Reserve component unit stability : effects on deployability and training / Thomas F. Lippiatt, J. Michael Polich.

Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction -- Data and approach -- Stability levels in deploying units -- Losses from units approaching deployment -- Non-deployers -- Effects of instability on training -- Policy directions and options -- Conclusions -- Appendix A: Supplementary data.

Prepared for the Office of the Secretary of Defense W74V8H-06-C-0002

Personnel stability is highly valued by all military forces, particularly in combat units and other formations that deploy to a theater of operations. The U.S. Army in particular aims to maximize unit stability (that is, the degree to which a unit's membership remains constant over time). Yet, Reserve Component units typically experience a surge of personnel turbulence as they approach mobilization and deployment. Some members leave the unit, and new personnel are cross-leveled into the unit to reach its target for deploying strength. This inflow of personnel may undercut the effectiveness of training because new arrivals miss training events that have occurred before they join. As a result, units must repeat some training, making pre-mobilization preparation less efficient and potentially increasing the extent of training that must be accomplished after mobilization. How widespread is this problem, what causes it, and what might be done about it? RAND research was undertaken to address those questions, focusing on stability levels of personnel in deploying Reserve Component units, how long units are stabilized before deployment, the major factors that generate instability, the potential effect of instability on unit training, and policy options that could help manage the situation. --From publisher description.

Also available in electronic form via the RAND Corporation Web site