In December 1990, there were no more active combat units available to be deployed, so the Air Force mobilized three reserve component squadrons: F - 16s from McEntire ANGB, SC; F - 16s from Syracuse, NY; and A - 10s from New Orleans, LA. These squadrons were picked because their engines and avionics were compatible with aircraft at the airfields in Southwest Asia that had space for them, for the quality they demonstrated in peacetime competitions, for their close ties to an active unit and (in one case) for their unique equipment. All three squadrons were fully integrated into Operation Desert Storm.

Overall Impact of Air Force Guard and Reserve

         In summary, the Air Force integrated into its active forces a critical part of its guard and reserve: many airlift ad refueling squadrons, making an absolutely essential contribution to moving cargo and aircraft; a few squadrons providing combat forces beyond what the active forces could provide; and some units providing selected skills to support the deployed forces. The Air Force guard and reserve played a key role in the war outcome.

NAVY

         The Navy structured its 150,000 selected reservists primarily to man any Naval Reserve Force Ships that were mobilized in a war, to provide a surge capability to support the high level of wartime operations of deployed forces, ad to provide key wartime support ( including medical services to handle a high level of casualties ).

The Mobilization

         The Navy activated and deployed to Southwest Asia fewer reservists than any other service:

• The Navy activated about 20,000 selected reservists, about 15 percent of the available force and less than 20 Individual Ready Reservists. Reservists were called primarily for their individual skills, with medical reservists comprising half of the total called.
• About 7,000 reservists were in Southwest Asia at the peak of the war, representing about 8 percent of the Navy in theater strength. Few reservists had a combat role.

         In the early weeks of August 1990, before call-up authority was given, the Navy put on active duty a small number of volunteers from the reserve. These reservists augmented logistics and cargo handling.

         Immediately after getting authority on August 23, 1990 for 6,300 reservists, the Navy called up selected elements of 127 units from 34 states and the District of Columbia. Most had the mission of providing essential medical services, while others were to provide port and harbor security, sea lift support, minesweeping and shipping coordination. In subsequent call ups, as the Navy authority increased to 30,000

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