wmartin@STL-06SIMA.ARMY.MIL (Will Martin) (08/22/90)
From: Will Martin <wmartin@STL-06SIMA.ARMY.MIL>
Just what are the mechanics and procedures for a call-up of Reserves in
the US? Is Presidential authority required for any such actions, or can
the services do it on their own as they see fit, or is there some
lead-time notification of Congressional oversight committees required,
or what? Does this vary with the extent of the call-up, and can such a
call-up be as limited or as general as the services wish, or do they
have to comply with restrictions? That is, can a single individual, or
a small group, be called up, or does an entire unit have to be called up
at once? If the latter, how small or big is a "unit"?
I would think that there would be many similar units in the Reserves
scattered throughout the states. How is it decided which particular
unit(s) are called up? Are they all ranked by readiness and equipment
availability, so the ones at the top of the list are called first, or
is it just a political issue? ("Ohio voted Democrat in the last
Presidential election, so call up all the Ohio units first." or
something like that? :-)
Are given Reserve units "affiliated" with specific Regular Army units,
so that they will always be called upon to serve with the same force
(sort of like a baseball team's "farm clubs" maybe), or are they just
a general resource pool and don't know what command they'll be assigned
to when they are called up? Or do the Reserves form their own
organizations from the bottom to the top, so that they become a
completely-Reserve fighting/serving unit?
Does this vary between services, or do the Army, USAF, USN, and USMC
Reserves all function the same way? If not, who does what differently?
Regards, Will
wmartin@st-louis-emh2.army.mil OR wmartin@stl-06sima.army.mil
*** "Fire and Forget" means never having to say you're sorry... ***cga66@ihlpy.att.com (Patrick V Kauffold) (08/24/90)
From: cga66@ihlpy.att.com (Patrick V Kauffold) > From: Will Martin <wmartin@STL-06SIMA.ARMY.MIL> > Just what are the mechanics and procedures for a call-up of Reserves in > the US? (stuff deleted) The President issues an executive order, subject to a bunch of Congressional limitations (War Powers act plus others). Then DOD starts issuing orders. Every Reservist has a pre-designated mobilization billet (job); in fact, he/she carries the instructions on a card. This billet may be with the organic reserve unit itself, or it may be to some other location/unit. Exotic rates/MOSs tend to be assigned this way, say, to communications stations, C2 Teams. Some units (ANG) have activated individuals on a voluntary basis (before executive order). Now the DOD can simply pick and choose, taking what units it wants, at whatever strength it wants, and whatever individuals it may need to fill critically short jobs. For example, the Navy may be critically short of some seagoing engineering ratings, so they may strip Reserve units to plug holes in wartime manning requirements (peacetime active units are at about 2/3 to 3/4 wartime compliment). Some Reserve units have assignments to active organizations; Navy Reserve Air Squadrons for example. The Reserves are far more integrated into the active force components than they were 15 years ago. I think it is safe to say that the DOD is going to do most of this on an ad-hoc basis as they figure out what they need, and where. It is axiomatic that the first casualty of any war is the plans. Yes, there is a lot of politics involved. Most of it is inter-service, with the various services making sure that they aren't left out. "Careerism" has an unfortunate influence in this regard, putting narrow interests ahead of what should be the primary concern - the mission and the welfare of the troops.
