as mentioned in the "What barracks should close...." thread the future of a survivable RDF seems to be units solely based in the large barracks that are full-time occupied.
as the PDF units concentrate in a smaller amount of locations, posts like sluagh halls, etc. around the country will quickly become unviable on travel and running costs basis. the RDF units will have to concentrate like the PDF units on central locations. in effect, the idea of a battalion having companies spread over a geographical area will die off.
this will have the benifits for the units that PDF units have seen in relation to training facilities, weapons access, reduced duties, etc. however the big drawback for RDF units is volunteer personnel willing to travel large distances for a few hours training each week.
looking forward ahead from that situation, a return to reserve companies, etc. in parent PDF units would probably the best way to utilise the reserve in the future. the end of the RDF as a stand alone entity but for the remainder, a much closer working relationship with PDF and increase in capability because of co-location within the PDF unit. in effect, the entire reserve would be integrated into the current PDF establishment, e.g. 5th inf bn with existing coys + 1 reserve coy.
whether this would be by design or just the way things develop naturally remains to be seen.
as the PDF units concentrate in a smaller amount of locations, posts like sluagh halls, etc. around the country will quickly become unviable on travel and running costs basis. the RDF units will have to concentrate like the PDF units on central locations. in effect, the idea of a battalion having companies spread over a geographical area will die off.
this will have the benifits for the units that PDF units have seen in relation to training facilities, weapons access, reduced duties, etc. however the big drawback for RDF units is volunteer personnel willing to travel large distances for a few hours training each week.
looking forward ahead from that situation, a return to reserve companies, etc. in parent PDF units would probably the best way to utilise the reserve in the future. the end of the RDF as a stand alone entity but for the remainder, a much closer working relationship with PDF and increase in capability because of co-location within the PDF unit. in effect, the entire reserve would be integrated into the current PDF establishment, e.g. 5th inf bn with existing coys + 1 reserve coy.
whether this would be by design or just the way things develop naturally remains to be seen.
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