Reserve Component Overseas Deployment Training: A Key Instrument within the Elements of Power.

摘要

Deployment of Reserve Component (RC) assets to execute overseas missions has played a major role in United States projections of national interests through the military element of power. The specific focus of this paper is to analyze the capability and effectiveness of humanitarian/civic action (HCA) and engineering deployments to United States Southern Command. Categorical examination will include: (1) general background and/or history of the elements of power and RC overseas training; (2) U.S. Latin American policy; (3) HCA perspectives and evolution of RC involvement; (4) intent and objectives of the RC Overseas Deployment Training (ODT) program; (5) roles, concepts and funding overview; (6) assessments and results--RC ODT; (7) conclusion and recommendations. Within the framework above, the author's thesis is to increase use of RC military capabilities using combat support and combat service support (CS/CSS) assets. Additionally, this paper addresses the idea that use of the RC CS/CSS rich environment in the HCA roles has had only minimum impact on its potential. The current world order circumstances seem to dictate increased and broader use of the most experienced army units available--RC CS/CSS units. (sdw)