Assessing the Potential for Using Reserves in Operations Other Than War

Résumé du livre

This study is a documentation of analysis on the potential of using U.S. reserve components (RC) in overseas peacetime contingency operations. The analytic framework is demand (operational needs) versus supply (forces and capabilities). The authors examine the joint planning process, the criteria force providers use to select forces, and the resource and institutional aspects of service cultures that contribute to (or impede) how and when reserves are employed. Particular attention is paid to impediments to the selection and use of the reserve components in peacetime contingencies and to whether force mix changes might improve the responsiveness of U.S. forces. The authors recommend increased staff knowledge of reserve capabilities (and limitations), considering RC use earlier in the planning process, and bringing full-time reservists into key staff elements. Further, the authors recommend changes to improve the force selection decision process.