Posted on May 22, 2014
Why not build Joint capacity in the Service Reserves and National Guard?
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I have received counseling from several FGOs that Joint experience in the Reserves is useless. I attended/supported a Combined Joint warfare conference this week, and it laid plain many Joint (and Ally/partner nation) concepts.
The thesis of this post is this: Why not build Joint capacity in the Service Reserves and National Guard? The same capabilities exist, and the same potential to conduct Joint operations exists. Why so much resistance to Joint experience for TPUs?
I think there is room to develop this concept (though budget room is probably the biggest contention). The doctrine exists or is being developed to support the active component, but without putting it to use in the Reserves we are missing out on the unique challenges of Reserve units, and the lessons learned from a broader audience.
The thesis of this post is this: Why not build Joint capacity in the Service Reserves and National Guard? The same capabilities exist, and the same potential to conduct Joint operations exists. Why so much resistance to Joint experience for TPUs?
I think there is room to develop this concept (though budget room is probably the biggest contention). The doctrine exists or is being developed to support the active component, but without putting it to use in the Reserves we are missing out on the unique challenges of Reserve units, and the lessons learned from a broader audience.
Posted in these groups: 
Joint Service
Reserves
Joint Service Reserves
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 2
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It already exists. National Guard states used to call their HQ's a STARC (state area command) and now all refer to as JFHQ in order to meet that goal. In addition, many many units already train jointly. The USAR has many WAREX/CSTXs each year and training at those exercises includes participation from many service components (I worked with air guard at CSTX at McCoy last year alone). In addition, the USAR has a presence in every COCOM, Joint Staff, Service HQ, Interagency (like EPLO) and more. Lastly there are exhange programs that many units and NG states have with allies to train regularly, and even include exchange programs.
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1SG Michael Blount
Sir - I've been trying to preach this since forever. Nice to know someone else thinks it a worthy idea.
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LTC (Join to see)
MAJ Rahman, you bring up a great point, and reminded me about joint exercises that my old Sustainment Brigade was involved with. However, we did no joint training leading up to that. Reserve Component units can do, and should be doing, this year-round, and at all levels. Our Force could get so much more out of the major exercises if we conducted joint training during our drill periods.
Is this happening in your observations?
Is this happening in your observations?
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Sir, this is a great concept that needs to happen. Joint capacity will only strengthen both the NG and Reserves capabilities to conduct the missions in war. I see it as no different with AD units when they conduct joint training to sustain efficiency in their skills and performance. The next wars we know will incorporate the NG and Reserves and they remain a vital piece of the equation. If left out like you mentioned, the challenges will be missed.
I'm thinking that the resistance stems because the NG and Reserves are overlooked and maybe undervalued by some people for their combined capabilities; which both can achieve successfully. They proved it in battle and shouldn't need to remind those who are skeptical about joint maneuvers. Many people forget that NG and Reserve units fought just as long in war as AD. They performed the same mission and did joint patrols with AD units too. With the exception of unit patches, you wouldn't know the difference on who executed the mission each day.
The leadership, equipment, logistics, combat & combat support personnel exist in both your components and doctrine needs to accommodate a concept that utilizes NG and Reserve assets more. This joint partnership can be easily done and planned around your schedules. Even two days in the field would provide some training with great planning and coordination.
I hope to see this come into fruition with TPU and AD.
I'm thinking that the resistance stems because the NG and Reserves are overlooked and maybe undervalued by some people for their combined capabilities; which both can achieve successfully. They proved it in battle and shouldn't need to remind those who are skeptical about joint maneuvers. Many people forget that NG and Reserve units fought just as long in war as AD. They performed the same mission and did joint patrols with AD units too. With the exception of unit patches, you wouldn't know the difference on who executed the mission each day.
The leadership, equipment, logistics, combat & combat support personnel exist in both your components and doctrine needs to accommodate a concept that utilizes NG and Reserve assets more. This joint partnership can be easily done and planned around your schedules. Even two days in the field would provide some training with great planning and coordination.
I hope to see this come into fruition with TPU and AD.
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