| SMP to RSP | Integration of SMP’s to the RSP Program | | SFC Steven M. Callison | |

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PROBLEM: Since the integration of the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) into the National Guard many issue have arisen that have been solved to make drastic improvement. However one issue still causes problems on a regular basis. Cadre/unit member are heavily relied on at the RSP site to conduct STRM module training at various phase levels inside the RSP program. The lack there of, or the quality of unit members provided has had a negative impact on our ability to reach an optimal level of operation and proficiency. Issue such as APFT, HT/WT, professionalism, drill attendance, and individual motivation as hindered us from reaching our goal. Our REPS are the spearhead of the National Guard and the future of this great organization and deserve the best of the best when it comes to instructors and cadre. This is a first and a lasting impression of our organization!
BACKGROUND: The issue with cadre/unit representative may not seem like a huge obstacle for some, but to the Detachment commanders, recruiters, and RSP AGR staff this single inanity sets and shapes the climate of the Recruit Sustainment Program. RSP is a high op-tempo environment, and to date we have had very few soldiers provide by the units that can handle this responsibility and operate at high efficiency. With current procedures and guidelines set a unit has to provide one unit representative from their unit to assist the RSP. For the most part we either seem to get the Soldiers that are getting ready to ETS, are not vital to the unit’s mission, or just expendable. RSP Reps suffer the blunt of the consequences most of the time because a majority of the unit cannot afford to give up their high speed NCO’s for this particular duty assignment. Units rely on these professional NCO’s at the unit level