Commentary on provisions of Act Section 9: Reserve forces: flexibility of commitments
Section 9 amends sections 24 and 25 of the RFA 1996 to replace the full-time service commitment, which enables members of a reserve force to volunteer to undertake a period of full-time service, with a new service commitment ("a section 24 commitment"). A section 24 commitment enables members of a reserve force to volunteer to undertake a period of full-time or part-time service.
	Subsection (4) inserts a new subsection (1A) and (1B) in section 24 of the RFA 1996. This allows a section 24 commitment to be a commitment to full-time or part-time service and include periods of both types of service. Orders or regulations to be made under section 4 of the RFA 1996 are to govern the type and period of service permitted under a section 24 commitment and enable periods of special or extended leave to be included in the commitment.
	Subsection (14) inserts a new subsection (2A) into section 25 of the RFA 1996, which enables members of a reserve force to enter into a commitment to perform additional duties for a specified period or periods. The new subsection clarifies that a commitment under section 25 ("an additional duties commitment") can enable a member of a reserve force to perform duties under a commitment on any basis, including on a full-time or part-time basis.