Transformation and You
By Lt. Col. Roberta Niedt, NJDMAVA/PAO
Transformation is a process in which the Army is
reconfigured to increase its capability of conducting rapid
offensive, defensive, stability and support operations in the
context of Joint and Combined Operations. It creates a
leaner, more agile, self-sustaining force. Divisions will no
longer own combined arms brigades and battalions. The
new modular force will realign units that are usually separated
in peacetime into a permanent organization that
mirrors their wartime structure.
The Active Duty Army has already begun
the transformation
process. The New Jersey Army National Guard’s
(NJARNG) transformation is part of a nationwide shift in
vision of how the reserve component fits into the total Army
concept. Overall, the NJARNG will still have many of the
same units we currently have, but they may be smaller. In
addition we will gain units that we currently do not have. The
end result is that the new authorized strength of the
NJARNG is equal to the current assigned strength.
Following are a series of questions that our readers
have asked about the transformation. The senior leadership
has provided answers to the questions based upon
information available as of Dec. 15.
Q: Will the change affect my MOS?
A: Because N.J. will still have many of the same type of
units, many of our current MOSs will still be available. For
instance, we are maintaining an infantry brigade headquarters
and two infantry battalions, an aviation battalion,
finance and personnel units, as well as transportation and
logistical units. While the authorized strength of these
units change, many of the MOSs associated with these
units will still be available – but reduced in numbers (ie:
MOSs in the 11, 15, 41, 42, 63, 88 and 92 series). However,
the new force structure eliminates or substantially reduces
strength in other units – resulting in less slots for those
MOS’s. Field Artillery will be reduced by approximately 50
percent and the Signal Battalion becomes a company with
almost 400 fewer spaces. While we maintain force structure
in logistical support units, the new structure combines
the MSB and the FSB into a Brigade Support Battalion,
resulting in a reduction of approximately 400 positions. The
Cavalry and armor combine into a RSTA – reducing a
combined strength from 1,400 to 300.
The new structure also adds new units with skills that
we currently do not have. We gain a Military Intelligence
Company, a Law and Order Detachment, two MP Companies,
a Chemical Company and a Water Purification Company.
The strength in our Engineer Company increases.
These new units will allow Soldiers to reclassify into new
MOSs if they choose to.
Q: Is my unit going to move to another Armory?
A: The goal of the NJ National Guard is to limit displacement
of Soldiers. When the re-stationing plan was developed,
the Soldiers' commute was a first priority. However, in
some cases, units will move to a different armory. Soldiers
may choose to move with the unit. If a Soldier’s priority is
location, MOS reclassification is an option.
Q: Is this transformation going to affect my Bonus?
A: No, as the units of the New Jersey Army National Guard
transform, a soldier’s bonus will NOT be affected
Q: Do I have to go to school again to stay in the Guard?
A: If your MOS is affected by a reduction or elimination in
authorized strength, you may be asked to reclassify your
MOS. If you elect to pursue a new MOS you will have to
reclassify. This will require you to attend an MOS producing
school. Depending on the skill, you may be able to do
this through a combination of correspondence and residence
courses. Sometimes it can be done in lieu of your
Annual Training. However, some MOS’s do require a
longer, more intense active component course to become
MOS qualified. Your own career goals and personal
circumstances will help you decide which is best for you.
Q: Will I have to extend my enlistment to reclassify?
A: The current policy on attendance at MOS producing
schools will not change. You must have more than one year
left on your current enlistment in order to enroll in a
school. If you have less than one year, you will be required
to extend your enlistment. Extensions may be done in one,
three and six-year increments.
Q: What is the likelihood that I will be deployed/redeployed
under the new organizational structure?
A: New units may be mobilized once implemented. However,
likelihood will depend on the unit’s readiness status
and the current world situation. Individual Soldiers who
have already deployed are protected under federal law -
they cannot be mobilized for more than 24 months in a fiveyear
period unless the President declares war and implements
full or total mobilization of the force.
Q: When will the new structure be implemented in New
Jersey? When will I have to make a decision about my
future with a new unit?
A: Implementation of the new Force Structure began on
June 1, 2005. It is a three-phase process. Phase 2 will be
conducted between October 1, 2005 and September 30,
2006. Phase 3 will be conducted between October 1, 2006
and September 30, 2007. For unit specific information, visit
the NJDMAVA Homepage at: www.nj.gov/military/
Decisions on MOS and unit changes will coincide with the
implementation process. |