Defence Reserves Support
Defence Reserves Support (DRS) provides a link between the Australian Defence Force (ADF), employers and the community from which the Reserve force is drawn.
The DRS aims to enhance the availability of the Reserve component of the ADF by promoting the benefits of employing members of the Reserve.The DRS also aims to establish a flexible partnership with the community and employers so they are encouraged to support those in the Reserve.
People joining the Reserve make a commitment to train and serve in the defence and protection of Australia. The Reserve has contributed to every major conflict in which Australia has been involved in since Federation.
Today we are increasingly drawing on the skills and expertise of Reservists to maintain the Defence Force’s capability.
Reservists played a supporting role in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and have provided humanitarian relief to communities in Pakistan, Thailand, Rwanda and Somalia. They served alongside their full-time counterparts to increase security and stability in Timor-Leste and Bougainville. They are currently deployed in operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands.
It should also be noted that Reservists make a valuable contribution to the community, providing assistance in times of natural disasters such as floods, droughts and fires and in emergency rescue operations.
Defence Reserves Support Council
Each State and Territory has a committee of the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC).Council members are volunteers and include representatives from industry, small business, trade unions, youth and other interested community groups.
The DRSC aims to:
- improve Reserve availability
- improve the retention of Reservists in the ADF
- promote the benefits of Reserve service to employers and educationalists
- inform Reservists of their responsibilities to employers
- improve acceptance within the general community for Reserve service
- liaise with peak employer groups on matters affecting Reserve service
- provide advice to Defence and Government on matters affecting community and employer support for the Reserve force
- provide liaison between the ADF and employer at times of call-out
- gain recognition of the Reserve contribution within the ADF and the wider community, and
- provide comment on other aspects of Reserve service to support the achievement of the mission
Please visit our website on www.defence.gov.au/reserves or ring our hotline 1800 803 485