Is 85% Duty Military Occupational Specialty Qualification (DMOSQ) Achievable for the Army Reserve Component by 2005?

Abstract

Abstract : One of the resultant affects of the downsizing of the Active Component (AC) following the Cold War was the Army Reserve becoming the primary combat service support (CSS) provider for the total Army. With 54% of the CSS force structure and equipment located in the Reserve Component (RC), there has logically been a steady increase in the need and reliance on RC capabilities. This has been particularly evident in the last decade because of the military's expanded role in support of peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions, resulting in a significant increase in the operations tempo of both the AC and RC. With increased reliance on the RC has come the need to assure RC readiness. This paper will explore one essential component of readiness with implications for RC relevance and reliability for warfighter planning and execution - the Duty Military Occupational Specialty Qualification (DMOSQ) of the force. Without fully qualified reserve soldiers, confidence of warfight planners that the RC can be called upon to successfully perform their missions will be eroded. As a means of underscoring the necessity for ready, trained RC soldiers, the former Chief of Staff of the Army, General Reimer, and successive Army Chiefs mandated the RC reach and sustain 85% Duty Military Occupational Specialty Qualification (DMOSQ) by fiscal year 2005. This paper examines the feasibility of the RC reaching 85% DMOSQ by 2005 through an analysis of DMOSQ trends and the issues that affect soldiers' DMOSQ status. Finally, the paper explores proposed recommendations to reach the desired 85% DMOSQ goal.