Mission Impossible - The Army National Guard and the Global War on Terrorism
Abstract
As the Global War on Terrorism enters its fourth year, we see more and more signs of stress on our Armed Forces. Our troop commitments to both Iraq and Afghanistan look to remain at a significant level for at least the next few years if our experience in the Balkans is any indicator. The U.S. Army, to include both the Active Component and the Reserve Component is and will remain the major force provider for this and future operations. Given the current force mix between the AC and RC, the Army National Guard will continue to provide a significant portion of ground troops to this Theater of Operations. Today, the ARNG finds itself in probably the most turbulent and challenging time in its 350 year history. Simply put, for the first time in its history the Guard is being asked to fight a major war while maintaining a peacetime posture. At the same time, we are embarking on a road of unparalleled transformation across the Total Army. I believe the ARNG is stretched beyond its reasonable limits and that the continued use of the ARNG in this way will quickly break the organization. Couple this with the emerging Homeland Security requirements facing DOD, and I believe it is time to reevaluate the roles and missions of the ARNG. My intent for this paper is to review some historical challenges the Guard has always faced, examine the major challenges associated with the Global War on Terrorism and offer some possible solutions to these issues.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA432211
Entities
People
- Scott B. Thompson
Organizations
- United States Army War College