Operational Reservations: Considerations for a Total Army Force

Drawdowns in Army funding and in the overall numbers of Soldiers have called attention to the "right sizing" of the "three Armies"-the Active Component, the Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard. As senior leaders of all three components weigh the various options and discuss the merits of an Operational Reserve, it is important that they and civilian policymakers consider the necessary reforms that might have impact on implementing the Army Total Force Policy directed by the Secretary of the Army. The authors examine the tenets of the Army Total Force Policy, the details of what exactly the term "Operational Reserve" means, and the potential obstacles that are currently in place to disrupt successful reform. The monograph includes questions for senior leader policy considerations, examples of potential concerns, and recommendations to help mitigate obstacles in achieving a suitable and workable Total Army end state.