An analysis of the Marine Corps Reserve appropriations (1960-1999)

Abstract

This thesis is an analysis of the Marine Corps Reserve appropriations. The purpose of this thesis is to look at the relationship between the active and reserve components within the Marine Corps from the perspective of the funds appropriated by Congress. The research examines the history of the Marine Corps reserve appropriations from 1960 to the post Cold War era (1990's). Of particular concern is how the Marine Corps Reserve has fared in an environment of shrinking Department of Defense resources. Addressed will be the impact of the Total Force Policy, the Base Force concept, and the Bottom-Up review on the Marine Corps Reserve. In order to show trends, similarities, and differences, the budget data for both the active and reserve components is analyzed, i.e., end strength, personnel funding, and operation and maintenance funding. The data is analyzed within the framework of decades, i.e., the 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, and 1990's. This research will show that the Marine Corps Reserve has not only grown in size, but also in its ability to augment, reconstitute, and reinforce the active component