Retention and Employment of Tactical Reserves

This study specifically examines three aspects of doctrine concerning the retention and employment of reserves at the tactical level. Should commanders retain a reserve? If retained, should the reserve be kept to the rear, and should the reserve be comprised of only uncommitted forces? The thesis is that doctrine concerning the retention and employment of reserves at the tactical level is not efficient and effective. An evaluation of the historical evolution and application of reserves provide a base from which to understand how doctrine concerning the retention and employment of reserves evolved. These deductions are then applied against the doctrinal application of reserves to determine if they are efficient and effective in today's tactical environment. Simulation findings are then presented, which further substantiate the doctrinal findings. The historical and theoretical findings indicated that decanting concerning the retention and employment of reserves was efficient and effective. The doctrinal and simulation findings indicated that doctrine concerning the retention and employment of reserves at the tactical level was not efficient and effective. The doctrinal and simulated analysis concluded that a defender can be as, or even more, effective without retaining an uncommitted reserve positioned to the rear of forward troops.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.