Evolutionary Development of the Full-Time Support Programs in the Army Reserve - 1920-1987

This study is a historical analysis of the three full-time support programs of the United States Army Reserve; Active Army Advisor, Civilian Technician, and the Active/Guard Reserve program. Each program is examined in detail based on available historical documents. The following questions were answered: (1) when and why the Full-Time Support (FTS) programs started, (2) what events took place that caused them to change, (3) who was responsible for their development. Some conclusions drawn from this investigation include: (1) the readiness posture of the Army Reserve is directly linked to the number of FTS personnel it employs; (2) the civilian technician union threatens the command and control of the Army Reserve; (3) personnel force reductions in the Active Army negatively impacts on the Army Advisor program; (4) the AGR program provides versatility, military management and command and control to the reserve commander. This study also concludes that improved management of the FTS programs will determine their future development. The conflict between the AGR and civilian technician programs weakens their ability to provide effective support to the Reserve commander.