Manning the Reserve Forces: A Tough Retention Problem.
Abstract
Like the Active Component, the National Guard is also experiencing recruiting and retention problems. In 1999, for the first time, the Air Guard did not make end strength. The ways and means involved in retaining Guardsmen are somewhat different than those effecting the Active Component. Therefore, even if the Active Component is able to identify and solve their recruiting and retention problems, DOD must address the Guard problem from a different perspective. Retaining a Guardsman presents an entirely different challenge than keeping an active duty soldier or airman. while Guardsmen are dedicated patriots, they are OPSTEMPO/PERSTEMPO "fatigued' to the point that they are voting with their feet. During the past decade DOD has relied more and more on the Reserve Components for carrying out our National Military Strategy. At the same time, commitments have accelerated at an alarming rate. This has put extreme pressure on the Guardsmen and they are feeling the squeeze from both family and civilian employers. Some major reasons for this attrition will be identified and then some possible solutions will be explored.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 17, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378225
Entities
People
- Paul Wietlishbach
Organizations
- United States Army War College