Trained reservist numbers have decreased since 2012, new figures show, as the Government attempts to boost the Armed Forces' back-up strength to 35,000.
The UK's military has also been operating under strength since 2008 and the shortfall has increased between October 2012 and October 2013, the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) quarterly update adds.
The Armed Forces' personnel shortfall on October 1 was 4030 - 2.5% of the total requirement - an increase from 3000, or 1.8% of requirement, at October 1 2012.
The Government is attempting to reform the Armed Forces as part of its Future Force 2020 project. And Defence Secretary Philip Hammond insists he remains confident the 35,000 reservist target will be met by 2018, with the five-year recruitment campaign in its second month.
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