Strengthening the Marine Corps Reserve

During the first 84 years of existence, 1916 - 2000, the United States Marine Corps Reserve was employed as a strategic reserve that was only called upon to mobilize when active duty Marine Corps forces needed the assistance of additional personnel to maintain combat operations. However, since 9/11 and the years of conflict in the Middle-East and abroad, the United States Marine Corps Reserve has been employed as an operational reserve. This new employment model has created a new normal within the reserve community for almost an entire generation of Marines and Sailors unlike the historical employment of the force. From doctrinal definitions to fiscal cost analyses, there is overwhelming proof that an operational reserve is not sustainable for long-term employment. With the potential for future fiscal austerity and uncertainty with continuous congressional Continuing Resolutions to fund the Department of Defense, senior leaders must decide if the fiscal cost to employ the USMCR as an operational reserve is worth the additional fund requirements. Since the overall cost to activate reserve Marines is 132% more than a commensurate active duty capability, reverting to a strategic reserve construct will assist in additional fiscal cost saving measures that could be applied elsewhere.