Total Force Integration with in the Medical Field

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

SECTION 11

Introduction1

Research Question2

Research Argument2

SECTION 25

Background5

History of Total Force Integration7

Current state of TFI with regards to AD and AFRC9

SECTION 312

Analysis12

Effect of TFI on AD and AFRC forces on the operational side13

Effect of TFI on AFRC Medical forces14

Effect of TFI on AD Medical forces15

SECTION 417

Recommendations17

SECTION 518

Conclusion18

REFERENCES20

SECTION 1

Introduction

The concept of a Total Force of the Active and Reserve Components of the military forces was announced in 1973, by then-Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird. The objective was straightforward: to integrate the capabilities of both the Active and Reserve Components in the most cost-effective manner possible. Revitalized, well-trained Reserve Components would thus become the primary means of reinforcing a reduced Active Forcein support of a new, untested all-volunteer force. Unforeseen at that time, however, were the recent and significant increases in the amount and frequency of utilization of the Reserve Components in support of ActiveForce missions.

The current Department of Defense (DoD) Total Force Integration (TFI) concept goes well beyond the originalTotal Force Policy of Secretary Laird. It involves the integration of not only the Active and Reserve forces, but the integration of all personnel supporting national security missions. Many pieces of the concept have already been initiated, and the objective of further integrating the Active and Reserve forces along with civilian employee and contract support has also been contemplated.

TFI is central to creating a total DoD workforce capable of meeting 21st century challenges. Fully optimizing the individual and corporate strengths of all defense personnel is the focus of the transformation and integrationstrategy, aided by technologies, business practices, service culture and warrior ethos, and leadership principles.

The concepts of TFI, if and when fully implemented, will permit the efficient movement of talent between various categories of service status to obtain the best that our people and technology can provide and meet the following objectives:

Optimize the skills and availability of all personnel;

Gain the best value for DoD's investment in its workforce;

Provide clear and well-understood paths or "on- and off-ramps" to permit personnel to move among organizations and statuses;

Utilize personnel across the full spectrum of participation, from part-time to full-time status;

Retain targeted skills to protect valuable DoD capabilities;

Enhance volunteerism; and

Simplify personnel management.

TFI will create a human capital continuum-consisting of the regular and Reserve Components, civilians, contractors, and volunteers-that provides access to various forms of participation within the DoD, extending over a working lifetime.

Research Question

How does Total Force Integration (TFI) affect the Air Force Reserve Medical Component with regards to the changes we are seeing on the operational side?

It is feasible to and what are the consequences if TFI were to be implemented in the Medical Field?

Research Argument

The continuous demand for air mobility operations has placed a great ...