Doc Jargon talks Total Force

Photo By Collen McGee | Doc Jargon, cutting through the jargon that is the U.S. Army.  

UNITED STATES

05.09.2023

Story by Collen McGee 

Fort Riley Public Affairs Office

Dear Doc Jargon,

I was listening to a news story about the Army on the radio and I heard the announcer say something about the “total force.” I’m familiar with a Joint Force being Army and another service or nation, but I have not heard the term total force before. Does it have anything to do with the Atlantic Resolve mission in Europe that our Soldiers are participating in? I admit I was paying attention to the road and not listening as closely to the rest of the story.

Sincerely,
Terminally Challenged

Dear Terminally Challenged,

Well, thanks for listening to the news about the Army, and thank you for paying closer attention to your driving. After all, safety first.
As for the term, it is meant to encompass the entire picture of the Army or the American forces — active, Guard and reserve. The idea is that the total force is more than one component and that they can seamlessly blend and operate together as one cohesive “Total Force.” This means we are bigger and stronger than any one component on its own.
Keep listening and keep driving safe too.

Sincerely,
Doc Jargon

• Date Taken: 05.09.2023
• Date Posted: 05.10.2023 12:46
• Story ID: 444315
• Location: US