Accession Number:

ADA583827

Title:

The Army Reserve: Optimally Seeking Relevance and Readiness in a Fiscally Constrained Environment

Descriptive Note:

Monograph

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS SCHOOL OF ADVANCED MILITARY STUDIES

Personal Author(s):

• Casey, John G.

Report Date:

2013-05-23

Pagination or Media Count:

70.0

Abstract:

On 29 October 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates issued Department of Defense Directive 1200.17, establishing the overarching set of principles and policies to promote and support management of the Reserve Components as an operational force. Issued in a time of war and generous budgets, the Army Reserve spent freely to maintain its higher standards of deployability and operational tempo. As the United States enters another post-war period characterized by reductions in forces and spending, the Army Reserve must develop an approach to fiscal constraints pursuant to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagels budget reduction guidance, to do more, while avoiding what Army Chief of Staff Raymond Odierno has called the perfect storm of cascading economic effects across the Army. Throughout history, reserve forces regularly receive less funding during interwar periods and experience the reciprocating effects on manpower, training, and equipment. If unabated, uncertain financial constraints will eventually limit readiness and relevance. However, by designing a strategy to optimize the force while relying on Soldier ingenuity, the Army Reserve can balance readiness and continue to innovate as the United States and its military adapt to economic conditions.

Descriptors:

• *ARMY
• *COMBAT READINESS
• *MILITARY BUDGETS
• *MILITARY RESERVES
• *OPERATIONAL READINESS
• *OPTIMIZATION
• *POSTWAR
• ADAPTATION
• ARMY PERSONNEL
• POLICIES
• REDUCTION

Subject Categories:

• Economics and Cost Analysis
• Military Forces and Organizations
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE