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About Us

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WHAT IS RDFRA?
  • RDFRA is the representative association that advocates on behalf of all members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve.

  • It is a representative association, NOT a union.

  • It is a non-political organisation.

  • It is governed by Defence Forces Regulation S7, the RDFRA Constitution, and the RDFRA Rules document.

  • Membership is open to all reservists, regardless of rank.

  • The Association's main role is to consult and liaise with the Civil and Military Authorities on behalf of the Reserve Defence Force.

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WHY JOIN RDFRA?

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  • Be part of the majority of active reservists.

  • Support ​your comrades in securing better service conditions for all.

  • Receive support from your RDFRA unit/sub-unit committee, Formation Committee, or National Executive Committee.

  • Obtain unbiased information on all matters relating to your service.

  • Avail of an alternate channel of dispute resolution if required.

  • Obtain a free RDFRA membership ID card (members can apply here).

  • Receive the Association's newsletter which provides regular news and updates on a wide range of Reserve Defence Force matters (members can register for the newsletter here).

  • An online RDFRA Membership Application form can be found here.

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RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
  • Defence Forces ID Cards for all ranks and SFC headdress for all Army Reserve officers.

  • Introduction of national promotion competitions, and the regular running of promotion competitions.

  • New Defence Forces Regulation R5 and new Administrative Instruction R5.

  • Overhaul of RDF pay administration (incl. RTSDs approved for all training and support activities).

  • Access to Defence Forces Connect App for RDF pers.

  • Paracord, Pace counter, Beanie hat, Toiletries bag, Tactical gloves on issue to RDF pers.

  • “Rolling recruitment” (i.e. open year round).

  • Increase in recruitment age to 39 and increase in retirement age to 62.

  • Medical self-declaration for recruitment applicants and “traffic light” fitness testing.

  • Operational service – domestic and overseas – via Defence (Amendment) Act 2021.

  • Inclusion of a broad range of pro-Reserve measures in the Commission on the Defence Forces' final report.

  • Introduction of employment protection legislation to provide employment security for reservists who may be called up for fulltime service in emergency circumstances.

  • Full pay restoration for all members of the RDF (bringing RDF pay rates back in line with PDF first-point pay rates).

  • Re-building of the RDFRA network nationwide.

  • Naval Service Reserve enlistment eyesight standards updated to allow persons with visual acuity grade 3 to apply.

  • Multiple corps choice selection online for new recruits joining locations that have more than one RDF unit/sub-unit.

  • Streamlining of the recruitment process.

  • Weekend fitness testing for serving personnel.

  • Implementation of RDF Recruit Liaison Officers to assist recruitment process.

  • Candidate Manager training for RDF personnel.

  • Shifting of recruitment PR focus from Print Media to Social Media.

  • Approval for military transport to be used for carrying new applicants to/from induction testing.

  • Rigorous oversight of RDF payment matters.

  • Hollow Fibre / Snugpak jacket on issue to RDF pers.

  • Camelbak / Hydration bladder on issue to RDF pers.

  • Regular NCO and officers promotions where vacancies exist.

  • Publication of the RDF Employer's Handbook.

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OUR SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION (as per DFR S7)

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  • Pay and allowances.

  • Conditions of service.

  • Entry criteria to join the Reserve Defence Force.

  • Performance appraisals.

  • Criteria for promotion.

  • Medical and dental benefits following accidents on duty.

  • Standards of training accommodation.

  • Procedures for redress of wrongs.

  • Provision of legal representation.

  • Application of Health and Safety at Work Act.

  • Clothing and Personal Equipment.

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MATTERS OUTSIDE THE REMIT OF RDFRA (as per DFR S7)

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  • Operational matters.

  • Disciplinary matters.

  • Actual promotions.

  • Official Defence Forces communications with the press.

 

Why Join the RDFRA?

01.

REPRESENTATION
Your Voice Heard

RDFRA is fully committed to providing the best possible representation to each reservist. We liaise with civil and military authorities at all levels on your behalf.

02.

PAY & ALLOWANCES
Financial Matters

Service in the RDF comes with a cost. RDFRA will always ensure that you are remunerated correctly and fairly.

03.

CLOTHING & KIT
Issued Items

RDFRA is constantly seeking to expand the scale of issue to reservists, and will ensure that you are issued what is due to you.

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