The United States has responded to recent changes in the international political scene by beginning to reduce military forces. As forces are reduced, questions arise about their structure, particularly the balance between reserve and active forces. Active Component (AC) forces can respond on short notice but are expensive; reserve forces are more economical but tend to be less ready and would take more time to deploy. Vigorous debate has ensued about the share of the future Army force structure that should be accorded to each type of force.

ADA 428 183. Prepared for the United States Army. Superceded by RAND/MR-124-A. DTIC Identifiers : Post-mobilization training, preparation time, Desert Shield Operation, Desert Storm Operation, Training time, Deployment preparation, Time estimates, Army Reserves. "MR-124-A."