Presidential Selected Reserve Call-Up: Panacea or Poison?
Abstract
The Reserve Forces of the United States have historically supported the nation in time of war or national emergency. Today's reduced military structure coupled with our current national military strategy require an increasing dependence upon use of the Reserves in both national emergencies and smaller strategic contingencies. Title 10, USC, section 12304, sometimes called the Presidential Selected Reserve Call-up (PSRC) authorizes the activation of Reserve Forces in support of active forces for operational missions (other than war or national emergencies). The President has invoked the PSRC on three occasions: (1) Desert Shield, (2) Uphold Democracy, and currently (3) Joint Endeavor. Has the PSRC provided the appropriate level of accessibility to Reserve Forces for successful operational missions? What long-term affects will Bosnia-type PSRCs have on the readiness, strength and viability of the Reserve Forces? The purpose of this research is to address these questions, identify strategic concerns regarding the Reserves, and recommend modifications to the current language of the PSRC as well as current Implementation of the statute.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA326576
Entities
People
- Robert P. Morrow
Organizations
- United States Army War College