Case Studies in Reserve Component Volunteerism: The 258th Quartermaster Supply Company.

This is one of a series of case studies prepared to illustrate how volunteerism has been used to gain access to National Guard and Reserve capabilities in support of recent military operations. The case studies have been prepared by reference to official documents and reports and interviews with unit members and other persons involved in the operation. This case study tells about the participation of the 258th Quartermaster Supply Company, Illinois Army National Guard, in the Humanitarian Support Unit Program of Operation Standard Bearer. The concept calls for company members to voluntary serve in active-duty status to provide 45 days of humanitarian assistance overseas. Whether the members voluntarily go on active duty when the need arises is crucial to the success of this program. The paper reviews the companys readiness for deployment in terms of personnel strength and composition and willingness to volunteer. It also explores the problems created by the need for the volunteers to sign agreements that they will volunteer and the importance of unit integrity and recognition. This case study is a background paper for a report on the role of volunteerism in Reserve accession policy being prepared for the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.