IRR MOBILIZATION

File: 970207_aadct_009.txt
Page: 009
Total Pages: 14

                                        MEDICAL LESSONS LEARNED
                                             DESERT SHIELD/STORM
 .         .

         CATEGORY: MANPOWER AND PERSONNEL

         ISSUE ITEM #:

         SUBJECT: MPC AND ARPC COORDINATION

         BACKGROUND: In the initial phases of the call-up, the mobilized
         reserves were mal-assigned. For example, one facility had more
         opthalmologists than they could utilize and another facility in
         the same command had a shortage of that specialty. Some of these
         distribution problems were eventually straightened out, but
         others remained a problem. There also existed a misunderstanding
         at the individual and facility level that IMAs would be mobilized
         where they train.

         DISCUSSION: Part of this problem can be attributed to the manner
         in which IMAs are assigned and mobilized. The MAJCOMs "owned"
         blocks of IMAs and could only call on that group,  regardless of
         the true needs of the command. Also, IMAs are given wartime
         assignments without regard to peacetime training attachments.
         This means that very few IMAs will be mobilized at their
         peacetime training facility.

         ACTION RECOMMENDED: A more flexible system for mobilizing the
         IMAs is needed. Certain groups of skilled specialists should be
         controlled by HQ AF/SG to ensure their proper utilization and to
         provide more flexibility in their assignment. A flexible system
         will require better coordination between the MAJCOMs, MPC, and
         ARPC. It may be possible with a more flexible system for
         facilities to pre-select limited numbers of IMAs that train at
         their facility.

        SUGGESTED OPR(s) , OCR(s): SGHR, MPC, ARPC, DPXCX, REM

        COL KOENIGSBERG
        [(b)(2)]