Skip to main content

Army Reserve Components: Opportunities to Improve Management of the Full-Time Support Program

NSIAD-90-43 Published: Feb 08, 1990. Publicly Released: Feb 26, 1990.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Army's management and oversight of its full-time support (FTS) program, which provides personnel to Army National Guard and reserve components to assist with the administration, recruiting, maintenance, and training tasks essential to achieving unit readiness.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
In view of the growing importance and increased cost of the Army's FTS program, Congress may wish to consider deferring requests for additional personnel authorizations above current levels until it ensures that adequate action has been taken to improve the program. Exceptions to such deferral might be considered when the Army seeks to add new missions to the reserve components.
Closed – Implemented
The Army plans reductions in FTS personnel as part of its overall force reduction effort.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of the Army The Secretary of the Army should assign authority and responsibility for overseeing and directing the Army's FTS program to one Army organization.
Closed – Implemented
The Secretary of the Army has assigned responsibility for oversight of the FTS program to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations.
Department of the Army The Secretary of the Army should develop measurable program objectives and implement adequate program monitoring mechanisms.
Closed – Implemented
The Army has published a revised internal control checklist to assist in monitoring the FTS program. It is also conducting on-site work load surveys of units to determine whether the requirements for FTS personnel are based on measurable standards. The Army will also monitor the program through monthly reporting to ensure that program objectives are being met.
Department of the Army The Secretary of the Army should identify FTS management deficiencies in the FTS program as a material weakness in the Secretary's next annual assurance statement.
Closed – Not Implemented
The Army considered inclusion of this program as a material weakness in its Annual Assurance Statement. However, it does not believe the FTS management deficiency constitutes specific instances of noncompliance with the Financial Integrity Act.
Department of the Army If technically and economically feasible, the Secretary of the Army should use work-load analyses to determine FTS personnel requirements for table of organization and equipment units.
Closed – Implemented
As part of the Department of Defense (DOD) fiscal year (FY) 1992 budget submission that is currently before Congress, additional staff were requested by DOD to perform work load analyses.
Department of the Army The Secretary of the Army should develop clear guidance that specifically differentiates among the roles for AGR, military technician, active component, and civilian employees, and stipulates when those FTS personnel should be used.
Closed – Implemented
The initial guidance has been prepared by DOD. Once guidance is published, the Army will publish implementing instructions. DOD guidance and Army implementing instructions are to be issued in September 1992.
Department of the Army The Secretary of the Army should develop procedures, as required by Department of Defense Directive 1205.18, that will help the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve establish the most cost-effective mix of FTS personnel.
Closed – Implemented
Army regulations will be revised to put procedures in place that will ensure that cost becomes a consideration in establishing the FTS mix. Army regulations have been developed and will be issued in September 1992.

Full Report

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Army reservistsCivilian employeesCombat readinessDecentralizationStaff utilizationInternal controlsMilitary cost controlNational GuardProgram evaluationProgram management