US general warns Army Reserve is being 'broken'

By Will Dunham, Reuters | January 5, 2005

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Army Reserve, tapped heavily to provide soldiers for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is "degenerating into a 'broken' force" due to dysfunctional military policies, the Army Reserve's chief said in a memo made public Wednesday.

"I do not wish to sound alarmist. I do wish to send a clear, distinctive signal of deepening concern," Lt. Gen. James Helmly said in a Dec. 20 memo to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker.

The Army Reserve is a force of 200,000 part-time soldiers who opted not to sign up for the active-duty Army but can be mobilized from their civilian lives in times of national need. About 52,000 Army Reserve soldiers are on active duty, with 17,000 in Iraq and 2,000 in Afghanistan, the Army said.

The Army Reserve has provided many military police, civil affairs soldiers, medics and truck drivers for the wars.

"While ability to meet the current demands associated with OIF (Operational Iraqi Freedom) and OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan) is of great importance, the Army Reserve is additionally in grave danger of being unable to meet other operational requirements including those in named OPLANS (operational plans) and CONUS (continental United States) emergencies, and is rapidly degenerating into a 'broken' force," Helmly wrote.

Helmly said military leaders had rebuffed his proposals for change. The memo's purpose was to inform Schoomaker of the Army Reserve's "inability -- under current policies, procedures and practices governing mobilization, training and reserve component manpower management -- to meet mission requirements" for the two wars, Helmly wrote.

'DYSFUNCTIONAL PRACTICES'

In his eight-page memo, first disclosed by the Baltimore Sun, Helmly titled one section "US Army Reserve Readiness Discussion, Past Dysfunctional Practices/Policies."

The Pentagon, maintaining higher-than-expected troop levels after failing to anticipate that a bloody guerrilla war would follow Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's ouster in 2003, has relied heavily on Army Reserve and Army National Guard soldiers. These part-time troops comprise about 40 percent of the U.S. force in Iraq.

Some reservists and families have complained about frequent and lengthy tours in war zones, inferior equipment and scant notice before being pressed into service.

Helmly's remarks gave fuel to critics of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld who argue that his policies and his resistance to a large increase in the active-duty Army are harming the all-volunteer military.

Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island called the memo "deeply disturbing," adding: "By consistently underestimating the number of troops necessary for the successful occupation of Iraq, the administration has placed a tremendous burden on the Army Reserve and created this crisis."

Helmly referred to "potential 'sociological' damage" to the all-volunteer military by paying inducements of $1,000 extra per month to reservists who volunteer to remobilize.

"We must consider the point at which we confuse 'volunteer to become an American Soldier' with 'mercenary,"' Helmly said.

Helmly said Pentagon reluctance to issue orders calling reservists to active duty "in a timely manner" resulted in more than 10,000 reserve soldiers getting as little as three to five days notice before being compelled back into uniform.

A senior Army official said Schoomaker and Army Secretary Francis Harvey were reviewing the memo. "Changes are expected over time, and the Army is already working these issues. The memo just brings it to the forefront," the official said. REUTERS
© Copyright 2005 The New York Times Company


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Finally someone has ball!

I concurr with my boss how ever I will point out that he was very careful not to Critize Bush as you say in your headline
... mainly the Pentagon and the existing policies and procedures.

SFC White

On CNN he was criticizing the White House

No sh&T? Things are worse then I thought. Guess I'll be putting a new picture up on the change of command wall soon.

Do you have a link to the transcript?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6790738/
Here is a link that I found on this.

Looks a little overstated, don't take the picture down from the chain of command yet.

Support the CiC no matter what.... What a great way to live your life...

Why don't you think for yourselves?

Hey smart a$$.
I support the constitution of the United States.. you know the one that provides for your FREEDOM... That service rises above any affiliation between one party or another.

I've got one vote when it comes to picking a commander in cheif just like the rest of you shelps. Oh ya and I did think for my self.... go figure.

If people left government service every time we changed leaders, Clinton would have had to initiate a draft...

I don't regreat my choices in life one ioda and yes thank you it is a great way to live life.

I have one suggestion for you that you think BEFORE you speak;

I didn't think he was ready to fall on his sword, but his words from the memo all ring true.

The reserve system has some major fissures.

There was only one period of time where I got so discouraged about the system I thought about quitting. I don't know how long you've been in the Army but the late 70s really sucked. I got the general feeling of not being wanted by the public and not getting the support out of the government to do my job right.

That's why I get so pissed off by these numb skull war protestors. I hear the same rhetoric and hyperbole now I heard back then and I don't want the young folks serving our country getting done to them as was done to me.

Serving in the military is an honorable profession, don't let no one tell you it's not.

