Sailors attached to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) lower the rigid haul inflatable boat (RHIB) to the water during a man overboard drill in the Gulf of Alaska, May 6, 2023 in support of Exercise Northern Edge 2023. NE 23-1 is one in a series of U.S. India-Pa¬cific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces’ skills; to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures; to improve command, con¬trol and communication relationships; and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Cox/Released)
Submitted by Capt. Henry E. Plimack, USCGR (Ret.)
As our Nation celebrates its 250th birthday, ROA’s Naval Services Section celebrates the five Services we represent. Our Armed Services and Uniformed Services provide essential security and defense on land, at sea, and in the air. In addition, they provide healthcare and conduct atmospheric and oceanographic research for our nation.
“Always ready!”
As the United States of America celebrates 250 years, the Navy Reserve is positioning itself to provide combat-ready capability on “Day One” of a major conflict. This capability dates back to our nation’s independence, when privateers with letters of marque served as the militia of the sea, supplementing the Continental Navy. Before World War I, the United States recognized the need for a more structured way to employ Citizen Sailors and, in 1915, formed the then-titled Naval Reserve in anticipation of potential U.S. involvement in the war. The Navy Reserve has been a part of every major conflict since.
World events throughout history have taught the Navy Reserve that the innovation and expertise that Citizen Sailors bring to the fight remain relevant. Many were involved in tackling the U-boat threat in World War I, for example. Today, the Navy Reserve is preparing for a new peer-level conflict, focusing on the operational level of war while supporting efforts to develop counter-asymmetric measures against enemies employing low-cost drones. In short, the Navy Reserve remains relevant.
Today and on the horizon, the Navy Reserve adds value by being ready to fight when called. To do this, the Navy Reserve shifted from an individual augmentee model of support, heavily leveraged in the War on Terror, to a focus on units of action capable of mass activation from decentralized sites. These units specialize in areas where they are uniquely suited to support the Navy’s overall mission, from logistics to command and control at the operational level1 of war. With mass activation, the Navy Reserve has cut down processing times to mobilize approximately 50,000 Citizen Sailors in less than 30 days.
The Navy Reserve made several key changes to achieve this. Instead of Citizen Sailors primarily showing up for drill at a reserve center, the Navy Reserve is fully engaged in total force integration and paying for more drills with the active units Citizen Sailors would serve alongside when mobilized. This results in spending more than the typical two weeks per year with their active unit, training to become more effective in the jobs they would mobilize to perform. To ensure the Navy receives the expected value, there are metrics for units and personnel to maintain at least 80% warfighting readiness. Additionally, performance evaluations also emphasize this. For example, commanding officers of non-commissioned/readiness/augment units are now evaluated by the commanding officer of the active command their unit supports. The Navy Reserve has once again adapted to the times.
In an era defined by great power competition, contested logistics, and rapidly evolving technology, the Navy Reserve’s blend of civilian expertise and military readiness remains a strategic advantage. By integrating more closely with the active force and emphasizing operational readiness before conflict even begins, the Navy Reserve is continuing its long tradition of adaptation while preparing to contribute decisively on “Day One.”
Submitted by: Cmdr. William Kozlowski, USN
“Relevant, ready, responsive”
Marine Forces Reserve is the headquarters command for approximately 32,500 Reserve Marines and more than 148 Reserve Training Centers located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
The United States Marine Corps Reserve was established when Congress passed the Naval Appropriations Act of Aug. 29, 1916, and is responsible for providing trained units and qualified individuals for mobilization to active duty in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations.
On a day-to-day basis, Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) has a talent pool of roughly 100,000 Marines to augment the Active Component in a myriad of ways; from support to training, to participation in bilateral exercises with our partner nations and allies, to service-level experimentation and refinement of new tactics, techniques, and procedures.
The Marine Corps Reserve team possesses capabilities across the full spectrum of military operations, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support to cyber operations to the most potent combat forces in the world.
Marine Forces Reserve, the largest command in the Corps, has four major subordinate commands: 4th Marine Division, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, 4th Marine Logistics Group, and Force Headquarters Group.
Serving with great distinction in every clime and place, Reserve Marines have regularly operated alongside the active component in both World Wars, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
To maintain its fighting edge, Marine Forces Reserve units participate annually in numerous large exercises in places such as Norway, South Korea, the Balkans, South and Central America, Thailand, and Africa.
The vision for Marine Forces Reserve is to be the Nation’s premier Reserve component, seamlessly integrating with the active forces, enhancing the operational reach and endurance of the Marine Corps… always capable of fighting and winning.
Marine Forces Reserve’s motto, “Relevant, Ready, Responsive,” articulates the necessary actions required to provide a sustainable force for the long-term defense of our Nation.
Ready in peace, essential in crisis
As a long-term member of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Reserve Organization of America (ROA), I want to thank you for your steadfast support of our nation during the subsequent furloughs experienced over the current fiscal year. Feel confident that ROA is representing you and having difficult conversations with your political representatives. From our Executive Director, full-time Legislation and Military policy director, and the ROA staff, I feel confident that you are receiving the proper representation.
The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the six core military branches of the United States Armed Forces, serving as America’s oldest continuous maritime force. The U.S. Coast Guard initially began as the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790. Throughout our country’s growth, the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Life Saving Service, U.S. Lighthouse Service, and the Bureau of Navigation and Steamboat Inspection to form the current U.S. Coast Guard. The U.S. Coast Guard is unique in that it serves a multi-mission role supporting both the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, mainly during wartime. Some of its many responsibilities include coastal defense of the U.S. coastline and territorial waters, maritime law enforcement, port security, environmental response and protection, and various rescue missions. With 11 primary missions, the U.S. Coast Guard continues to be a force multiplier, responding to many emergencies and filling necessary gaps within our nation’s military.
