Navy Reservists in the Pacific: Rehearsing for Maritime Conflict

Host Bill Hamblet talks with Captain KC Chhipwadia and Commander Alison Maruca from U.S. Naval Forces Japan about Reserve operations, manning, and warfighting readiness in the Pacific.
This episode is brought to you by Booz Allen.
Accelerate today’s missions with tomorrow’s technologies. As the leader in providing AI solutions to the federal government and one of the world’s largest cybersecurity providers, Booz Allen advances game-changing capabilities rapidly, ethically, and securely. Learn more at boozallen.com/defense.

[@ericluffy7970]

Gotta keep getting word out there like this. Good, plain language explanation on our adaptations over time. CPO here and enjoyed hearing Yall mile high view. Not necessarily a deckplate view, but Fleet and Force Master Chiefs are offering those in the same flavor as yall have here. These are taxing and burn allot of Reserve calories as well as giving us the lateral liberty to assist and adapt to achieve for our teams. The NRCs have done a great job of adapting their System Administrative requirements coupled with Technological advances (NVD, Flank Speed) to allow dozens of seperate NRCs governing Sailors from 1 Detachment of many to encompass 1 Battalion as a whole; the opportunity to have our Sailors get as much as they can out of their Quarterly Sustainment Training period. I think that focusing on Warrior Toughness as we have packaged the Term is vital. Were not here to focus on individual differences or pander to special interests because we are not a political organization. But, we will NOT ignore individual aspects, traits or Special attributes of our Sailors that we can focus in a given direction to more efficiently achieve our goals as the US Navy Combat Team. We cannot air all of our shortfalls on the web for security reasons nor can we forecast the pass to a given receiver before we even snap the ball (its Super Bowl Sunday) either. But having these discussions in this format will help to guide everyones thoughts and mindset in the same direction. We will win, we will support and we will defend as needed. HooYah

[@shainbhaug83]

I entered the Surface Reserve in San Diego in 1963. As a general rule we were told of an expectation that we would be given a mobilization assignment. That never occurred. In 1966 a number of us began a push for what was eventually known as Gaining Command. A few units were able to find that relationship, but as of my retirement in 1990 there was little progress notwithstanding the plethora of active duty commands in the area. The primary obstacle was the TAR community. It is sad to see that the Navy is still treating Gaining Command as a novel concept.

[@TheOldPM]

I was 4 years on active duty Navy and 20 years in the Navy Reserve, 1968-1992. Active duty Navy never took us seriously. If we got meaningful work, it was gapping someone on leave or TAD. The Navy might send us tasking, but would just as quickly take it away from us. This discussion was very uplifting and I’m glad the Navy has come to its senses and is training to hit the ground running.

[@TheOldPM]

None of us were “off the street” reservists. We all had at least 4 years of active duty, many had more than 4 years.

[@josephraun9068]

I understand that! I didn’t exactly experience this! I was a plank owner on USS Clifton Sprague when she transferred into the Naval Reserve Fleet! Went onboard as E5 seven years later I had made ESWS and Chief! Was activated several times USS Acadia AD 42! Persian Gulf my rate was Postal Clerk and I was the Postmaster onboard! Then we stood up ELSF Expeditionary Force cargo handling force Williamsburg Va! I had an amazing career! Great program!

[@ericluffy7970]

​@@josephraun9068cheers to that achievement.

[@josephraun9068]

I’m Retired Master Chief 32 years Naval Reserve! Like this program!

[@ericluffy7970]

I have just found it Brother but am glad myself too. A massive shift these last few years in how we have operated as a Naval Reserve Force. I am coming up on 20 but will absolutely keep in the fight until they chisel my letter in a tablet. I have seen it from both sides of the same coin over the years. Schoolyard mentality of smirking at "The Reservists" coming up in a van after midnight while on Quarterdeck watch, kicking books as a Reservist angry that "Active Duty" try and box us out of Training until it's time to stow gear, debark or start writing up AAR summaries. There has never been a notable difference in the caliber of Sailor/Warfighter after the first few days of Workup or Training event though. For us to focus on what we can do to limit the time it takes to eliminate that divide when it's time to work together is logical and necessary. A unit I have spent a majority of my time in the military with is an outstanding example. Though our numbers are limited, scope is eratic and mission complex; we have always been the Can Do type and will make the best better for the rest. However, knowing how cyclical human nature is and that funding drives initiative or agenda we have to continue to hold the individual Sailor at the core of what we do. We must Man, Train and Equip our Sailors to attain and sustain their engagement in what we will ask of them. You know as well as I that we are not in charge of our Sailors. To Lead the charge of them we must first respect the charge we have in leading them. No easy day, no easy way. But we wouldn't want it any other way. ❤