Accessing the Army National Guard to Support National Military Contingencies: Viable Legal Parameters or Limitations to Post Cold War Requirements

摘要

The international events of the last eight years have declared the United States the winner of the Cold War and the lone remaining superpower. As in previous post conflict periods, the American people have placed increasing emphasis on domestic programs and reduced emphasis on National Security needs. Today, this situation poses a significant dilemma for the U.S. military, as forces are pared down and operational requirements continue to increase. Domestic pressure to control government discretionary spending is particularly acute as domestic entitlement spending continues to increase. This pressure on the Defense Department budget will continue to force reductions in defense spending, while the geostrategic environment requires increased U.S. military involvement to meet defined National Security objectives. This resource reduction for the U.S. Army has translated into 35 percent fewer forces, 38 percent less funding, and a 300 percent greater mission increase from 1988 to 1996. This situation and the American people require the Defense Department to become more efficient in it's approach to the development and employment of military forces. This approach will require utilization of all forces in the most efficient and complementary fashion possible. A key part of this force that has not traditionally been integrated to meet operational requirements is the Army National Guard (ARNG). During the Cold War, the ARNG focused on mobilization training to meet Warsaw Pact and domestic needs. The ARNG can provide compensating leverage to relieve resource pressure and the intense Active force operational employment rate, while gaining beneficial training and experience. This paper analyzes the statutes that define the 'accessibility' of the ARNG, and determines if the statutes provide adequate access to ARNG units and members to meet the national security needs of the United States in the post-Cold War era.