Aaron Bresnahan posted on March 01, 2011 00:08
March 2011 Navy
By Aaron Bresnahan
This month, we celebrate another Reserve anniversary. The Navy Reserve has endured a lot of changes in its past ninety-six years. It has fought in World Wars, several police actions, a couple of Mideast contingencies, and very recently, as many recall fondly, a name change.
We continue to see our Reservists deployed and making an impact in areas of the world that some of our founders never expected. The Operational Reserve versus Strategic Reserve debate continues to evolve as the requirements needed to support overseas contingencies are adapted to meet conditions on the ground. In fact, with frequent talk of auster-ity measures gaining traction in Congress, we are sure to see the role and need for a Navy Reserve transforming, once again.
Despite prospective changes or an evolving mission package, it is safe to say that the one thing remaining constant is the competency, dedication, and spirit of our Navy Reserve personnel. The US Navy is the greatest in the world, and this is certainly a reflection of those that constitute the Total Force. Most Reservists juggle the tremendous demands of family life, their civilian careers, and the needs of the Navy all at once. This unique Citizen-Sailor balancing act brings a capability and experience base to the fight that is the envy of the world. Where would we be if it weren’t for the sacrifices and contributions made by today’s Reservists and National Guardsmen? I dare not think it....
How does AUSN evolve to meet the needs of the modern Reservist? There is certainly a role for us to play. We have a core competency for professional development. We have a core competency for advocacy for personnel issues and for retirement issues. Yet, how do we integrate with and support the needs of “Big Navy,” while at the same time serving the needs of our various constituency groups? The best way to do this is for AUSN to stay true to its Core Values, which are Passion, Relevance, and Community. In other words, we are all in this together!
The next few years will be critical for AUSN to make a difference in the lives of Sailors. Once the new budgeting cycles start, there will most likely be more and more discussions about force shaping to meet the new fiscal realities. AUSN will need to stand in the gap, helping Sailors to understand better their career options, preparing them for the changes ahead, helping them to enhance competitiveness for boards, and focusing on career trends that are compatible with retention needs.
AUSN has had a great track record for being a professional voice for Navy Reservists and highlighting best practices. We have to strive for excellence in the Total Force and do all that we can to be relevant. We have a passion for Sailors and their families. Let us continue to lead the way.