Reserve Force Capabilities in the Total Force of the 1990s
Abstract
Analysis of several aspects of the reserve component programs in light of the trend toward saving defense dollars by shifting more mission elements to this segment of the Total Force Package. A description of the structural evolution of the various components of the reserve forces and the administrative and operational efficiencies associated with the resultant structure. Anomalies within the system identified with suggested solutions to the problems attendant to those anomalies, to include a restructuring of the manpower of reserve units, redefining pay and benefits to meet the demands of the personnel marketplace, reinstatement of some form of involuntary, conscript- level military service, and streamlining reserve force tasking and training to provide maximum combat capability augmentation. Identifies several necessary revisions to the federal reserve forces enabling legislation to make the reserve components more cost effective and the reserve participation more attractive to both prior service and nonprior service personnel. Concludes that reserve components will not be able to deliver adequate defensive capability in potential new mission element assignments during the 1990s and beyond without significant reforms to the existing systems. Many necessary reforms unlikely due to political parochialism and resistance by internal interest groups.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217349
Entities
People
- Neil B. Crist
Organizations
- Air War College