Judicious and Prudent Access to Reserve Forces

Five years into our nations first protracted conflict since the advent of the all volunteer force, we must reaffirm our investment in the current and projected Reserve force role. To do this, we must take a look at a few key Reserve Component RC policies and practices that have emerged since the start of the Global War on Terror GWOT. Three, in particular, which warrant examination are the method by which combatant commander requirements are generated and access to mobilize Reserve forces is granted, the effort to rebalance the force in order to reduce the strain on Reserve forces, and the judicious and prudent use of Reserve force policy. These policies must be considered to determine if they, along with the Secretary of Defenses SECDEFs method of providing metered access to Reserve force units and service members to meet Central Command CENTCOM requirements, support long term best practices when it pertains to joint operational warfare.