Forward Deployed, Separate Brigades as Roundout Units for Partial Divisions

摘要

Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm pointed out some significant shortcomings inthe ability of some of our Reserve forces to mobilize and deploy quickly in time of national emergency. Three National Guard roundout brigades were mobilized for deployment to Southwest Asia during the crisis and none was ever able to deploy. As a result, the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized), the 1st Cavalry Division and the 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized) all had to be filled out with other active Army brigades prior to their deployments. This paper examines the feasibility, as well as the desirability, of utilizing separate, forward deployed brigades as roundout units for the early deploying divisions as an alternative to the National Guard roundout brigades. In addition to improvement in response times, the paper looks at other potential benefits gained with the concept, such as increased forward presence around the world, better training opportunities, and strategic deterrence in potentially unstable areas.