The Empty Bench: Future Leaders of the Army National Guard
Abstract
Post September 11, 2001, the United States began the largest mobilization of National Guard Soldiers since World War II. The Army drawdown of the early 1990s and corresponding reduction in commissioning of lieutenants set the stage for 65% manning of the mid-grade officer ranks within National Guard formations. The transformation from a legacy heavy formation to a lighter modular force, a growth in MTOE field grade officer requirements, and attrition of midgrade officers have combined to create unfavorable conditions for high quality mid-grade officers (captains and majors). Even though the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG) has met 95% (or better) of its mobilizing unit officer requirements, it has not positioned itself to meet the future mid-grade officer requirements. This Strategy Research Project (SRP) explores the current challenges faced by leadership to expand the mid-grade officer corps while simultaneously improving the quality and professionalism of those officers. Absent a shift in emphasis and adjustment of systems to reinforce the change, the quality of the field grade officer corps will continue to suffer, and unit effectiveness, morale, trust, retention, and commitment will continue to be significantly degraded.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA500581
Entities
People
- William A. Hall
Organizations
- United States Army War College