The Air Force, by far, has led the way in this area. So the CinCs have to do their part, the services and command have to do their part, and the Guard and Reserve have to do their part. We must be flexible, then, in Guard and Reserve training schedules. Right now, by law and by tradition reserve component personnel devote one weekend each month and one two-week stretch each year to training, for a total of 39 days. Fourth and finally, we need to plan the use of the reserve components better.
Most active units react on short notice.
To incorporate Guard and reserve units into peacetime operations, our CinCs must program ahead of time, since citizen soldiers need the time to plan and to schedule their unit training activities. This has worked very well. There are several steps that need to be taken to better integrate the reserve components in peacetime operational missions. For starters I will write to the CinCs and service chiefs endorsing this concept. And in particular, as I've indicated to you, I plan to speak with the CinCs this very week on that subject.