ORAC
8th Mar 2002, 01:07
<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/newsid_1859000/1859758.stm" target="_blank">BBC news</a> . .. .Thursday, 7 March, 2002, 12:37 GMT . .Reserves mobilised for war on terror. .. .Up to 49 RAF reservists have been called up to help in the war of terrorism, the Ministry of Defence has announced. . .. .Personnel from 4624 Movements Squadron will serve for six months, mostly in the UK although some might be deployed abroad. . .. .Defence Minister Dr Lewis Moonie made the announcement in the Commons on Thursday. . .. .The reservists will be mainly employed to replace regular RAF personnel who are being used elsewhere in the 'war on terrorism'. . .. .British military aircraft are being used to help the UK forces' contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, and also to refuel US aircraft on bombing missions. . .. .Dr Moonie said: "The call up of elements of 4624 Movements Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force shows that this government is committed to the concept of usable and deployable reservists. I wish them the very best of luck." . .. .The squadron, based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, deals mainly with preparing, positioning and securing loads in aircraft, passenger handling and specialist vehicle driving. . .. .In 1991, it was used for the Gulf War and in 1999 in support of operations in the Balkans. . .. .Exemption . .. .In January, the MoD issued a compulsory call-out for army reservists from the Military Intelligence Battalion. . .. .But this is the first such order for RAF reservists. . .. .An MoD spokesman said money would be available to increase their civilian earnings to a military salary. . .. .Although the order is compulsory, there are grounds for an individual or employer to apply for exemption.. . . . <small>[ 07 March 2002, 21:09: Message edited by: ORAC ]</small>