§10301 Reserve Forces Policy Board

Summary

Creates a Reserve Forces Policy Board inside the Office of the Secretary of Defense that gives independent advice to the Secretary of Defense on ways to make the reserve forces more capable, efficient, and effective. The Board has 20 members: a civilian chair chosen by the Secretary of Defense; two Army reserve members (one Army National Guard, one Army Reserve); two Navy/Marine members (one Navy Reserve, one Marine Corps Reserve); two Air Force members (one Air National Guard, one Air Force Reserve); one Coast Guard reserve member chosen by the Secretary of Homeland Security; ten U.S. citizens chosen by the Secretary of Defense who have strong experience in national security and reserve matters (they may be private citizens, government employees, or certain senior officers); plus a reserve general or flag officer (non‑voting) who serves as the Board’s military adviser and executive officer, and a senior reserve enlisted member (non‑voting) who advises the chair. The Board can work on items the chair sends it or things raised by a Board member or the Secretary of Defense. It is helped by one full‑time senior officer from each reserve component listed in law (colonel or captain grade, or selected for that grade) who act as liaisons and report to the military executive officer while keeping the Board’s independent role. The Board does not replace or change service-level reserve committees, and eligible members may serve on both.