DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2015 – The U.S. Defense Department and
the United Kingdom’s Defense Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding today
that officials say signifies expanding international relationships while
serving a valuable role in security cooperation.
Maj. Gen. John Crackett of the British army, assistant chief
of the defense staff for reserves and cadets, and Paul D. Patrick, deputy
assistant secretary of defense for reserve readiness, training and
mobilization, signed the Military Reserve Exchange Program memorandum.
“This memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and
United Kingdom provides ongoing proof of our continued dedication to our
long-standing international relationships,” Patrick said. “The Foreign Resident
Program strengthens the partnership between our two nations and plays a key
role in maintaining individual readiness of reservists and their contribution
to national defense.”
The signing ceremony formalizes a unique agreement between
the two nations to allow reservists residing overseas to train with a
host-nation unit. Training this way allows reservists to stay engaged and meet
their service commitments while opening up opportunities they may have not had
in the past, officials said.
First of Its Kind
“This is the first arrangement of its kind,” Patrick said.
“It demonstrates commitment to our people and their employers by providing more
flexibility to meet their requirements and offers unique training
opportunities.”
In addition, the ceremony recognized the 30th anniversary of
the countries’ Military Reserve Exchange Program. Since the program’s
memorandum of understanding was signed in 1985, almost 3,000 reservists from
both nations have participated in the program.
Maj. Gen. Richard Cripwell of the British army, defense
attache and head of the British Defense Staff in the United States, presided
over the event.
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