Evolution of the Marine Corps Reserve: Historical Trends Post Conflict and the Future of the Operational Reserve
Abstract
Over the past decade, the reserve force has evolved from a strategic role to an integrated operational role. As a routine force provider within the force generation model, the reserves have been participating in continuous mobilizations in a variety of capacities in order to meet Department of Defense (DoD) mission requirements. Despite efforts to keep the reserve operational after withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan the historical trends indicate that the reserve force will be returned to a strategic status. While the operational reserve supports DoD's stated goals of Total Force use going forward and provides the reserves with continuous real world training and contingency opportunities, it fails to account for the single most important element facing the military today: that being the financial crisis facing the United States. Impending fiscal cuts will reduce manpower, equipment, overseas training and operations activities. These cuts will most certainly impact the ability to leverage the operational reserve concept. The vitality of the operational reserve hinges on funding and without adequate justification for the funds, will force the reserves back into a strategic role.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 03, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA601017
Entities
People
- Matthew S. Breen
Organizations
- Marine Corps University