BLUF
Previously five years, extending the contingency period gives Defence a larger pool of former personnel to call on during a crisis, while raising questions about workforce currency, reserve design and long-term readiness. Training a huge Defence investment.Learning Outcomes
- Understand workforce management and readiness: The article illustrates how Defence can retain access to trained personnel after full-time service and use that existing workforce during periods of crisis.
- Analyse organisational capability and resource management: The article highlights the substantial investment required to train personnel and the potential value of maintaining links with experienced former personnel.
- Evaluate strategic workforce requirements: The discussion of reserve numbers, skill currency and training requirements demonstrates why reserve structures need to align with the capabilities Defence may require in future contingencies.