Making sure the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve is a top priority for ROA. Expanding the role of the Coast Guard in alignment with and support of Force Design 2028, and increasing benefits, pay, and asset support, remain key focus areas for ROA. Most recently, ROA is developing a Bill of Rights to be displayed on the ROA website that outlines the specific areas that demonstrate ROA’s commitment to you and why you should remain and/or become a member of ROA.
As your representative, I remain committed to addressing your concerns regarding reserves. My contact information is: richardneimanjr@gmail.com. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your continued service and support!
Submitted by Capt. Rick Neiman, USCGR (Ret.), ROA National Director, Naval Services (Coast Guard, USPHS, NOAA)
Mission-driven science for a changing world
Residing within the Department of Commerce and NOAA, the NOAA Corps is a highly specialized technical leader responsible for NOAA’s shipboard, aviation, and autonomous system operations in support of weather monitoring and environmental data collection around the globe. Led by Director, Rear Admiral Chad Cary, NOAA Corps officers pilot aircraft that gather data in and around hurricanes to inform forecasts that protect lives in advance of the storms; command survey vessels that create charts for the Nation’s ports for safe transit of ships carrying over $2.3 trillion of cargo every year; and carry out numerous other critical environmental data gathering missions in support of our Nation.
The NOAA Corps authorized strength is 505 officers, while the current appropriation supports an onboard strength of roughly 330. Each year, NOAA enrolls prospective officer candidates who train alongside US Coast Guard colleagues at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. New NOAA officers are commissioned with the rank of Ensign (O-1) and deploy to NOAA ships, aircraft facilities, or other NOAA laboratories and centers across the Nation.
NOAA’s current budget seeks to recapitalize its fleet of ships and aircraft with two new ocean-going research vessels (Oceanographer and Discoverer) to be integrated into the operational fleet over the next two years, while two new G550 aircraft will be brought on board for hurricane surveillance missions. At the same time, NOAA is making a significant investment in autonomous systems to collect environmental data more cost-effectively, as well as in environments that are too dangerous for personnel (e.g., hurricane eyewalls).
In 2026, ROA supports NOAA’s continuing recapitalization plan for ships and aircraft and their support facilities, the investment in autonomous technologies that advance environmental data acquisition, and the growth of onboard NOAA Corps officer strength to their authorization, commensurate with supporting their critical mission. With the extended government shutdowns in fiscal year 2026, ROA advocates ensuring pay continues during future shutdowns for NOAA Corps active-duty officers, retirees, and spouses of deceased retirees.
In our Nation’s 250th Anniversary, it is only fitting that ROA continue to support the agency that traces its history and mission to the Survey of the Coast established by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807.
Submitted by: Joseph A. Pica, Cpt. (Ret.), NOAA Retired
Strengthening the foundation of the Ready Reserve
The Ready Reserve of the U.S. Public Health Service traces its origins back to 1918, though its modern structure differs significantly from its earlier form. Today, the Reserve component comprises highly specialized officers who provide critical support during public health emergencies and serve as a force multiplier when staffing shortages affect the Regular Corps. Despite this mission, the Ready Reserve continues to face persistent structural and operational challenges that have limited its growth and effectiveness compared to other Federal Reserve components.
Much of the current instability stems from funding issues. As a result of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, operational funding for the USPHS Ready Reserve was eliminated because the component had relied on temporary appropriations provided through the CARES Act of 2020. Those emergency funds enabled the implementation of the modern Ready Reserve authorized under the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Since then, the Reserve has operated through a fiscal relationship with the Department of Homeland Security, a structure that has created additional administrative and operational complications. The impact on force sustainability has been significant. What once began as a substantially larger operational vision has now dwindled to a force of less than 90 officers. Despite these challenges, leadership has recently reopened applications with the stated intent of growing the Ready Reserve by hundreds of additional officers in the coming years. However, many Reservists remain concerned that expansion efforts are occurring without first addressing longstanding structural and operational deficiencies within the component.
While the Reserve has continued to welcome new officers into its ranks, longstanding disparities between the Reserve and Regular components remain unresolved. These issues include the lack of benefits and dedicated operational funding, inequities in seniority credit that affect commissioning rank, exclusion from leadership opportunities within internal PHS organizations, as well as the lack of having a Reservist-led component, persistent communication and administrative failures, unresolved pay issues, delayed DD-214 issuance, and the expectation that Reservists support mission-related activities without compensation. Reservists also continue to drill virtually, remain excluded from certain incentive pays, and frequently encounter policy interpretations that disadvantage the component. Underlying many of these concerns is a broader institutional issue: the perception that the Ready Reserve remains an afterthought within the Corps. Despite serving a unique operational purpose, the component is still often referred to as a “program” rather than a formal Reserve component, and morale continues to suffer from a perceived lack of investment, advocacy, and structural reform. Although solutions to many of these challenges exist and have been discussed for several years, meaningful change has been limited, leaving many Reservists uncertain whether the component will ever receive the support and recognition necessary to fully fulfill its intended mission.
1 The operational level of war is where the campaigns and major operations are managed, bridging tactical and unit engagements to national and theater strategic goals.
