AIEF to change by end of this year

In 2001 Parliament passed a number of pieces of legislation to enhance the contribution the Reserves make to the ADF.

At the same time amendments were made to the Defence Act 1903 to modernise the structure of the Army.

This modernisation includes new categories of Reserve service and removes categories such as the Regular Army Emergency Reserve. These various amendments will be reflected in the new Defence Personnel Regulations (DPR) to be introduced in December.

The effect of the introduction of the DPR is that the Army Individual Emergency Force (AIEF) will cease to exist from December 1.

The AIEF consists of about 800 ex-ARA members from a range of ranks and trades who have transferred to the force for an initial period of five years.

DGPers-A has reviewed the future of the AIEF and is now able to provide some guidance to members who may have been considering a transfer to the AIEF and those who are serving in the AIEF.

ARA members who are considering a transfer to the AIEF must do so by the start of December. That is, you must have transferred from the ARA to the AIEF by December 1. Late applications will not be accepted.

Current serving members of the AIEF will need to transfer to a new category of Reserve service. Chief of Army has agreed that the current conditions of service applying to the AIEF will continue for those members in the AIEF on December 1 for the remaining period of their contract, provided they continue to meet the minimum annual requirements.

These members will shortly receive a letter from DGPers-A outlining their options and provide the opportunity to make an election as to their future service.

Point of Contact is Pers Br-Army Lt-Col Andrew Hofman, SO1 Pers Policy, on (02) 6265 6929.

.