ABSTRACT
Although military readiness is an abstract and complex concept, it nonetheless can be approached methodically. Traditional reporting of readiness has been in terms of the percentage unit fill of qualified personnel with the appropriate quantity of weapons and equipment in good working order and the successful passing of field training or certification exercises. The new force management focus is being structured in terms of the military capability to carry out specific tasks and subtasks that comprise identified missions under relevant scenarios. Data are derived from close to real-time reporting using modern information technology for input efficiency and expanding analysis techniques. Nevertheless, for the policy researcher, readiness can be considered a variable, although layered by level of organization, that allows for its use as either a policy criterion or a predictor of effects. Readiness can also be studied itself in terms of its reliability, validity, and measurement challenges. Several policy issues having an impact on readiness are identified such as the balance of active vs. reserve forces, individual vs. unit equity, human vs. non-human systems, the transformation from vertical to horizontal integration, and the characteristics of individuals who serve in the military.
