Military reserves
Military reserves refer to a segment of armed forces that are maintained in a state of readiness to provide reinforcement during combat or to rapidly assemble a larger military presence when necessary. The concept of reserve forces has its roots in nineteenth-century Prussia, where innovative draft laws allowed for limited peacetime military service, which proved advantageous during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. This model has influenced many Western nations in forming their own reserve forces. In the United States, the National Guard plays a dual role, serving as both a local law enforcement and emergency response unit during crises, and as a military force when activated by the federal government. Other countries have similar reserve organizations, such as the British Territorial Force, which have historically been utilized in various conflicts around the globe. Overall, military reserves are an integral part of national defense strategies, providing flexibility and rapid response capabilities to evolving threats.
Subject Terms
Military reserves
A sometimes semi-active portion of a military force held in readiness in case other units require reinforcement in combat or if a large force must be assembled quickly. The essence of modern reserve forces originated in nineteenth century Prussia, where draft laws required limited terms of peacetime service in the army and in the reserves. At the onset of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, Prussia was able to draw upon these trained reserves to quickly raise more than 850,000 men. Such methods were emulated by many Western nations. In the United States, though other reserve forces were created in the twentieth century, the National Guard serves as a police and work force during state- or nation-wide emergencies, and, at other times, is called into military service by the general government. Other reserve organizations, such as the British Territorial Force/Army, have been employed throughout the world.
