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contract (Wake Island pre-war). In other cases, it makes sense for the operational commander
rather than the contract supervisor to provide day-to-day direction to personnel (Flying Tigers).
In many of the examples presented, informal “command” or control was involved; but in other
cases a formal military relationship (Seabees) or at least the enforcement of military discipline
(merchant marine) was deemed important.
It should be noted that pursuant to law, the service of some civilians can be recognized
as “active military service.” 86 Honorably discharged Flying Tigers, active participants in the
defense of Wake Island, and certain merchant mariners are among those whose service has
been so recognized. The benefits that flow from such recognition are usually minimal. There
certainly is a symbolic significance involved. This form of recognition may also increase the
relevance of these case studies to the recommendations below.
Drawing what lessons we can from the foregoing case studies and discussion, the next
section suggests policies and approaches that may meet the goals set out earlier in this paper.
Those goals are (1) vest actual control over in-theater contractor personnel in the theater
commander and his military subordinates, (2) avoid the direct participation of civilians in combat,
and (3) treat contractor personnel who are subject to the hazards of combat essentially the
same way soldiers are treated so far as force protection, administrative support and amenities
are concerned.
ALTERNATIVES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REFORM
Some of the suggestions in this part of the paper will require changes in law, regulations,
current policies, and traditional concepts. Decision makers or their staff assistants
uncomfortable with such suggestions are hereby put on notice!
A United Kingdom model: The Sponsored reserve. Under Britain’s Reserve Forces
Act of 1996, a new category of volunteer reserves was created: the sponsored reserve. The first
sponsored reserve unit, the Mobile Meteorological Unit (MMU) was formed in 2000. 87 The new
category changes the relationship between the reservist, their employer, and the Ministry of
Defense (MoD). According to Jim Sharpe, Chief Met. Officer at Strike Command:
In a sponsored Reserve Unit there is a three-way partnership, where a company or
agency agrees to provide capability and skilled staff through a formal agreement with
MoD. The individuals concerned also have an agreement with the relevant arm of the
forces to serve for an agreed period, and with the employer who, in the case of the
MMU, is responsible for paying the reservist and providing the tools of the trade. 88
The purpose of the sponsored reserve is to allow the military to make “greater use of
skills in the civil sector.” In the case of the MMU, the civilian employer was a government
agency. More typically, the employer would be a commercial company.
According to a summary of Authoritative Guidance on the Sponsored Reserve:
86 Sec. 401, Public Law 95-202, 91 Stat. 1449 (1977) (codified at 38 USC. 106 note).
87
UK Meteorological Office. (2000, October 27). Rapid reaction Met. men to be first sponsored reserves.
UK Press Release.
88 Ibid.
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