Defense Primer: Reserve Forces

The term reserve component (RC) refers collectively to the seven individual reserve components of the Armed Forces. Congress exercises authority over the reserve components under its constitutional authority to raise and support Armies, to provide and maintain a Navy, and to provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia.... (Article I, Section 8)There are seven reserve components: Army National Guard Army Reserve Navy Reserve Marine Corps Reserve Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Coast Guard Reserve The purpose of these seven reserve components, as codified in law, is to provide trained units and qualified persons available for active duty in the armed forces, in time of war or national emergency, and at such other times as the national security may require, to fill the needs of the armed forces whenever more units and persons are needed than are in the regular components. (10 U.S.C. 10102) The Army National Guard and the Air National Guard also have an important role under state authority, responding to various emergencies such as disasters and civil disorders.