The Army’s 2005 strategic planning guidance focuses upon
modularity by establishing up to 48 active component brigade
combat teams and “exactly 34” National Guard BCTs. The
guidance envisions at least a 30 percent increase in the
combat power of the active component of the force and an
increase in the rotational pool of ready units by at least
50 percent. It promises reduced stress on the force through
a more predictable deployment cycle: for the active component
— one year deployed and two years at home station; for the
Reserve force — one year deployed and four years at home
station; for the National Guard force — one year deployed
and five years at home station; and for the reserve component
as a whole — reduced mobilization times. The guidance
encompasses a long–range perspective of 10 to 20 years.