Training Readiness in the Army Reserve Components

Abstract : This report documents research on the training readiness of high-priority Army Reserve Component (RC) units that participated in the Army's training enhancement pilot program, "Bold Shift," in 1992. The authors seek to understand the training achievements and shortfalls that were experienced, to identify key factors underlying training readiness, and to suggest potential improvements. The initial implementation of Bold Shift was very successful in many ways. The main features of the program -- training to achieve more realistic pre-mobilization goals, new concepts for field training, and closer ties between the active and reserve components -- seemed to be moving in the right direction and well worth continuing. A large majority of unit members who were surveyed regarded Bold Shift as effective in improving the readiness of their unit for its wartime mission. The vast majority felt that the program should be continued, and, with only slightly less unanimity, believed that the program should be expanded to other RC units. While successful in concept and features, the program has not been able to bring most units to their pre-mobilization training and readiness goals. Results suggest that the pre-mobilization goals for Combat Support and Combat Service Support units may be attainable if continued improvements can be made. For combat units, the results appear less optimistic. In all cases, personnel readiness -- having sufficient trained and deployable personnel -- is a challenge. The report summarizes these and other issues under five major areas: unit training, annual training, personnel readiness, leader training, and monthly drill training. (52 tables, 56 refs.)