In another sign that our military may be stretched to the limits (as if the IRR recalls weren't a BIG sign), the Pentagon is now considering extending activations for National Guard and Reserve troops beyond the current 24 month limit set by federal law.  Immediately, this could impact about 450 members of the Arkansas National Guard, but could have implications for all soldiers activated from the Reserves or National Guard.  The Stars and Stripes quotes both Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker (who says extending the Guard members’ tours “is a decision in progress”) and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (“No, we don’t plan at the moment to extend people beyond 24 months,” Rumsfeld said. “But one should never say never … . The facts on the ground will determine what we do.”) on this matter.

Currently, Reserve and National Guard units are being called up for up to 24 months.  However, this period does allow for mobilization, demobilization, and leave, so actual time on the ground for a deployment is less.  Ultimately, though, whether for 24 days, 24 weeks, or 24 moths, any deployment is a strain on the Reservists, their families, their employers, and their communities; obviously, the longer the extension, the greater the impact of their absence.

Even in light of the possibility that two year deployments may be coming to a Reservist near you, the Pentagon and the White House are adamantly refusing an increase in the size of our standing military.  They have yet to explain this position, so far as I know, beyond simply stating that the current force size is adequate for our needs.  Clearly it is not, or they do not make a distinction between the thousands of “available“ Reserve troops and regular active duty soldiers.

Interestingly, it is clear from Title 10 U.S. Code 12302, the very law governing the use of the Ready Reserve, that its authors DID consider the special burdens placed upon Reservists.  It specifies:

To achieve fair treatment as between members in the Ready Reserve who are being considered for recall to duty without their consent, consideration shall be given to - (1) the length and nature of previous service, to assure such sharing of exposure to hazards as the national security and military requirements will reasonably allow; (2) family responsibilities; and (3) employment necessary to maintain the national health, safety, or interest.

Unfortunately, that doesn't mean much to the thousands of families who have a loved one deployed today.