Train as You Will Fight: Factors Affecting Development of a Strategy to Train National Guard Units to the Level Organized

This study gives a perspective on training National Guard units to the level organized by evaluating several factors affecting the Guard's ability to do so. The problem is not new but has taken on new relevance as the US military undergoes the throes of a major reorganization. With the advent of the Total Force concept and the CAPSTONE program, the National Guard took on more important and increased responsibilities in sustaining world peace. This thesis looks at how the Army has historically trained, reviews present National Guard training opportunities, and evaluates training strategies developed to guide future Total Force training. This study evaluates current Army training doctrine and regulatory guidance to ascertain whether clearly defined training strategies aimed at the peculiarities of the National Guard training environment exist. The study also examines documents outlining future training directions for the standing Army and the National Guard against the same criteria. Past and future uses of the Combat Training Centers are examined to determine whether 'train as you will fight' is adhered to for all components of the Total Force or whether separate training evaluation events and standards are maintained for the standing Army and the National Guard. Throughout, this thesis asks many questions concerning the Army's acceptance and support of the National Guard as an equal member of the Total Force. It is my intent to answer those questions using existing policy, historical examples, and current guidance for developing future training programs.