The Role of Reserve Forces in US Military Strategy

After a study of the history of the Reserve forces of the United States it was found that the citizen soldier has been the backbone of this countrys national defense since before it became a sovereign nation. Most of the time the militia has performed with distinction but there have been times, because of a lack of unity of command, when its performance lacked the elements of a well disciplined and effective force. Then after a study of the national laws and Army Regulations governing the organization and training of the Reserve Components, it was found that they have evolved into a useful and potent instrument for national defense. However, because there is no longer a military draft, the Armed Forces must rely on an all-volunteer Reserve Force as well as on all-volunteer Active Force. Moreover, because of the increasing reliance that has been placed on the Reserve Components in the total force structure, the Reserve needs to find ways to increase its readiness more rapidly. One solution to improved Reserve readiness would be for the Secretaries of the respective defense departments to be able to call Reserve Components to active duty for short periods of training before mobilization rather than after.