Risk, Relevance and Arithmetic, Rationals Favoring Reserve Component CombatForces

摘要

Reserve component combat forces can leverage the National Military strategy, ifapplied in the ends, ways and means analysis, in this case, using Risk, Relevance and Arithmetic. Arguments in each area proceed with reserve force readiness issues set aside. Beyond that bias, the methodology of the treatise attempts objectivity, while presenting pro reserve combat force attributes and usage. The paper discusses risk appraisal and how the current National Military Strategy may have erred. Comparisons use a capabilities and a threat based approach. A critique of an assumed risk appraisal process unfolds a possible sliding reinforcer flaw. Relevance criteria applied to the reserve component include the national will as a United States center of gravity. Cultural and technological attributes combine with creative employment methods to explain the inextricable relevance of the reserve components. Several cost analyses round out the Arithmetic portion of the thesis. This analysis uses both macro and micro examples of leverage provided by the reserve components. Total force structure, end strength, unit cost and personnel cost arguments array as simple a comparison as possible. Conclusions speak to cooperation, interdependency and value added between the active and reserve components.