The Roundout Program: Is It Still Valid?
Abstract
Early in the morning on the 2nd of August 1990 the country of Kuwait was invaded by armored divisions of neighboring Iraq. Twenty-four hours later, Iraqi troops were positioned on the border of Saudi Arabia. On the 8th of August Saudi Arabia requested U.S. military assistance. Two of the first active Army combat units alerted for and subsequently deployed to the Persian Gulf were the 24th Infantry and 1st Cavalry Divisions, divisions with Army National Guard combat roundout brigades. On the 22nd of August 1990, the first Reserve Component units were mobilized. Specifically excluded from the call-up authority were combat elements, to include the roundout brigades of the 24th Infantry and 1st Cavalry Divisions. This case study examines the historical perspectives of Roundout, decisions surrounding the initial nonactivation of these units and the future role of combat roundout units in the Total Force Policy. The case study is built on official documents and publications, plus survey data provided by various State Adjutant Generals. Recommendations range from elimination of the Roundout Program to the placement of roundout units at Corps level.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 12, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA235008
Entities
People
- Ralph E. Kahlan
- Stephen L. Goff
Organizations
- United States Army War College