Army Reserve Component Accessions From Personnel Completing Their First Active-Duty Enlistment.

摘要

The planned reduction in force and restructuring of the Army active component (AC) will substantially affect the manning of the Army reserve components (RC). Historically, about 40 percent of the Army National Guard (ARNG) and 60 percent of the United States Army Reserve (USAR) soldiers have served an active-duty tour of service (Buddin and Grissmer, forthcoming). These prior-service soldiers provide the RC with a critical source of experienced, trained soldiers who can immediately enhance the readiness of the Selected Reserve at minimal cost. while the ultimate size and structure of the RC is uncertain, the planned changes in the AC will substantially alter the flow of trained personnel into the RC. In the short term, AC force reductions will increase the potential supply of those with prior service to the reserves. However, these 'laid off' soldiers might be reluctant to affiliate with a reserve unit because active service was unexpectedly cut short. In addition, most senior personnel departing from the AC are unlikely to join the RC because historically the reserves have had few unfilled positions in the senior ranks. Finally, the recent Desert Storm experience could make reserve service less attractive for personnel who may foresee the potential for future call-ups that might adversely affect their civilian employment or family situation.