A Change in Force

Over the last four years, it has become evident that our military is not the force needed for the missions at hand. With the new War on Terror, it is now necessary to call up the nation's reserve forces for active duty. Prior to September 11th, the basic mentality of Reservists was "one weekend a month, two weeks a year." (And to quote the Simpsons, "and most of the time, you're drunk.") After reviewing the reserve mentality and preparedness carried over from the peace-time era prior to 9/11, I now believe our reserve forces need more training and cohesion.

Thanks to military heads, the recruitment and retention focus has changed. What once centered on giving kids college money and a quick bonus, now looks for the recruit high in patriotism and willing to serve in a combat zone. The organization of the reserves (I can only speak of the Army) has changed as well. Now, all reservists know that they will most likely be called to active duty to serve, whether in support of the War on Terror or in the war itself. As of FY06, Army reservists spend more time in the field and much of the training is geared toward the possibilities of combat instead of previous training that was focused on maintaining the unit and making sure everyone takes part in "busy work."

My main point is that the Reserves have gradually changed for the better in the nation's new fight against terrorism. However, there is more change needed. One weekend a month, two weeks a year may not be enough to ensure unit cohesion, leadership orientation, and combat readiness. I feel that although it may result in a recruitment loss, a complete reformation in the reserve structure may help boost the three areas mentioned. A few answers to the question of "how do we accomplish this?" may be more than the typical one weekend a month, two weeks a year. One month in the summer, training with an active duty unit and at least half of all Battle Assemblies (a change in rhetoric from "drill weekend") conducted in the field with concentration on combat and combat missions.

Another change must be undertaken by the NCO's (small-unit leaders) of the reserve units. Maintaining communication with soldiers outside of the Battle Assembly is more important than one can imagine. It not only boosts unit morale, but lets the soldiers know that someone is there for them if called to active duty. This communication also results in keeping good, well-trained soldiers in. It is a duty of the higher-ups and the leaders of the smaller units to take into their hands this humble responsibility of changing the reserves to fit the new War on Terror. Without the leadership, soldiers are hopeless.