gt0818a@gatech.edu (Paul E. Robichaux) (08/28/90)
From: gatech!prism!gt0818a@gatech.edu (Paul E. Robichaux) In article <1990Aug22.025527.16670@cbnews.att.com> wmartin@STL-06SIMA.ARMY.MIL (Will Martin) writes: > > >From: Will Martin <wmartin@STL-06SIMA.ARMY.MIL> >Just what are the mechanics and procedures for a call-up of Reserves in >the US? Is Presidential authority required for any such actions, or can >the services do it on their own as they see fit, or is there some >lead-time notification of Congressional oversight committees required, >or what? Does this vary with the extent of the call-up, and can such a >call-up be as limited or as general as the services wish, or do they >have to comply with restrictions? That is, can a single individual, or >a small group, be called up, or does an entire unit have to be called up >at once? If the latter, how small or big is a "unit"? > To call up an entire unit, Presidential authorization is required. The President can activate up to 200k reserve troops for up to 180 days without Congressional permission. Calling up individuals and small groups is generally at the services' discretion; for example, MAG-49 here in Atlanta activated its reserve operations officer "just in case." >I would think that there would be many similar units in the Reserves >scattered throughout the states. How is it decided which particular >unit(s) are called up? Are they all ranked by readiness and equipment >availability, so the ones at the top of the list are called first, or >is it just a political issue? ("Ohio voted Democrat in the last >Presidential election, so call up all the Ohio units first." or >something like that? :-) I only have first-hand knowledge of Marine Reserve procedures. In our case, we undergo periodic mobilization tests. Presumably, the "best" units will be called. Then again, the USMCR has many fewer reserve units than the Army or Air Force, and our reserves aren't affiliated with particular commands. US Army Reserves and Army National Guard units "belong" with specific active-duty units; in fact, the active-duty units *REQUIRE* their reserve components to be at full strength. This accounts for the proportionate shares of reserves to be called, with the Army in the lead. Also, my understanding is that many of the Army's depot- and higher-echelon maintenance/transport/support units are reserves; this would also explain why they're being called. > >Regards, Will >wmartin@st-louis-emh2.army.mil OR wmartin@stl-06sima.army.mil >*** "Fire and Forget" means never having to say you're sorry... *** -- Paul E. Robichaux | "Talk about the cutting edge of high BEST: gt0818a@prism.gatech.edu | technology all you like, but remember, OK: ...!gatech!prism!gt0818a | someone's got to hold the knife." Of course I don't speak for Tech. | -Tom Maddox
cashman@acsu.buffalo.edu (geoffrey a cashman) (08/28/90)
From: cashman@acsu.buffalo.edu (geoffrey a cashman) (I am currently a United States Navy Reservist and have been such for the last six years. I am an enlisted member attached to a unit known as ACU-2 (assault craft unit 2) stationed in Buffalo, NY. I don't know everything there is to know about Reserves, but I do feel somewhat qualified to respond to this post... . . .) In article <1990Aug22.025527.16670@cbnews.att.com> wmartin@STL-06SIMA.ARMY.MIL (Will Martin) writes: >Just what are the mechanics and procedures for a call-up of Reserves in >the US? Is Presidential authority required for any such actions, or can >the services do it on their own as they see fit, or is there some >lead-time notification of Congressional oversight committees required, >or what? The President has the authority to call up Reserve and National Guard personel without congressional approval. S/he may call individuals for 90 days of service, which can be extended another 90 with his/her approval. >Does this vary with the extent of the call-up, and can such a >call-up be as limited or as general as the services wish, or do they >have to comply with restrictions? That is, can a single individual, or >a small group, be called up, or does an entire unit have to be called up >at once? If the latter, how small or big is a "unit"? Both cases are true. Specific individuals in units may be called up, or entire units may be called up. Generally speaking, it's usually units that are called up. "Unit" is a *very* broad term. I've seen it represent anywhere from ten to over a hundred people. I imagine that this number is far greater in Army/Marine reserves. >I would think that there would be many similar units in the Reserves >scattered throughout the states. How is it decided which particular >unit(s) are called up? Are they all ranked by readiness and equipment >availability, so the ones at the top of the list are called first, or >is it just a political issue? ("Ohio voted Democrat in the last >Presidential election, so call up all the Ohio units first." or >something like that? :-) Units in the Naval Reserve are ranked according to readiness. Individual members are ranked on what is known as an "IRAD" scale. If you are a "10" you are fully prepared to be called up. Seven or higher is acceptable. Units are ranked based on members IRADs and other factors. Obviously, if a unit is below satisfactory, it is less likely to be called up. However, the main factor in the decision (keep in mind, I am an enlisted member, not an officer...I am not privy to all the aspects of this decision) is what needs the Pentagon feels it needs to fill. If it feels that it needs additional assault