Observations on Naval Reserve Training for Selected Reserve Reinforcing and Sustaining Units

Gao ID: NSIAD-84-35 January 20, 1984

GAO surveyed the Naval Reserve's training for Selected Reserve sustaining and reinforcing units to determine whether: (1) reservists are training on equipment that they will have to operate or maintain if mobilized; and (2) training is adequate.

The Naval Reserve's readiness training goal is to have 70 percent of its reservists qualified for their assigned jobs. Only 55 percent were qualified at the time of this survey. GAO noted the following factors which contributed to the 15-percent shortfall in the qualification rate: (1) personnel turnover; (2) continuous changes in jobs assigned to the Naval Reserves; (3) the need for more hands-on training; and (4) difficulty in getting reservists the needed technical school training. While GAO made no formal recommendations, it observed ways to improve the training program, including: (1) weekend away training; (2) participation by reservists in training plans; and (3) a review of requirements for reservist training.



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