Guardlife

Volume 31 - No. 6
 
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.

© 2006 - NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs