Pros And Cons Of The 39-Day Pre-Commobilization Training Model

The current 39-day pre-mobilization training model is a construct dating back to 1916 when “The Efficiency in the Militia Act of 1903” was amended to increase training periods (half-days) from 24 to 48 and annual training days from 5 to 15 days. To stay proficient in the myriad of tasks and missions, the RC members attend 48 scheduled drills or training periods, equivalent to 4-hour per period for a total of 24 full training days each fiscal year, given that a full day is an 8-hour work day. Furthermore, the law requires the RC members to serve on active duty for no less than 14-15 annual training days, for the USAR and the National Guard respectively, making up for the total training days of the statutory 39-day model.
Based on the current model, the disparity in time and resources between AC and RC operational units is significant and hinders their ability to generate the necessary readiness. When comparing like units, the readiness requirements are the same; however, the RC has significantly less time and resources to accomplish it. The clear disadvantage for the RC in terms of generating the same level of …show more content…
Historically and habitually the RC forces require significant post-mob training to be ready prior to execute global requirements. On average, National Guard BCTs spend about 100 days at the post-mobilization site, leaving less than optimal BOG time. Regardless of how or when readiness is generated, the readiness requirements are the same; it is a matter of shifting the allocated resources from one side of the training spectrum to the other, mathematically speaking, to generate more readiness during pre-mobilization. However, both training spectrums are governed by different funding sources, codes, and statutory laws, making it difficult to re-allocate