TY - JOUR PY - 2011// TI - Use Them or Lose Them? Australia’s Defence Force Reserves JO - Armed forces and society A1 - Smith, Hugh A1 - Jans, Nick SP - 301 EP - 320 VL - 37 IS - 2 N2 - This article reviews the history of military reserves in Australia with particular reference to the Army Reserve. It shows how the importance of reserves in Australia has waxed and waned across the past two centuries, from an early situation of primacy in the colonial period. The importance of reserves has reemerged in the post–Cold War era, with new forms of reserve organization evolving alongside ‘‘conventional’’ reserve forces. The authors discuss the extent to which these developments need to be accompanied by attention to cultural and personnel management issues and to enhanced reserves–regular integration. Despite the challenge of juggling civilian employment with reserve commitments, most reservists appear to welcome a greater, rather than a token, obligation to serve. There is a viable and meaningful role for the reserves provided that the Australian Defence Force and the government are prepared to devote sufficient effort to them and to assign them appropriate tasks.

LA - SN - 0095-327X UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0095327X10390454 ID - ref1 ER -