the reasons are sufficient to warrant compassionate discharge in
accordance with regulations for Regular Service personnel. Personnel who are
serving on a commitment of less than six months, or who have less than six months
of their commitment still to serve, will not be able to terminate their service early except
on compassionate grounds.
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April 2016
BR 3(2)
b. LC and HC FTRS personnel who wish to terminate their service before the expiry
of their commitment term will be allowed to do so, but four weeks’ notice is required.
c. The RN or RM may terminate an FTRS commitment once it has commenced,
with the consent of the Reservist, or for other good cause such as disciplinary or
inefficiency grounds. Application may be made to SO1 RES CM who may authorise
the termination. For the Maritime Reserves, appeal against the termination decision
may be made to CMR within 28 days. For Royal Fleet Reserves, appeal against the
termination decision is to be made to CNPers within 28 days. The Notice period to be
given to a Reservist who has been continuously employed and whose service has
been terminated prematurely by agreement is six months for FC Reservists, and four
weeks for LC and HC Reservists. For termination for other reasons such as discipline
or inefficiency, the notice period is four weeks.
1820.
Grievance Procedures
The usual grievances procedures will apply if appropriate (BR 2 (QRRN) Chapter 42).
Individuals should also be aware of their rights to submit a Service Complaint in accordance
with JSP 831 and BR 3(1) Chapter 23.
1821.
Medical Fitness
To ensure that a Reservist is medically fit within two weeks of commencement, and
immediately on completion, of a FTRS Contract commencing, it is essential that the Medical
Certificates supplied with the FTRS Contract are completed. This is, on both occasions, to be
by a Medical Officer at a Service Medical Centre. The following regulations apply:
a. It is the responsibility of the Employing Unit to ensure that this procedure is carried
out and that a copy of the completed Medical Certificate is sent to NPT (Res).
b.
A fresh Medical Certificate is required for every new period of FTRS commitment.
c. Where a Reservist fails to meet the minimum medical standards to attain MFD
status, the examining Medical Officer is to be provided with details of the duties
relating to the FTRS Contract, in order to assess the individual’s fitness for
employment. Should the Reservist be considered medically fit to undertake the FTRS
Contract, but in a temporarily reduced medical category, the Medical Officer should
annotate this fact on the medical certificate together with an estimated duration of
medical downgrading. Where it is considered that the cause of the medical
downgrading is likely to be of a permanent nature, the case is to be referred to INM
NSMBOS SE SO1 who will determine if the individual may be employed on FTRS and
any requirements for referral to the Medical Board of Survey.
1822.
Long Term Medical and Dental Care
a. FC FTRS personnel are entitled to receive the full range of medical and dental
care afforded to Regular personnel.
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April 2016
BR 3(2)
b. LC and HC FTRS personnel should remain registered with their local civilian
medical and dental practitioners. They will, however, be entitled to receive emergency
medical and dental treatment from Service sources. When they are required to
undergo medical treatment by virtue of their Service duties (e.g. inoculations prior to
proceeding overseas), they are entitled to such treatment from Service sources or
receive reimbursement from Service funds for treatment received from their Medical
Practitioner. Personnel discharged Permanently Unfit for Naval Service (and the
equivalent Army and RAF discharge routes) are not to be employed on FTRS
commitments.
1823.
Sickness or Other Absence
a. If a Reservist is absent from work through injury, sickness or for any other reason,
he or she is to inform his or her CO on the first day of absence, wherever possible, of
the cause and likely duration of his or her absence. Any unauthorised absence for a
period of seven consecutive calendar days is to be explained in writing.
b. If a Reservist is absent for more than seven consecutive calendar days because
of sickness or injury, he or she is to provide his or her CO with a doctor’s medical
certificate. An individual may be required to be examined by a Service Medical Officer.
Provided that this procedure is observed, a Reservist will be entitled to sick absence
with pay, in respect of the days on which he or she would normally have worked, for
the duration of the FTRS Contract. If the required procedure is not followed, or if
abuse of the sick absence with pay arrangement is suspected, the MOD may withhold
the Reservist’s pay for the relevant period and may initiate disciplinary action.
1824.
Medical Downgrading
Any Reservist who is medically downgraded whilst on FTRS will be subject to the
same regulations as Regular personnel, save that those serving on FTRS HC or LC will have
no entitlement to appear before the Naval Service Medical Board of Survey and/or to discharge
on medical employability grounds.
1825.
Medical Discharge from the Service
If a Reservist serving on FTRS becomes permanently medically unfit for service, he/
she will be subject to the same medical discharge procedures as apply to Regular personnel.
A Reservist who, in the opinion of a Medical Officer, is likely to recover from their injury or
illness so that they may resume Reserve Service is to continue to be borne on their FTRS pay
and allowances up to the day on which they would normally have completed their FTRS
Commitment.
1826.
