Transforming the USARNG: Challenges in Implementing the ARFORGEN Model

Abstract : Since 9/11 the nation has relied on the Army National Guard (ARNG) to be a critical component in the nation's war against terrorism. With existing threats abroad, our nation has increased the operational demand of the Active Army to the point that reliance on the ARNG to aid in the fight on terrorism is essential. The ARNG has transitioned from a strategic reserve into a fully functional operational reserve. Transformation has accelerated across the Army, Army Reserve and ARNG in order to keep pace with the current operational tempo. In addition, the Army has developed a USARNG Amy Force Generation (ARFORGEN) model to generate fully trained and ready forces across a six year planning cycle. Once the Army achieves steady state operations, the ARFORGEN model will produce additional challenges for the ARNG in manning, equipping, training and stabilizing the force over the 6 year cycle. The purpose of this paper is to examine the ARNG-ARFORGEN model, identify challenges and possible solutions for the ARNG to implement the model and increase their ability to train and fight in a full spectrum environment in the twenty-first century.