Pre-mobilization Collective Training Support for Reserve Component Forces

What is it?

Reserve component (RC) unit pre-mobilization training focuses on leader development and primary, or core, individual and unit missions to ensure forces are capable of operating in a decisive action environment, not just in support of current or ongoing contingency operations. The Army Total Force Policy (ATFP) establishes a framework for the integration of the Army’s active and reserve component and provides guidance on integrating training between components.

What has the Army done?

The Army has, through Forces Command (FORSCOM), directed First Army to focus efforts on pre-mobilization training support for U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and Army National Guard (ARNG) formations while retaining capability to conduct RC post-mobilization training. First Army, as FORSCOM’s coordinating agent for ATFP implementation, is executing a historic restructuring effort labeled Bold Shift to enable more comprehensive RC training support at the point of need, shifting its primary training focus from post-mobilization to pre-mobilization, supporting ATFP and increasing efficiency and effectiveness.

Why is this important to the Army?

An ever-evolving operational environment, changing global commitments and future force reductions require the Army to sustain high readiness levels in the RC and minimize post-mobilization times by achieving pre-mobilization readiness. First Army’s Bold Shift initiative refocuses AC training support on advising, assisting and training RC forces during pre-mobilization training and supports RC readiness and ATFP.

First Army is the only trained and professional, multicomponent-sourced, collective training focused command, organized with AC and RC certified observer coach/trainers with relevant operational, deployment and technical experience tasked to effectively partner with and coach RC formations at the point of need during pre-mobilization training.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

Under this Bold Shift initiative, First Army:

• –Refocuses capabilities to advise, assist and train RC during pre-mobilization.
• –Reduces headquarters structure by 50 percent.
• –Restructures First Army to optimize our ability to enable RC unit required readiness.
• –Retains necessary structure and expertise to ensure mobilization.
• –Remains capable of fulfilling Title XI responsibilities.
• –Retains First Army’s strong relationship with Army Reserve Support Command.
• –Redistributes active component (AC) Title XI authorizations from 166 Aviation Brigade, two and three-star headquarters reductions, and select Army Reserve Training Support Battalion authorizations.

First Army plans to achieve end state restructure by April 1, 2016.

Resources:

• First Army
• Green Book 2014: Mission Focused and Structured for Total Army Readiness
• First Army Facebook
• U.S. Army Forces Command
• U.S. Army National Guard
• U.S. Army Reserve
• Army.mil: Professional Tool Kit
• Related documents:
• - First Army Premier Trainers Tri-fold Pamphlet(Bold Shift Initiative)
• - First Army Information Pamphlet
• - Army Directive 2012-08: Army Total Force Policy
• Related STAND-TO!:
• - Army Total Force Policy - Reserve Component Training Integration
• - Reserve Component Rotational Force Pool - Non-deploying Unit Training
• - Total Army Training Summit
• - Army Total Force Policy