The issues General Helmley addressed are his assessment of the situation and as long as some hot dog politician doesn't try to exploit them I think will be addressed adequately.

These are words used by REMF'S that never seen any Combat. Tough talk from a person or people that never had a shot fired their way or had to fire a shot in the defense of some Fortunate Son or Daughter. These are words of people that never seen their fellow G.I. bagged and tagged or screaming from a wound created by burning hot metal. Easy to get PO'D behind some desk or kissin some higher ups azz. How come some REMF is always babbling some BS, what was done to her or him and glorifying War like he or she is some John free-kin Wayne. LOL Anyone that has been in a firefight or spent some time in the field in Combat, does not talk crapola like this. You have to remember there were a lot of Combat Veterans that protested the Vietnam War on their arrival back here. And those Combat Veterans had every right to do so and no REMF should ever say otherwise. There is a right to an oppinion or view, and there is an abuse to the same. I think this here above post is a definate abuse. My oppinion and so be it. Hang Tough!

US general warns Army Reserve is being 'broken'
January 5, 2005

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Army Reserve, tapped heavily to provide soldiers for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is "degenerating into a 'broken' force" due to dysfunctional military policies, the Army Reserve's chief said in a memo made public Wednesday.


"I do not wish to sound alarmist. I do wish to send a clear, distinctive signal of deepening concern," Lt. Gen. James Helmly said in a Dec. 20 memo to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker.

The Army Reserve is a force of 200,000 part-time soldiers who opted not to sign up for the active-duty Army but can be mobilized from their civilian lives in times of national need. About 52,000 Army Reserve soldiers are on active duty, with 17,000 in Iraq and 2,000 in Afghanistan, the Army said.

The Army Reserve has provided many military police, civil affairs soldiers, medics and truck drivers for the wars.

"While ability to meet the current demands associated with OIF (Operational Iraqi Freedom) and OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan) is of great importance, the Army Reserve is additionally in grave danger of being unable to meet other operational requirements including those in named OPLANS (operational plans) and CONUS (continental United States) emergencies, and is rapidly degenerating into a 'broken' force," Helmly wrote.

Helmly said military leaders had rebuffed his proposals for change. The memo's purpose was to inform Schoomaker of the Army Reserve's "inability -- under current policies, procedures and practices governing mobilization, training and reserve component manpower management -- to meet mission requirements" for the two wars, Helmly wrote.

'DYSFUNCTIONAL PRACTICES'

In his eight-page memo, first disclosed by the Baltimore Sun, Helmly titled one section "US Army Reserve Readiness Discussion, Past Dysfunctional Practices/Policies."

The Pentagon, maintaining higher-than-expected troop levels after failing to anticipate that a bloody guerrilla war would follow Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's ouster in 2003, has relied heavily on Army Reserve and Army National Guard soldiers. These part-time troops comprise about 40 percent of the U.S. force in Iraq.

Some reservists and families have complained about frequent and lengthy tours in war zones, inferior equipment and scant notice before being pressed into service.

Helmly's remarks gave fuel to critics of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld who argue that his policies and his resistance to a large increase in the active-duty Army are harming the all-volunteer military.

Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island called the memo "deeply disturbing," adding: "By consistently underestimating the number of troops necessary for the successful occupation of Iraq, the administration has placed a tremendous burden on the Army Reserve and created this crisis."

Helmly referred to "potential 'sociological' damage" to the all-volunteer military by paying inducements of $1,000 extra per month to reservists who volunteer to remobilize.

"We must consider the point at which we confuse 'volunteer to become an American Soldier' with 'mercenary,"' Helmly said.

Helmly said Pentagon reluctance to issue orders calling reservists to active duty "in a timely manner" resulted in more than 10,000 reserve soldiers getting as little as three to five days notice before being compelled back into uniform.

A senior Army official said Schoomaker and Army Secretary Francis Harvey were reviewing the memo. "Changes are expected over time, and the Army is already working these issues. The memo just brings it to the forefront," the official said.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washingt...s_being_broken/
.



Got to give this "STAR" credit for vocally opening up what is on his mind. Problem is, if he did in fact say this - he will not stay a "STAR" very long by showing up the Fortunate Son, Chickenhawk - chain of command. The Star would be asked to step down by any chain of command for speaking his mind, in all fairness. But if he came public with this, he has "GUSTO" and I hand it to him.

Back to calling names, eh Tom? I got shot at a few times. I'm not going to sit back either and let these people do to the soldiers what they did before.

