Reserve forces management reviewed Published Nov. 6, 2003 By K.L. Vantran American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Recruiting and retention has "held up nicely despite stress on the force as a whole," said David Chu to members of the House Armed Services Committee here Nov. 5. He is the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. A survey of active and reserve forces, which is done every four months, shows a "higher level of satisfaction with military life than three to four years ago. Their intentions to stay (in the military) remain strong,” he said."The nation can be proud of the service of its citizens in military uniform today," Chu said. "The force has done extraordinary things in the last two years."Chu explained charts showing the increase and decrease of deployments to the U.S. Central Command area of operations since Sept. 11, 2001. He said in the next "six months or so" as forces rotate out of Iraq, there will be a temporary increase in the number of reserve mobilizations as units being prepared for deployment will be brought to active duty.There have been a series of challenges in managing the reserve forces, Chu said. Even though the goal is to give reservists at least 30-days notice, Chu acknowledged that this was not always the case. "We need to do better, and I think the next round will be better," he said.He also spoke of the need to ensure that the same people are not called up time after time. Since 1996 only 3 percent have been called up more than once for involuntary mobilizations, Chu said the record is "quite good."Chu also talked about getting the right balance in regard to types of units and individual skill sets. Another challenge is to "set and meet expectations of reserve personnel regarding terms of service," he said. After Sept. 11, 2001, reservists were called up for one year. However, based on advice from commanders in the field who said they needed continuity, the policy was changed so units in Iraq would serve "on the ground" for one year.