The Army Reserves are not only stretched thin by the hectic pace
of deployments but also are suffering from a shortage of skilled
troops, said Lt. Gen. James R. Helmly.
Helmly, commander of U.S. Army Reserves, said an overabundance
of clerks and an undersupply of skilled combatants are hampering
efforts to support current operations in Iraq. About half of the
200,000-strong Reserves have clerical skills, he said. Experienced
technicians also are in short supply. At a time when the Army is
become more high-tech, most mechanics in the Reserves lack the specialized
training needed to maintain modern vehicles, Helmly added.