craft personel, then it would probably call up my unit. Not because it is necessarily 100% ready to go, but because it is trained to handle the job. Politics in the issue do not come in to play so far as I am aware. (If they did, I would be disgusted) >Are given Reserve units "affiliated" with specific Regular Army units, >so that they will always be called upon to serve with the same force >(sort of like a baseball team's "farm clubs" maybe), or are they just >a general resource pool and don't know what command they'll be assigned >to when they are called up? Or do the Reserves form their own >organizations from the bottom to the top, so that they become a >completely-Reserve fighting/serving unit? > >Does this vary between services, or do the Army, USAF, USN, and USMC >Reserves all function the same way? If not, who does what differently? I can not comment on any other than Naval Reserves. However, in the Naval Reserves, specific units almost always have "gaining commands" which is essentially the active duty portion of the unit in question. I was formerly assigned to NR DD-977 USS Briscoe unit. Were I called up, I would have (ostensibly) gone to the USS Briscoe, for which I was specifically trained. The same holds true for the unit I am now in, ACU-2. Were I called up I would probably be part of the crew that would take our LCU (Landing Craft Utility) 1680 from Buffalo out to the Atlantic to be picked up by a ship. We would join with the active duty portion of ACU-2 (which is already on it's way over there). There are *some* units (very few that I am aware of) in the Naval Reserves which do not have a corresponding "gaining command" and are fully capable units in and of themselves. There is no "Naval National Guard". However, New York has what is known as the "New York Naval Militia" which you can be a member of if you are in the Naval Reserves. Reserve duty however, takes precedence over Militia needs. -- - Geoff Cashman cashman@acsu.buffalo.edu
rab%rosemary.Berkeley.EDU@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU (Robert A. Bruce) (08/28/90)
From: rab%rosemary.Berkeley.EDU@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU (Robert A. Bruce) > Just what are the mechanics and procedures for a call-up of Reserves in > the US? Is Presidential authority required for any such actions, or can > the services do it on their own as they see fit, or is there some > lead-time notification of Congressional oversight committees required, > or what? The president can mobilize a limited number of reservists (I think it is 100000) for a limited period (I think it is 90 days). After that he needs congressional approval. > That is, can a single individual, or a small group, be called up, or > does an entire unit have to be called up at once? Single individuals, or small units may be mobilized. When the 7th MEB left for the MidEast, they were short on personnel for their TOW Company. A friend of mine with a lot of TOW experience volunteered to go. He was moblilized, and is now in Saudi Arabia. > I would think that there would be many similar units in the Reserves > scattered throughout the states. How is it decided which particular > unit(s) are called up? Are they all ranked by readiness and equipment > availability, so the ones at the top of the list are called first, or > is it just a political issue? ("Ohio voted Democrat in the last > Presidential election, so call up all the Ohio units first." or > something like that? :-) Although units are similar, they often have special training or capabilities. In the Marine Corps Reserve, the 25th Marines (Northeastern U.S.) specialize in cold weather operations and send units to Norway every winter. The 23rd Marines (Western U.S.) specialize in low intensity (i.e. guerrilla) warfare. Nearly all Marines recieve desert training during the combined arms exercises at 29 Palms. Each company is given a combat readiness test and a mobilization test about once every two years. I imagine that they will take these test results into account when they decide which units to mobilize. > Are given Reserve units "affiliated" with specific Regular Army units, > so that they will always be called upon to serve with the same force > (sort of like a baseball team's "farm clubs" maybe), or are they just > a general resource pool and don't know what command they'll be assigned > to when they are called up? Or do the Reserves form their own > organizations from the bottom to the top, so that they become a > completely-Reserve fighting/serving unit? The way it works in the Marines, is that the reserves have their own organizations, all the way up to division and wing headquarters. But in addition we are affiliated with active duty units. My unit (Company E, 2nd Bn, 23rd Marines, San Bruno, California) is affiliated with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, Camp Pendelton, California. We trained with them each summer for the last several years. This gives the politicians maximum flexibility. They can either mobilize large reserve units to operate independently, or they can mobilize smaller units and use them to reinforce active duty units. We are prepared for either. 5th Marines has already gone to Saudi Arabia, so if we are mobilized now, it looks like we will stay in our own organizations rather than being attached to our affiliated active duty units. If anyone has any more questions about the Marine Corps Reserve, I will try to answer them. Especially if you are healthy, between the ages of 18 and 29, and live in Northern California. :-) -bob
