A new call-out order has been made under section 56 of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 so that reservists may continue to be called-out into permanent service to support operations in the region of Iraq and the Gulf. The order takes effect from 5 January 2010 and ceases to have effect on 4 January 2011.

Although the main body of the UK’s armed forces were withdrawn from Iraq last June, a number of operational tasks remain including: the Royal Navy training team set up under the UK training and maritime support agreement; RN patrols to protect offshore oil platforms and shipping lanes; staff and liaison posts; the NATO training mission (training of Iraqi army officers). Reservists may be called out to support any of these tasks although we envisage that the majority will be from the Royal Naval Reserve to support the maritime operations.

Members of the reserve forces have made an important contribution to the UK’s operations in Iraq and the Gulf and their continued support is greatly appreciated and valued.