Maintaining an Operational Reserve: A Strategy for Employment
Abstract
The United States has long relied on a strategic reserve as part of its military force. The nation activates the strategic reserve in times of national crisis and only as a last resort. After over a decade of combat operations, however, there is a desire by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to maintain an operational reserve that can augment and lead global missions in support of U.S. interests, as demonstrated in recent contingency operations. An operational reserve is one that is resourced, trained, and ready, and is used on a continual basis. With contingency operation deployments declining and austerity measures being put into effect on the military, how can the nation continue to use its Reserve forces on a continual basis to maintain them as an operational reserve? The intent of this paper is to provide ways in which the Reserves can be used on a continuing basis to meet the intent of DoD senior leaders, better enable DoD organizations and missions, and maintain a viable reserve force for the nation in conflict and in peace. The paper focuses on the use of the National Guard Special Forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589825
Entities
People
- Douglas A. Paul
Organizations
- United States Army War College