Attributable Benefits
Any Reservist serving on FTRS will be eligible for the appropriate ‘attributable’ benefits
if he or she suffers death or injury which is attributable to, or aggravated by, their service.
1827.
Compulsory Drug Testing
Reservists undertaking periods of FTRS are subject to compulsory drug testing.
1828.
Common Maritime Skills (CMS) and RN Fitness Test (RNFT).
Reserve personnel serving on FTRS are, if required, to maintain currency in CMS and
undertake appropriate training for their RN Fitness Test unless exempt.
18-12
April 2016
BR 3(2)
1829.
Maternity/Adoption Benefits
Entitlement to maternity/paternity/adoption benefits for a Reservist serving on FTRS
will be in accordance with current Service regulations.
1830.
Transfer/Re-entry into the Regular Forces
A Reservist undertaking FTRS may apply to transfer to the Regular Forces. Although
subject to the mandatory notice period prescribed above, exceptional consideration may be
given to premature termination of the FTRS Commitment where a relief can be assigned, or if
it is acceptable for the FTRS billet to be gapped.
1831.
Call-Out whilst on FTRS
a. In the event of an operation involving Call-Out of Reserve Forces, it will normally
only be necessary for FTRS(FC) personnel to be called out if the period of their
participation in the operation is likely to exceed the remaining period of their FTRS
Commitment. Reservists serving on FTRS(LC) or (HC) who are required to take part
in an operation involving mobilised Reservists should normally be called out. Call-Out
of FTRS Reservists must be considered very carefully, with the financial and other
implications being carefully evaluated. See Chapter 14 for more detail on Call-Out.
b. A Reservist undertaking FTRS will remain subject to the Call-Out powers under
RFA 96 which result from his or her service as a Volunteer or Ex-Regular Reservist.
c. A Reservist whose period of FTRS has not expired when he or she is released
from permanent service after Call-Out is to continue in FTRS under his or her original
agreement to the set termination dates.
1832.
Safeguard of Employment
Individuals serving on FTRS Commitments and who are called out before the end of
their Commitment (or within four weeks of the end of it if they have not commenced work under
another employer) are to be treated as if the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act
1985 applied with the RN or RM considered as their former employer.
1833.
Service, Advancement, Promotion
a. An RFR Reservist undertaking FTRS will be selected in accordance with the
operational requirement. They will usually serve in the same rank/rate that they held
on completion of their Regular Service. Local or Acting advancement/promotion to a
higher rank/rate may be allowed if, in exceptional circumstances, there is an
operational requirement to promote a Reservist who is undertaking FTRS.
b. Time spent in an Acting Higher Rank during FTRS is reckonable towards
Honorary Rank on the Retired List.
c. Notwithstanding the general FTRS age restrictions, Reservists, at the discretion
of the NPT(Res) (and NPT(RM), if appropriate), will be able to undertake periods of
FTRS even if they are over the maximum age specified for the rank/rate for the Branch
in which they are to serve.
18-13
April 2016
BR 3(2)
d. RNR/RMR Reservists undertaking FTRS will also be selected in accordance with
the operational requirement. They will usually serve in the same rank/rate that they
hold in the RNR/RMR. Acting promotion to a higher rank/rate may be allowed if, in
exceptional circumstances, there is an operational requirement to promote a Reservist
who is undertaking FTRS.
e. A period of FTRS will count towards advancement/promotion in the RNR/RMR;
any qualifications gained during FTRS will, if appropriate, also be considered.
f. If Promoted/Advanced in the RNR/RMR whilst serving on FTRS, the promotion/
advancement may either:
(1) be authorised immediately by the Employing Unit subject to operational
considerations and budgetary approval, or
(2)
be put into abeyance until completion of the FTRS Commitment, or
(3) be made as a Local Advancement, which entitles the recipient to wear the
uniform of a higher rate but continue to be paid in the lower one until completion
of the FTRS Commitment.
g. A member of the RNR/RMR who transfers back to the RFR may return on FTRS
in the rank/rate gained whilst serving in the RNR/RMR if it is higher than that originally
held in the RFR.
1834.
Honours and Awards
Service on FTRS counts as reckonable service for the Volunteer Reserves Service
Medal. FTRS Service by RNR/RMR personnel also counts towards RN/RM Good Conduct
Badges (GCB). Applications for the VRSM should be forwarded to the Reservist’s Unit for the
RNR/RMR and NPT(Res) for the RFR. GCBs for RNR/RMR are to be administered within the
Employing Unit, following the same procedure as for Regular Service personnel.
1835.
Annual Reports
a. RFR Reservists undertaking FTRS will be subject to the same reporting
procedures and timings as Regular personnel. They should be reported on with
regard to their potential for further Service with recommendations for promotion, even
though RFR Reservists are not eligible for promotion.
b. RNR/RMR Reservists undertaking FTRS should have insert slips forwarded
annually to their RNR/RMR unit so that they can raise promotion reports for individuals
using the same procedures as Regular personnel.
