#TDIDCH: Aug 23, 1973 – Nixon SecDef James Schlesinger announced the “Total Force Policy” as the new doctrine of American military preparedness. The policy integrated the Active, Guard, & reserve forces into a homogeneous fighting force.
[2 of 8]
Schlesinger’s policy coincided with the end of the draft, the end of the Vietnam War, and the start of Richard Nixon's All Volunteer Force.
[3 of 8]
The American war in Vietnam was fought primarily with active-duty forces. Neither LBJ nor Nixon mobilized the Reserves and National Guard in large numbers and instead relied on the draft.
[4 of 8]
Total Force Policy restructured missions, training, and equipment to integrate the Reserve Components with Active Duty forces.
[5 of 8]
There’s a common belief that the policy was based on an attempt by war planners to ensure that an American president could never again commit to a large-scale / prolonged war without engendering the support of the American public. Not true.
[6 of 8]
Total Force Policy was rooted more in domestic considerations than strategic ones, but the domestic considerations were financial. 💸💰💲
In fact, the TFP planners were specifically told by Schlesinger NOT to examine the political considerations.
[7 of 8]
The policy had a lasting (and its intended) effect: the Department of Defense is now heavily reliant on the Reserve Components in a way it never did prior to 1973.
[END]
So, here’s to our citizen Soldiers in the @USArmy@USAirForce@USNavy and @USMC for all the . And here’s to the Total Force Policy on its birthday. The policy really has allowed the Nation to make the best use of its three military components for 48 years and counting!
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
We can confirm that 120 Soldiers have left the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks, and we are working hard to move ALL Soldiers out of those barracks by the end of September. 1/4
In addition to the relocation efforts, 70 certificates of non-availability (CNAs) have been approved allowing recipients to find privatizing housing on or off the installation. Additionally, hundreds more have been pre-approved and being staffed for final approval. 2/4
Commands affected by these moves on Smoke Bomb Hill include units under the 1st Special Forces Command - Airborne and XVIII Airborne Corps units including the 20th Engineer Brigade and 35th Signal Brigade among other units/organizations across the installation. 3/4
Our Soldiers are speaking to us about the conditions at the Smoke Bomb Hill Barracks. It’s authentic and real feedback we need. We are listening and taking action!
Communication flow is every changing, and we are working to improve it. Our Soldiers deserve it. 🧵
We want all of our Soldiers to know we are working hard to make their quality of life better!
We have leaders across Fort Bragg already working to make their lives better, and we have resources committed to make this happen.
Moving 1,110 Soldiers won’t be quick, it will take time, but it will be done right. Our goal is to have everyone out of the SBH barracks by the end of September.