Are Reserve soldiers being asked to perform like their Active Duty counterparts?

2018-04-24T08:16:48-04:00

There seems to be a ramp-up to get more officers and enlisted Soldiers to perform more taskings and training to be more effective but, no more training days are being slotted nor Annual Training being expanded either.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2018 9:36 AM

2018-04-24T09:36:03-04:00

This is the delicate balance to being a reservist. While we should be trained to the same level as our active counterparts, that’s not always feasible. However, we claim to be a Ready Force that can deploy if needed, so we need to do everything we can to stay current on all aspects of our jobs when it comes time for us to relieve someone overseas.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Apr 24 at 2018 11:12 AM

2018-04-24T11:12:17-04:00

We have a similar issue on the Air Force side. Our doctrine dictates that we have to meet the same standards as the active duty side. However, our funding doesn’t support requirements. Back in the day, we had GWOT funds to cover the excess requirements. Nowadays, the requirements are still the same, but the funding is gone.

I am guessing it’s a DOD wide issue.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2018 1:56 PM

2018-04-24T13:56:15-04:00

There is a current push by both Big Army and USAR to become a little more risk adverse by allowing Commanders accept the risk and by having discretion to forgo "mandatory training" that does not improve combat readiness. Some of the trainings I have already seen pushed by my Commander is TRiPs, Combatting Trafficking in Persons, and media awareness training. This is a small step towards lessening the burden of the Army Reserves.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Apr 24 at 2018 2:09 PM

2018-04-24T14:09:06-04:00

The reserved signed up to complete the mission that they are tasked with. Like it or not, they must perform what they are told to do within the boundaries of regulation and UCMJ; if what they are being told to do is within those realms than I don't think that they have any room to complain. You signed up; just be glad that you are not in the field for months at a time multiple times a year like those pesky active duty guys.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2018 2:48 PM

2018-04-24T14:48:58-04:00

It sounds nice but it isn't reality. But that really isn't the purpose of the National Guard and Reserves. We are a force that can be brought up to speed (training-wise) in a short amount of time. A LOT shorter than recruiting brand new people. So while we try to stay up on everything as best we can, we'll never maintain that level without being activated.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Apr 24 at 2018 3:06 PM

2018-04-24T15:06:43-04:00

As others have said you have hit on one of the problems. I will say having been deployed twice as an Army Reservist as part of a Hospital Unit that some of the soldiesr I deployed with including Nurses and Doctors have certain medical expertise that was not often found in their Active Duty counterparts. I hope no one takes this as a criticism as I have served in all three components (Active, Guard and Reserves) and they all have there unique pluses and minuses.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 24 at 2018 5:17 PM

2018-04-24T17:17:13-04:00

Yes- you have to remember since the GF1, some 70% of all Army support units will sent to the USAR/NG. XVIII has only 1 H2O purification unit- that covers little over 1 DIV, Corps has 3 DIV + attachments. Same for Trans units, log units etc. That is why there are over 24K USAR on fulltime duty now, and my state has 1200 NG on orders.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2018 11:37 PM

2018-04-24T23:37:03-04:00

In my units case, yes. We've done several EXEVALs at the Company level, 1 LFX, plus all of the required Administrative Tasks and Inspections, before all of that we were doing FTXs focusing on Individual, Team, Squad and Platoon level tasks progressively. We have not gotten additional drill days, I've just had to shift our schedule to be 3-4 days going 16-18 hours a day. Which all of this is breaking folks who are used to the Old Guard. As a Leader it's exciting because there is an increased focus on training, but as a Troop it's tough. Best advice is make sure Leadership shares the vision, conducts Resiliency Training regularly, and reward your unit with MWR days when they've earned it.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Apr 25 at 2018 12:28 AM

2018-04-25T00:28:22-04:00

Excellent observation Specialist - you are wise beyond your years. Consider it evidence that Reserve Component Soldiers are just as good as Active Duty Soldiers. I hope you become a Sergeant Major someday.