THE RESERVE Defence Force consists of the Army Reserve, numbering 12,000, and the Naval Service Reserve, numbering 400. There are currently 10,400 personnel in the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF).
Members of the reserve meet regularly, usually weekly, for training. They are trained in the use of weapons and communications and also undergo basic medical and military tactical training.
In recent years, their training has been enhanced in an effort to more easily integrate them with the PDF with overseas duties in mind. Any reservist serving overseas will be required to secure time off from their permanent jobs for such missions.
Reservists performed basic barracks duties during the Troubles when PDF members were deployed in large numbers on the ground along the Border. Reservists also performed a key role in running a communications network for the Special Olympics when they were held in Ireland.