The unsolved problem of pertained individual manpower has been characterized as the greatest failure of the AVF. While this is an accurate statement, it is not a complete diagnosis. There also was a problem with pertained individual manpower during the draft years. While there were large numbers of people in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) then, they were not managed, trained, or available for immediate service, and it is unlikely that a rapid full mobilization could have been supported. The reduced strengths brought about by the end of the short term active duty periods have required the DoD to pay attention to the IRR, bring other sources of pertained individuals into a state of availability, and devote some attention and money to the problem. In that sense, the advent of the AVF has contributed positively to solving the problem. It appears also that actions already taken and underway will provide a satisfactory solution in the future, provided that some plans are made for the use of veterans as an interim measure, the IRR improves in strength and training, and that a hard line reporting policy is maintained.

"January 1984" "Presented at the U.S. Naval Academy on November 4, 1983, at the Conference: The All Volunteer Force: Retrospect and Prospect."