The IRR: Emptying the Cupboard

STRATFOR ^ | July 06, 2004 | George Friedman

[mike6181]

An aspect constantly ignored is that Reservists are being compensated with 1948 benefits packages. Bills like HR 742 and S. 1035, which would reform Reserve retirement into a 21st Century compensation program, are fought hook tooth and nail by DoD.

Reason? Certainly it is not because we have a large enough Reserves to have prevented the current shortages of personnel and over-taxing of military members.

These stressed Reservists need more hope, more reasons to stay on board, and to postpone decisions to let someone else meet defense and homeland security needs.

Were the Reserve force given a higher priority NOW, and in recent years, reforms to compensation that would accompany such an emphasis, would hamper Rummy's freedom to 'transform the military.'

They'd have to give up as yet unannounced planned changes to benefits that would help transform the military into a compensation system more resembling private industry than the traditional military personnel benefits package.

They don't want to preserve or obligate to preservation of military personel benefits. They want to cut them and 'economize' them.

Thus ANY changes they do make they want to be temporary and squarely aimed only at current service. Future obligations are eschewed like the plague - even though it is THOSE obligations that speak to those seeking to justify a 20 year career in the face of high stresses.

Yet the Reserves pay back many fold ALL resources going into them. During times of slacker demand, they are cheap on the shelf, but during times of need, they provide a ready pool of trained personnel organized into coherent and practiced teams.

The economy of the Reserves is why many point to them accurately as what should be the STARTING POINT of military organizational planning... not after thoughts.

Meanwhile current operational needs as well as retention oriented reforms for the Reserve and Active Components are left wanting while Rummy transforms the force. That's the problem, he's succeeding in transforming the force into one with high tech weapons without operators.

Rumsfeld inspired lackeys are focused on future dreams and visions, and short-change present demands of more boots and a better compensated Reserve and Active force. For additional information on the bills cited, go to http://www.retire55.tk