carlson@gateway (Bruce Carlson) (08/28/90)
From: carlson@gateway (Bruce Carlson) In article <1990Aug22.025527.16670@cbnews.att.com> wmartin@STL-06SIMA.ARMY.MIL (Will Martin) writes: > > >Just what are the mechanics and procedures for a call-up of Reserves in >the US? I think the specific mechanisms may vary from service to service; my comments apply to the Army callup. Reserve units are in two categories: Army National Guard - Nearly all combat units are in the National Guard; for example 29th Infantry Division (light), the roundout brigade of the 24th Inf Division at Ft Stewart, etc. These units may be standalone, but many are affiliated with and train with an active duty unit. Most of the time they are called up in battalion or, more likely, brigade sized units. Army Reserve - Most AR units are combat support or combat service support. They include communications, supply, transport and other units. Units train for 2 days a month and two weeks annual training. Since many of the personnel have specialized skills they may be called up individually, in small sized units, or in large sized units, depending on what the Army needs. Army Reserve also has Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMAs) that are not part of a reserve unit. These people are assigned to active duty units and are called-up to augment their staff. IMAs train for 2 weeks a year with their active unit and may train monthly if funding is available. There are also many people in the Individual Ready Reserve. They are inactive, but still on the Army rolls. They are subject to callup but are not in a unit or an IMA position. They show up once a year at a recruiting office to demonstrate that they are alive and more or less available. The exact order for callup depends on requirements and the influence of the organizations that need Reserve support. It costs money to call up reserves and everything has to be prioritized. Its political in the sense that more important and influential active duty commanders may get support sooner, but I don't think anyone cares which state the units come from. If a reserve unit is well known to the active duty commander and he trusts their performance they may get called up sooner; or if the reserve unit has special skills they will get called up first. Back in the (recent) days of the Panama invasion it was interesting to see what reserve specialties were in demand. They needed power plant operators, people experienced in running city water systems, people who knew how to run city sanitation systems, etc. Reservists were used to get the local systems back up and running at a near-normal level. Bruce Carlson
terryr@ogicse.ogi.edu (Terry Rooker) (08/28/90)
From: terryr@ogicse.ogi.edu (Terry Rooker) In article <1990Aug24.034354.1385@cbnews.att.com> cga66@ihlpy.att.com (Patrick V Kauffold) writes: >Then DOD starts issuing orders. Every Reservist has a pre-designated >mobilization billet (job); in fact, he/she carries the instructions >on a card. This billet may be with the organic reserve unit itself, >or it may be to some other location/unit. Exotic rates/MOSs tend to >be assigned this way, say, to communications stations, C2 Teams. This is true of the Selected Reserve (drilling reservists). There is also something called the Individual Ready Reserve. These people do not drill, and do not receive money. They are simply available to fill holes. The IRR are generally not assigned to specific mobilization billets. The length of time to notifiy them, plus the fact that they haven't been drilling (nobody then knows what their skill levels are) means they will take longer to mobilize. I guess the assumption is that they will simply fill holes after the main mobilization. >Some units (ANG) have activated individuals on a voluntary basis >(before executive order). Now the DOD can simply pick and choose, >taking what units it wants, at whatever strength it wants, and >whatever individuals it may need to fill critically short jobs. >For example, the Navy may be critically short of some seagoing >engineering ratings, so they may strip Reserve units to plug holes >in wartime manning requirements (peacetime active units are at about >2/3 to 3/4 wartime compliment). > Actually the Navy system doesn't work quite this way. Each command has a wartime manning document. Some of these billets are not manned in peacetime. The remainder can be filled 2 ways. There are reserve detachments assigned to each ship. These people train when possible aboard the assigned ship. The remaining billets will be filled by other bodies in the reserve mobilization. The Navy does not like to pull people out of one reseve billet to fill another slot, because that simply leaves another hole in the mobilization tables. Where possible entire units or detachments are recalled to active duty. The Navy also has Naval Reserve Force (NRF) units which are somewhat unique (although I believe the ANG does something similar). These are reserve units with equipement. They are usually functions the Navy wants to keep, but doesn't want to spend a lot of money retaining (i.e. mine warfare, riverine/coastal warfare, control of shipping.(ie. convoys), etc.). These units are manned 30-70% active duty. The remainder are SELRES. If the function of the unit is deemed unappropriate to the reason for mobilization (such as riverine/inshore warfare in the Persian Gulf), then the NRF personnel, active and SELRES, are available to fill any mobilization holes. -- Terry Rooker terryr@cse.ogi.edu