Options for Improving Strategic Utilization of the Air Reserve Component for Sustained Active-duty Missions

Since the mid-twentieth century, the U.S. military's reserve components have shifted from primarily a strategic force to today's operational force composed of both part-time and full-time members. The aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001, led to an increase in the demand for U.S. military forces to project U.S. power around the globe and to the emergence of the reserve components as an operational force. However, there is inherent tension and contradiction in the operational force construct, for it insists on having reserve components-which are, by definition, a part-time force to be held in "reserve"-that are also ready for conflict at any time. The authors analyze how statutes, personnel policies, and resource policies constrain how Air Reserve Component (ARC) personnel are utilized to perform frequent or long-term active component operational requirements; suggest potential changes that would make accessing the ARC more efficient; and suggest specific strategic solutions for an operational ARC. The researchers used a mixed methodology consisting of focused legal and policy reviews, informational discussions with senior U.S. Air Force leaders, and an analysis of U.S. Air Force personnel data.