Active Component/Reserve Component Integration: A Slow Reality

摘要

Today's global security environment has caused America's military to make many adjustments and changes. It has caused us to relook our National Defense Strategy and devise a methodology commensurate with today's threat. The Army in particular is undergoing a complete overhaul. They are taking advantage of this peacetime era to renovate our components, the Active Army, Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. After 29 years, this renovation is slowly taking shape through a total integration program initiated as a result of the Total Force policy issued by Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, in August 1970. This policy specifically identifies the Reserve Components as the principle augmentation of active forces in emergencies. It was designed to offset reductions in the defense budget and to increase reliance on the Reserve Component forces. The policy directed consideration of the Total Force, Active and Reserve in planning, programming, manning, equipping and employing Guard and Reserve Forces.