Reserves as a hedge against readiness gaps

A middle course lies between fully active forces and the permanent abandonment of a capability. Retaining a reserve Harrier squadron, existing spares, and qualified pilots might have preserved some carrier-aviation continuity while the F-35 force was developed. Cold War expectations of rapid nuclear escalation made slowly mobilized reserves appear less useful, but the wider range of post-Cold War crises restores time and purpose for them. Planners can separate capabilities needed every year from those required only once in a decade or during a major emergency. A specialist regular core can then sustain training and standards around a larger reserve pool instead of forcing an all-or-nothing choice.