Reserve Component Programs Fiscal Year 1989
Abstract
The Reserve Forces Policy Board (Board), acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, is by statute the 'principal policy adviser to the Secretary of Defense on matters relating to the reserve components'. The report details contributions of the reserve components to the total force and addresses matters pertaining to National Guard and Reserve readiness. The Department of Defense (DoD) implemented the Total Force Policy in 1973. It has been fundamental to U.S. national security policy ever since. Today, National Guard and Reserve forces are full partners with the active forces. Reserve component units are integrated into many theater operational plans. Large-scale combat operations could not be successfully conducted without the reserve components. Since the Total Force Policy was implemented, the reserve components have achieved unprecedented levels of capability and readiness. The reserve components have historically provided a cost-effective means for augmenting the active components and maintaining a strong national defense. They provide a means to maintain the nation's military force structure while responding to changing requirements and budget mandates. If a decision is made to add missions and force structure to the reserve components, they must be adequately resourced and supportable within the parameters of reserve component recruiting, retention, and training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA222759
Entities
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense