RAND Research Brief: How Did ODS/S Affect the RC? Evidence from the 1992 RC Survey

Operation Desert ShieldStorm ODSS was the first major mobilization of reserve forces the Reserve Components, RC in almost 50 years. Since then, reservists have participated in numerous other operations, including the recent effort in Bosnia. Such mobilizations are likely to be more frequent in the future and are likely to have important effects on reservists attitudes and the degree of support they receive from their families and civilian employees. This study examines this issue, drawing on the results of two RC surveys of enlisted personnel and officers conducted by the Department of Defense DoD-the first in 1986, before ODSS, and the second in 1992, after ODSS. Researchers use the surveys to conduct descriptive analyses about changing attitudes and perceptions before and after the mobilization the study also compares the responses of mobilized and nonmobilized reservists in 1992.