The Army National Guard: An Operational Force, At The Ready

Abstract

During the forty-five year period since the implementation of the Total Force Policy, the Army National Guard (ARNG) has seen major transformations from being a strategic reserve of the nation to becoming an operational reserve, and even at times performing the role of an operational force within the United States Army. However, the ARNG's road to modernization and relevance, proportional to its employment, has been difficult to navigate. Throughout this evolution, the organization has struggled to achieve and maintain the advantages, resourcing, and influence associated with having the status of an operational force. As America's war efforts have increased, the nation has progressively relied on the Army National Guard (ARNG) to perform as a strategic reserve, then as an operational reserve, and although not officially recognized as such, it has met the demands expected of an operational force. Given the high operational tempo expected of the ARNG and its historic performance capability, the Department of Defense should consider formally designating the ARNG as an operational force in order to meet the defense requirements of the nation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 25, 2019
Accession Number
AD1177399

Entities

People

  • Hector Sotolongo

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Civil War
  • Combat Operations
  • Combat Readiness
  • Congress
  • Department Of Defense
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Militia
  • National Guard
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Training
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military Mobilization and Reserve Forces Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies