Standby Reserve

Definition

Military personnel kept in reserve who can be activated quickly if needed. They're basically the military equivalent of having a spare tire in your trunk.

Example Usage

The National Guard remained on standby reserve, ready to mobilize within 48 hours.

Origin

Military readiness and force structure terminology

Fun Fact

Standby reserves cost less than active duty but provide surge capacity when wars happen.

Source: U.S. Military Force Structure and Mobilization Doctrine

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