Alpha Mike Foxtrot

sfc white, is that the same constitution that states in it’s preamble, “promote general welfare” I’m sure you thought it said general warfare.
Also the same document that states flatly that congress is the only branch of government who can declare war.
I agree BAMMO, these guys are talking crap, let them live a day in our shoe’s, see if they don’t lighten up.

cute remark... but I've read the constitution.... and didn't miss the meaning of the preamble.

And as I recall... Congress gave the OKEYDOKY for the Prez to pull the trigger (That would be Democrates and Republicans alike). So try again.... chuckle head...You would fit right in with the rest of the nuts in the angular donut building accross the potomac.

I'll say it again in the hopes it sinks in... my duty is to country not to party.. or person..

Put your lowquarters on the proper foot before you ask someone else to step into them.... It might help lighten your "our" burden.

As for Bammo's rammblin's on REMF's I think he should lay off the hooch. There is no safe place for anyone in Iraq. The line has grayed even more from Vietnam, REMFs are the easier target. Every mission from walking to the mess, building a school, carrying the mail, or cleaning the generals portapotty... carries its own burden and danger.

A glory hound I'm not... so come off the mountain moses.. and stop preaching I've seen enough war to know it sucks...

Alpha Mike Foxtrot
Me--calling names - nahh! But, if the shoe fits, which I think fit well, so be it. Tell us all, where did you get shot at besides some silly azz wargame? Bet we have a lot of people that want to learn from your vast Combat knowledge! So, share you illustrious career with us, so we can all better ourselves. Would really appreciate it --for sure. Be well and keep the faith.

SFC I am trying my best Sarge to lay off the fire water. And the ramblin about REMF'S, hey old habits are hard to break Sarge. I wonder what the term the 11Bravo's have for the Troops in the rear in Iraq in all those dangerous places. I bet there is one Sarge, he_l you perked up on REMF (LOL). Old Habit Sarge, sorry! Fill this drunk rambler in on the term Bro' so I do not get you upset with my bad habit that causes me to cross the grey or gray line and ramble. Need help here Sarge, LOL--- Bro' been called a hel_ of a lot worse, and guess what Sarge? It Don't Mean Nothin' to me Bro' --go for the brass Sarge. And by the way, I kind of like your posts and straight forwardness Bro'. Be well and stay safe.

vfguenley, came across this page Bro'
Only Congress has the power to declare war. Congress, however, seems to have forgotten its constitutional responsibility. Or has given it away. Or has run away from it. Or something.
By W.D. Ehrhart

I was talking the other day with the Walrus and Mogerdy, two old Marine Corps buddies of mine from the Vietnam War. We had all served together in 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment in the Battle for Hue City during the Tet Offensive in 1968.

All of us had friends among the 58,000 Americans killed in that long and sorry war. We call the Vietnam War a war, of course, because it was. But it was never a declared war.

Only Congress has the power to declare war. The Founding Fathers thought war so grave a matter that they chose not to give the power to declare war to a single individual, not even the commander in chief, but instead placed that gravest of responsibilities in the collective hands of the people's representatives (you may recall from high school history that back in 1789 only the House of Representatives was directly elected by the people).

Congress, however, seems to have forgotten its constitutional responsibility. Or has given it away. Or has run away from it. Or something. Since I was born, this country has fought the Korean War, the Vietnam War, a war in Grenada, the Gulf War, a war in Serbia and the Afghan War, along with costly deployments in Lebanon, Panama and Somalia, without Congress ever once declaring war.

The outcomes of those wars are a pretty mixed bag. Korea was at best a draw. By any reasonable measure, we lost the Vietnam War. We thought we'd won the Gulf War, but more than a decade later, it seems we actually didn't. The Taliban are gone from Afghanistan, but life there remains pretty grim and most of al-Qaeda has apparently eluded our forces.

Our record in Lebanon and Somalia wasn't that hot, either. And as for Grenada and Panama, the National Hockey League could have handled either of those. Meanwhile, a lot of Americans have been killed in the past 50 years, more than a few of them friends of mine and Mogerdy's and the Walrus'.

And now it looks like we're about to do it again. President Bush has already said that with or without United Nations backing, he's going to wage war against Iraq. An interesting method of coalition building, to say the least, but even with U.N. approval, that still leaves Congress out of the loop.

Oh, you'll say, but back in -- when was it, October, November? -- Congress passed a resolution giving the president the authority to wage war at his discretion.

I've got a copy of the Constitution in front of me as I write this, and it doesn't say anything about congressional resolutions delegating war-making powers to the president. It says, "The Congress shall have the power to declare war," which is pretty unambiguous.

Meanwhile, the last time Congress decided to give the president authority to wage war at his discretion, it was called the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. Anyone my age or older knows how well that turned out.

Which brings me back to my conversation with the Walrus and Mogerdy, two honorably discharged combat veterans who have put their lives on the line for this country and who are not all that happy about the current situation.

