ABSTRACT
The inability of the Army to meet its needs for mobilization manpower in the conventional defense of Central Europe has been a progressively worsening problem during the years of the all-volunteer force. This chapter analyzes the significance of changes in the Army's capability to provide massive reinforcements on a continuing basis in the event of a major land war in Europe. It focuses on manpower changes in the active and Reserve forces during the all-volunteer force (AVF) years and on limitations imposed by shortfalls in strategic mobility, equipment, and supplies. The chapter considers several possibilities for public policy changes and offers a recommendation for resolving the manpower dilemma. US strategic goals for a conventional conflict between North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Warsaw Pact forces in Central Europe have not changed since the advent of the AVF.
