A member of the United StatesMilitary that spends one weekend a month and two weeks annually training to protect and defend the United States. They can be called upon to serve at any time.
Reservists in all three services fall into two groups: part-time volunteers who serve in the TA and navy and air force equivalents, and those who once served in one of the three forces remain on the reserve list for 18 years after leaving the services.
According to reservists the Guardian has spoken to, family and career pressures are among the main reasons for leaving the TA.
While the reservists themselves knew they could be mobilised before the Iraq war, many of their families did not understand the full implications and since their return had urged them to leave at the earliest opportunity.
Reservists in the armed forces will in future be paid for losses in salary they suffer by being called up for military operations, the Ministry of Defence announced yesterday.
Reservists whose civilian pay is higher than their forces pay will receive extra money to make up the difference between the two.
Reservists will also be able to claim the cost of replacing some benefits lost when they are mobilised, such as health insurance and company cars, and expenses incurred, including childcare and the care of dependent relatives.
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