While the ripple effect of reserve deployments might extend further than for active-duty troops, Stultz said the payoff outweighs the challenges.
Reservists represent a "skill-rich force," bringing unique skills from their civilian jobs to the table, as well as military capability.
"Think about some of the soldiers we put into the ranks," Stultz said. Among them are city planners, water works directors, fire chiefs, police chiefs, educators and highly specialized medical professionals. "They have civilian backgrounds with great skills that ... you don't always get on an active-duty force," he said.
These skills are proving invaluable to reconstruction operations, military police operations and other activities in Iraq and Afghanistan. But Stultz said they're also important stateside, where some 10,000 mobilized Army Reservists are backfilling deployed active-duty troops. They're running military garrisons, training new recruits and helping train and equip units for upcoming deployments, among other missions.
Stultz said he's committed to making the ARFORGEN model work, enhancing reservists' readiness while helping them balance their military and civilian lives. "I have got to have a warrior when I need him, but I have to let him be a citizen too," he said.
ARFORGEN represents "a contract with the American people," he said. "It really says, 'If you'll give me your individuals for a year to be a warrior, I'll give you back a better citizen ... who is going to be a leader in your community," he said.
"And the same thing goes for employers," Stultz said. "Give me your employee for a year, and I am going to give you a better employee."
