A RECRUITMENT campaign has been launched to increase the number of army reservists in Wirral.

It's all part of The Army's response to the Government's vision of a more adaptable and flexible force.

Army 2020 will be made up of Regulars and Reservists and recruitment is open to anyone aged 18-49.

Warrant Officer 2 Rob Barr MBE, is based at 234 Squadron (Wirral)'s Royal Logistic's Corps' Army Reserve Centre in Wexford Road, Birkenhead.

He told the Globe today: "By 2020 we are trying to get as many recruits as we can."

Wirral Globe:

Left to right: Pte Jack Jones, Warrant Officer Rob Barr MBE, Pte Daz Diable and Pte Carole Dones today. Picture: Paul Heaps

Warrant Officer Barr continued: "We are a local unit, full of local people and with local interests. They also meet people from the wider regiment.

"The 234 Squadron does more adventure training than I did in 25 years as a regular soldier.

"It involves training in all sort of skills, such as deep-sea diving and skiing and this takes them all over the world.

"Reservists have been deployed in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Cyprus over the last 10 years but we don't know what the future holds."

Army 2020 is the force's response to the Strategic Defence and Security Review and will consist of some 82,000 Regulars and 30,000 trained Reserves. 

Published by Government in October 2010, it laid out the commitments expected of the UK Armed Forces.

Reserves would be used routinely, rather than in extreme circumstances, for defined tasks including providing troops for lengthy stabilisation operations and Defence Engagement overseas.

Private Jack Jones, 18, is studying physics and maths at college and has plans to become a physical training instructor.

Wirral Globe:

Pte Jack Jones. Picture: Paul Heaps

He says: "Training as a reservist is hardwork and physically demanding, but it's also a very good way of meeting people." 

Daz Diable served with the Kings's Regiment in the 1990s and is among the new batch of reservists in Wirral.

Wirral Globe:

Pte Daz Diable. Picture: Paul Heaps

He told the Globe: "There's no difference between regulars and reservists. For example, the chain of command is the same. 

"We all become part of one army, which looks after your interests.

"I remember when I was training and my wife took ill. The unit allowed me to go and see her in hospital and checked on her progress."

Wirral Globe:

Pte Carole Dones. Picture: Paul Heaps

Also in the unit is Private Carole Dones, a mum-of-three and healthcare worker who is training as a reserve combat medic.

She said: "It was a slow process to get here, because I had three children who have all grown up. I am proud to be part of the unit." 

If you are interested and would like more details how to become a Wirral Reservist, there are brieifing sessions at The Royal Logistics Corps Army Reserves Centre in Wexford Road, Birkenhead every Tuesday at 7.30pm. Details are from 0151 653 3270.