Heritage Foundation Leadership for America

Today's Reserve Component has become an "Active Reserve."  Unlike during the Cold War, today's Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and Coast Guard Reserves and the National Guard are operational forces that conduct missions at home and around the world during war-time and peacetime.  For example, from September 11, 2001, to the end of 2003, over 319,000 citizen soldiers – 27 percent of the Reserve Components – performed active duty.  Reservists have proven themselves an effective means of rapidly expanding military capacity to meet changing national security requirements. 

As the entire active and reserve Army is transforming as well as growing while maintaining a high operations tempo, the U.S. Army Reserve must continue meeting its recruiting and retention goals to stay fully manned, train and equip its forces, and be prepared to participate in domestic homeland defense missions.”