POSITION PAPER
ON
TOTAL FORCE
1. The total force structure of the regular Air Force, Air National Guard (ANG), Air Reserve component (ARC), and government civilians should continue working towards one common goal. Although each force is unique in its mission, upholding the same values will provide for better unity. However, it could cost the American people more money to sustain those efforts over time. Moreover, as a total force, Airmen would have an advantage by being more prepared and ready to fight as one.
2. Upholding the same values and standards under one total force provides for better unity. Total force is defined as “the U.S. Air Force organizations, units, and individuals that provide the capabilities to support the Department …show more content…
While the Air Force integration of the total force concept fosters a greater sense of unity, it also introduces new costs. Two barriers of adequate integration are the lack of coordinated total force budgeting and coordinated training and military education.3 While maintaining the equipment, training, and people to be prepared all the time, its sustainability may negatively impact the total force concept. Each person in the ANG and ARC would be expected to operate at the same level as their active duty counterparts. However, allowing each component to operate on their own, would allow for more flexibility to put money towards the active duty side. Over time, this could separate the different components within the total force, which would oppose the total force concept.
4. Maintaining the unique relationship of the active duty and reserve components under one force concept can help maintain standards across the board. Brig. Gen. Randall Ogden, director for the Reserve’s plans, programs and requirements said, “If we got rid of the Air Force Reserve Command, these functions would need to be spread out…disestablishing this would not save money, but probably decentralize and potentially cost more money."4 In addition, if all the components are focused on a common goal, the people will be more prepared and ready to fight as …show more content…
In conclusion, the total Air Force structure including regular Air Force, ANG, and the ARC should continue working towards one common goal. Although, each force is unique in its mission, upholding the same values will provide for better unity. However, it could cost the American people more time and money to sustain those efforts. Moreover, as a total force, Airmen would be at an advantage being more prepared and ready to fight as one.
End Notes 1. Curtis E. Lemay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, “The Total Force,” in Volume II, Leadership, 8 Aug 2015, https://doctrine.af.mil/download.jsp?filename=V2-D04-Total-Force.pdf. 2. Michael D. Doubler and Vance Renfroe, “The National Guard and The Total Force Policy,” http://www.minutemaninstitute.org/publications/National%20Guard%20and%20Total%20Force.pdf. 3. The National Academies Press, “Technology-Based Pilot Programs: Improving Future U.S. Military Reserve Forces,” 1999, https://www.nap.edu/read/9675/chapter/4#16. 4. Aaron Mehta, “Total Force Reports In, USAF Eyes Next Steps,” 4 March 2015,
ON
TOTAL FORCE
1. The total force structure of the regular Air Force, Air National Guard (ANG), Air Reserve component (ARC), and government civilians should continue working towards one common goal. Although each force is unique in its mission, upholding the same values will provide for better unity. However, it could cost the American people more money to sustain those efforts over time. Moreover, as a total force, Airmen would have an advantage by being more prepared and ready to fight as one.
2. Upholding the same values and standards under one total force provides for better unity. Total force is defined as “the U.S. Air Force organizations, units, and individuals that provide the capabilities to support the Department …show more content…
While the Air Force integration of the total force concept fosters a greater sense of unity, it also introduces new costs. Two barriers of adequate integration are the lack of coordinated total force budgeting and coordinated training and military education.3 While maintaining the equipment, training, and people to be prepared all the time, its sustainability may negatively impact the total force concept. Each person in the ANG and ARC would be expected to operate at the same level as their active duty counterparts. However, allowing each component to operate on their own, would allow for more flexibility to put money towards the active duty side. Over time, this could separate the different components within the total force, which would oppose the total force concept.
4. Maintaining the unique relationship of the active duty and reserve components under one force concept can help maintain standards across the board. Brig. Gen. Randall Ogden, director for the Reserve’s plans, programs and requirements said, “If we got rid of the Air Force Reserve Command, these functions would need to be spread out…disestablishing this would not save money, but probably decentralize and potentially cost more money."4 In addition, if all the components are focused on a common goal, the people will be more prepared and ready to fight as …show more content…
In conclusion, the total Air Force structure including regular Air Force, ANG, and the ARC should continue working towards one common goal. Although, each force is unique in its mission, upholding the same values will provide for better unity. However, it could cost the American people more time and money to sustain those efforts. Moreover, as a total force, Airmen would be at an advantage being more prepared and ready to fight as one.
End Notes 1. Curtis E. Lemay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, “The Total Force,” in Volume II, Leadership, 8 Aug 2015, https://doctrine.af.mil/download.jsp?filename=V2-D04-Total-Force.pdf. 2. Michael D. Doubler and Vance Renfroe, “The National Guard and The Total Force Policy,” http://www.minutemaninstitute.org/publications/National%20Guard%20and%20Total%20Force.pdf. 3. The National Academies Press, “Technology-Based Pilot Programs: Improving Future U.S. Military Reserve Forces,” 1999, https://www.nap.edu/read/9675/chapter/4#16. 4. Aaron Mehta, “Total Force Reports In, USAF Eyes Next Steps,” 4 March 2015,