Domestic and Expeditionary Readiness in the Twenty-First Century: Maintaining an Operationalized Army National Guard.

摘要

In today's financially-constrained environment, the challenges faced by the U.S. Army National Guard and the considerations for its future use are under critical scrutiny as America transitions into the first post-war period of the 21st century. A critical question rests on the minds of America's most senior military leadership as the United States prepares to transition from combat operations in Afghanistan. What role will the Army National Guard play in the National Defense Strategy when the United States is not actively engaged in major combat operations. This monograph provides an analysis of how the decision to change the Army National Guard into an operational force may shape employment opportunities for the Army National Guard in a post-war environment. The Army National Guard formed the basis of America's expeditionary capability until the Congress approved maintaining a standing army following World War II. During the interim period, the Department of Defense classified the Army National Guard as a strategic reserve force. In 2007, the Secretary of Defense issued a directive to change the Army National Guard into an operational force, which effectively incorporated the Army National Guard into the Total Force. This monograph examines the historical context for the establishment of the Army National Guard, and shows how the contemporary operating environment has influenced the integration of the Army National Guard into the Total Force. The methodology includes reviews of Congressional reports and testimony, journal articles, and other published works.