The Walrus had what seems to me a really good idea. He suggested that any time an American serviceman or woman is killed in action, that person's congressional representative should have to be the one to break the news to the family. In person.

Those duly elected representatives of the people should have to look into the people's eyes and see the shock and the grief and the forever unfillable emptiness. They should have to come face to face with the consequences of war.

The Walrus thought this might make our congressional representatives a bit more careful about how and to whom they give the power to make war. It might make them a little less eager to shirk the responsibility our Founding Fathers entrusted specifically and only to them.

W.D. Ehrhart holds the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in action. He teaches English and history at the Haverford School in Pennsylvania. http://www.interventionmag.com/cms/modules...article&sid=335


Bro', hope this is not ramblin!! You know us Nam Vets, always high or drunk Bro'. LOL

Hey got to signoff for my Methodone treatment Bro'.

Is the above what you were referring to Bro', to the SFC?

The mind is a little wobbly tonight (LOL) Hang Tough and keep the faith you REMF JUNKIE, LOL I was a full throttle Sh_t Burner in the Nam Bro' - and guess what? LOL It Don't Mean Nothin'!!

Bro' it was dangerous Burning Crapola, he_l a 122 MM Rocket might of landed head on into that diesel fuel. We got to tell the Sarge that the Nam was a piece of cake Bro' - those Names on the wall in D.C. were made up! LOL And the wounded, they got hurt playing volleyball.

He_l Bro' the Sarge and the 30 year Dress Blue are on to us and our picnic in Vietnam Bro' LOL - We got to come clean Bro' don't think the SFC will go tell a Honcho (mod) on us but would not bet on 30 year Dress Blue, he seemed a tad upset. LOL

Its still REMF.

Don't be pushing all crap on me.... no where I said nam was cake, picnic or a volleyball game... I wasn't there and only know what I read.

I mention the hooch cause you've brought it up in early posts... now its Junkie? and Methadone? Slow down champ.. don't want to push you over the edge.

But your right about two things: whether you're a full throttle Sh_tburner, spoon, LRRP, sapper or snake eater they (we) are all served this country....
You can fall back on that REMF cramp... it sounds to much like Glory Hounding to me... and I don't think you were ever in it for the medals.

And Congress has not stepped to the plate with any form of back bone..

Oh and tell on you?? please.... you gotta sharpen that butter knife to pierce this skin.

SFC White -

They're calling up more Marines from the reserves.

What do you hear on your end?

Sarge
Thats what I thought Sarge. One of my relatives with the 10th Mountain Div. that is over in the Middle East told me ths same - same Bro'. Like I said old habit. Had nothing against G.I.'S that were in the rear Sarge, somebody had to do that job. And most of them did their job well. But- the REMF part came in, when some wanna bee, lied about what he did and threw the sheet like the "SHRUB" throws lies. Now to me that there is a REMF. Hitting the hootch or not Bro' - that is a REMF to me. What is your MOS Sarge? If you do not mind my curiosity.

You know Vietnam and Iraq is not that much different Bro' - not at all. A lot of simularities that this ramblin' drunk Nam Vet can see. Talking to the Vets that come back from there at the VAMC, Sarge, the ones that will talk to lower life form. LOL (Bustin' Bro') I see a lot in common. And if those Vets from the Middle East want to recieve what they have coming from the VAMC. They better listen up to the ramblin' drunk Nam Vets that been down that street. These "Yellow Ribbon" fad supporters will forget about those Vets quick Sarge --Believe That, for I seen it happen beaucoup before. Hang Tough-

Combat Engineer, Civil Affairs and Supply. Much prefer to be Bridging the Gap and pounding pickets.....however my current duties leave me in the TOC at brigade... S2 and staff of one... waiting for the next cycle into the box...

And Pssst let me pass on some Intel...... most that can get out are leaving (can't figure that one out, better call RAND in to do some analysis)...

..... those reservist that are stuck are waiting for Uncle Sam to change the rules, allowing more "Flexibility" in extending / reactivating / redeploying those that are left.... expecting more fun stuff coming in the Back door way soon..

When you are in the military, the chain of command is what you call thinking for yourself.

That is how order, and discipline are maintained. Also that is how a soldier, marine, sailor, airman is made to be the best he or she can be no matter what challenge confronts them.

You take the chain of command out of the military and you might as well take the military out of the U.S.A.

For the new guy on the block here, this sort of reasoning is hard to comprehend.

I appreciate your duty and service to this country SFC. There are a lot of people like myself that are proud of men and women that answer the call and protect this great land of ours. Wish I could shake your hand, but a sincere thanks will have to do for now.