An analysis of the Marine Corps individual ready reserve screening process

Abstract

This research was conducted at the request of Marine Force Reserve (MARFORRES) G-1 and in liaison with Marine CorpsIndividual Reserve Support Activity (MCIRSA) to examine the current readiness processes of the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR). A qualitative and monetary analysis of the IRR’s readiness screening process for current and future IRR requirements was conducted to see whether it anticipates Manpower and Reserve Affair’s (M&RA) forecasts. This was done with the assistance of M&RA, MARFORRES, and MCIRSA, to improve the IRR screening process by capturing the actual number of qualified personnel for a contingency operation. The geographic nature of IRR Marines as they transition to civilian life affects their ability to participate making the screening of all IRR personnel extremely difficult. IRR Marines choose their post active-duty locations based on where they want to live, not on the requirements of a particular reserve unit or military installation. This constraint offers purpose to improve the 60 percent show rate at the musters and overall 80 percent participation rate. The research recommends MARFORRES establishes a more detailed tier-system to identify qualified Marines versus the unqualified, move toward an electronic mustering option with skills training and enforce participation through separation procedures for those neglecting their duties.