I'm not going to defend all reservists, because, there are quite a few that like to abuse the system, and milk as much money as possible out of the system.
I doubt it's "quite a few" although no doubt there are crooks in both Reg and Res. Many Reservists I see put in far more time than they get paid for, especially officers and NCOs. Our USARNG comrades are sometimes shocked to hear how many days in a year our Reserve leaders put in just to get things done: far more than they do.
85% of Reg Force salary is hardly a trough. We get compensation for being away from home the same as the reg guys do.
Personally, I don't see why we shouldn't follow equal pay for equal work. The only difference is that there must be some way of recognizing the fact that a Regular soldier is at a higher level of training, readiness and therefore risk. But, I'm sure this can be worked out. Two soldiers side by side in Afghanistan or Bosnia should not have a pay differential so broad that it causes morale issues.
There's been a few former reg pers join my unit, and leave after a few parade nights. Why? We work too hard. Reservists throw a week of ex prep, training, whatever, into 1 3 hour evening, and make week long exercises into 2.5 days.
True. And, I believe the personal time demand is a big eye-opener for ex-RegF people as well as RegF FTS on their first tour with a Res unit. I have been very, very impressed by the level of dedication of some of our people; for example soldiers driving three hours to get to the Armoury, or going from one Province to another to parade.
As for the recruiting, I know the recruiting centre where I am rarely sends us applicants. They're more concerned with the Reg Force, which is fine, we do our own recruiting, because we know where most of our people come from.
How closely does your Comm Gp or your unit work with your local CFRC? CFRG is not perfect (especially where medical delays are concerned) but if you work closely with them they can produce results. Our problem in 38 CBG is not attracting Res recruits but the insufferable period of time it takes for some enrolments.
Misinformed loud-mouths make me angry.
I agree. Cheers.