Operational reservations : considerations for a total Army force /

Ellis, John D.

Operational reservations : considerations for a total Army force / [electronic resource] John D. Ellis, Laura McKnight Mackenzie - Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania : Strategic Studies Institute and U.S. Army War College Press, 2014 - ix, 72 p.

"June 2014." SIP1410

Includes bibliographical references (pages 52-65)

Introduction -- Background : the shift from strategic to operational reserve (OR) -- What is "operational?" : differing definitions and expectations -- Why an OR? -- Future of the operational reserve -- DOD Directive 1200.17 : managing the reserve components as an operational force -- Army Directive 2012-08 : Army total force policy -- Potential problems with the Army total force policy. Integration of tactical-level forces -- Training integration -- Multicomponent units -- Uniform predeployment readiness and professional development standards -- Streamlined procedures for mobilizing the RC -- Equipment -- Integrated personnel and pay systems; continuum of service; joint opportunities -- Cultures and mindsets -- ATFP : realistic or idealistic? -- Force generation. The ARFORGEN model -- Budgets and bargains -- Recommendations -- Conclusion.

As the Army Reserve Components -- the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard -- assume an "operational" mission as the force drawdowns in overseas contingency operations occur, the Army senior military and civilian leadership should consider the ramifications and realities of such a mission in what is expected to be a relatively peaceful time. This monograph explores some of these considerations regarding the implementation of the Army Total Force Policy, identifies potential obstacles, and makes recommendations to better engage the "three Armies" in a successful and meaningful reform effort. Throughout, the authors call for significant cultural shifts in thinking about how the Reserve Components are used and integrated into a Total Force.




army--armed forces--force structure--restructuring--USA