1836.
Security Clearance
All Reservists undertaking FTRS will hold, as a minimum, a Security Check clearance.
Units may take personnel on risk awaiting clearance. However, where a unit will not take an
individual on risk or a Criminal Record Check is required, that person is not to commence their
commitment until all clearances have been received. Commitment start date and end date
may be adjusted accordingly.
18-14
April 2016
BR 3(2)
1837.
Discipline
Reservists undertaking FTRS are at all times subject to Service Law and the
provisions of the Armed Forces Act 2006 for the period specified in the FTRS Commitment or
until released from FTRS, whichever is the sooner.
1838.
Pre-Employment Training
Specific pre-employment training will be provided for FTRS Reservists who require
additional essential specialist skills in order to perform their duties safely and effectively.
Known training requirements will be reflected in the FTRS Commitment.
1839.
Amortization of Training Costs
A Reservist who fails to complete a FTRS commitment may be required to amortize
the costs of the training referred to in Para 1838. Such costs may be recovered by deduction
from any pay or allowances due to the Reservist. In the event that any outstanding pay or
allowances were insufficient to cover repayment of such training costs, the Reservist may be
required to refund the difference to the MOD.
1840.
Pay
FTRS Reservists will be paid in accordance with current Service regulations. Rates
of pay are as published in the Reserves' annual Armed Forces Pay Review Body Directed
Letter, a copy of which is distributed by the originator to all COs and major organisations within
the Service.
1841.
Allowances and Charges
Allowances and charges for FTRS are in accordance with current Service regulations.
1842.
Pension
Full details of attributable pension and the effects of FTRS on Ex-Regular Preserved
Pensions, Resettlement Grants, Special Capital Payments or Compensation Lump Sums are
available from the Defence Business Services (DBS) Organisation.
1843.
Leave
Allocation of leave for FTRS is in accordance with current Service regulations.
1844.
Uniform
Reservists will normally wear the uniform of, for RNR/RMR, the rank/rate they hold, or
for RFR the rank/rate they held in regular Service. However if they accept FTRS service in a
lower rank/rate, the employing unit may make a local arrangement which entitles the recipient
to wear the uniform of the higher rank/rate but continue to be paid in the lower one until
completion of the FTRS Commitment. Any additional items of uniform clothing will be issued
as follows:
a. RFR Reservist Officers undertaking FTRS will have their uniform made up to a
minimum scale commensurate with the duties being undertaken.
b. RFR Reservist Ratings and Other Ranks will have their uniform made up to the
minimum scale in accordance with BR 3(1) Part 6, on the production of a signed
commitment. This additional kit will be issued from the nearest suitable Service
Establishment.
c. RNR/RMR Reservist kit scales will be brought up to the level which will be
required for the duties to be undertaken. This additional kit will be issued from the
nearest suitable Service Establishment.
18-15
April 2016
BR 3(2)
1845.
Resettlement
Those Regular service personnel who seamlessly transfer to FTRS should contact
their Resettlement Centre to ensure that they take their remaining Graduated Resettlement
Time prior to transfer. The entitlement for Graduated Resettlement Time for FTRS is in
accordance with current Service regulations.
1846.
Electoral Registration
Reservists undertaking FTRS in the UK are not eligible to register as Service Voters.
They are, however, entitled to proxy or postal votes in the same way as civilian electors. FTRS
personnel serving overseas may register to vote as an overseas elector (the Representation
of the Peoples Act 2000 refers). Personnel should contact their local electoral officer prior to
posting overseas.
1847.
Jury Service
Reservists undertaking FTRS may no longer be excused jury service as of right under
the Jury Act 1974. In order to be excused, the unit CO must certify to the Summoning Officer
that it would be prejudicial to the efficiency of the Service if the individual was required to be
absent from duty.
1848.
Welfare Support
Reservists serving on FTRS are eligible to receive an appropriate level of welfare
support through NPFS. Although recommendations for compassionate drafts will not be
appropriate, welfare investigations may be required to support recommendations for
compassionate leave or early termination of a Commitment.
1849.
Electoral Candidature
The restrictions which apply to members of the Regular Forces, set out in BR 2
(QRRN) Chapter 66 also apply to Reservists serving on FTRS.
a. No member of the Reserve Forces serving on FTRS may be either a declared
prospective or elected member of a Local Authority, a National Assembly, the House
of Commons, the European Parliament or any other Legislative Assembly.
b. A Reservist who wishes to stand for election must apply to the NPT(Res) through
his or her Commanding Officer to terminate their FTRS commitment. It is in the
individual reservist’s own interests to apply as early as possible. Approval of
applications for release not in compliance with the terms of the FTRS commitment will
depend on the exigencies of the Service and operational considerations in particular.
c. An unsuccessful candidate will have no right to resume his or her FTRS
commitment.
18-16
April 2016