ARNG in Support of the National Security and Military Strategies is the ARNG Force Structured to be Effective and Efficient?

Abstract

Abstract : This paper will examine the largest reserve component of the Army (the Army National Guard) and pose two questions. First, is the Army National Guard (ARNG) structured to effectively support the National Security Strategy (NSS) and National Military Strategy (NMS) in the future? The answer to that question is no. The ARNG does not have the right force structure to effectively support the objectives of the national security and military strategies, especially if an increased number of smaller and long-term contingencies continue at home and abroad. The employment of the ARNG in its current structure does not lend itself to fostering the will of the people, the politicians, and the retention of ARNG soldiers, which are still important to this nation's resolve and ability to stay the course in pursuit of its national strategies. Secondly, if the ARNG structure is not right, then how should it change? What should be the primary roles and missions of the ARNG? This paper reviews two options for an ARNG force structure change: Homeland Security and full spectrum capable force. Lastly, recommendations are made as to how ARNG structure should be adjusted based on the recommended primary role for the ARNG. Chapters address the following issues: current total army force structure; national security and national military strategies; operational environment and ARNG force usage highlights; analysis of the will of the people; potential ARNG retention issues; impact of stop loss policy on retention; impact of stress on the reserves due to their high mobilization rate; two primary options for force structure rebalancing: homeland security or full spectrum capable force; and force structure recommendations to support a full spectrum capable force. (23 refs.)