Australian Defence Force mulls options for increased role for reservists

THE ADF is looking at options to make "more effective use" of reservists on the frontline.

THE Australian Defence Force has acknowledged the potential for an increased role for reservists on the front line, saying it was examining options to make "more effective use" of them.

The Weekend Australian revealed a secret plan before Defence chiefs to have part-time soldiers shoulder more responsibility in Afghanistan and other hot spots.

"It is expected that some options will be presented to the government for consideration this year," the ADF said in a statement, adding that options canvassed in the 2009 defence white paper would be considered. Australia Defence Association executive director Neil James said it appeared that the government was maintaining its existing policy on sending reservists to war zones.

Private Greg Sher, 30, became the first Australian reservist to die in Afghanistan when an insurgent rocket exploded at a remote base in Oruzgan province in early January last year.

Ten other Australian soldiers have died in Afghanistan, as the ADF scaled back its commitment of forces in Iraq.

Defence Minister John Faulkner insisted at the weekend the government was not considering any plan to deploy significantly more reservists to Afghanistan.

As documented by The Weekend Australian, Defence planners are increasingly concerned at the toll of battle fatigue on frontline soldiers, especially those on repeat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: AAP