Mobilization of the Army's Individual Ready Reserve: A Critical Review
Abstract
Operation Desert Storm prompted the largest mobilization of Reserve Component forces since World War II. Several Executive Orders were signed by the President to mobilize the Ready Reserve, but the most significant was Executive Order 12743 signed on 18 January 1991 to execute plans for Partial Mobilization. This authority permits the activation of 1 million National Guardsmen and Reservists for two years. Pursuant to this Executive Order, the Department of the Army authorized the activation of 20,277 soldiers in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Because the IRR is our most experienced and rapidly deployable manpower source of individual replacements, their activation deserves a critical review with the clarity of hindsight. This paper Will examine historical precedent for the IRR; their composition and management; an operational analysis of this mobilization; the adequacy of Mobilization Station force structure; and the mobilization plans executed for Desert Shield/Storm. It will propose changes needed if the U.S. Army is to be better prepared to rapidly mobilize the IRR the next time. Mobilization, IRR, RT-12, Operation Desert Shield Storm, readiness, training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 30, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA250041
Entities
People
- Peter R. O'connor
Organizations
- United States Army War College