An Analysis of the TAR Officer Transfer and Redesignation Board

Abstract

The Chief of Navy Reserve (CNR) discussed the focus of the Reserves in his Navy Reserve Fighting Instructions (NRFI) 2022. He stressed the importance of the Reserve Component (RC) effectively contributing to Big Navy objectives through warfighting readiness and strategic depth. As administrators of the NRFI, Training and Administration of Reservists (TAR) officers manage Selected Reservists (SELRES) through operational training and administrative readiness, directly contributing to the CNR’s vision. This study utilizes a quantitative analysis of the TAR Transfer and Redesignation (T&R) Board’s results from fiscal years 2016 to 2020 to start the conversation on the value of further study into the RC. The selection of TAR officers gained through the T&R Board fills the roles and responsibilities of managing SELRES. We extract and analyze variables representative of performance, retention, and accession of selected TAR officers through descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that board selectees provide a high return on investment due to high performance, service beyond the Minimum Service Requirement, and a high rate of direct skills transfer. Further research should consider an in-depth analysis of outcomes in specific TAR communities, an analysis of limitations on TAR accession processes, and a robust analysis of the RC’s contributions to the national defense mission.