The credit for this one goes to my wife :

"Effective 18 May HRC will involuntarily transfer all those soldiers who have not completed their 8 year MSO from the IRR to a reserve unit (or Troop Program Units are what they are being referred as) to bring up the reserve strength to 100%, which equates to 23, 000 soldiers. From 1-14 June HRC will involuntarily transfer all non-volunteers to TPU's and send them where ever they please (and this equates up to 60, 000 soldiers). So, in other words, contact your reserve unit or reserve career counselor and volunteer because if you dont, they are going to send you where you need to be based on the needs of the Army. If you volunteer, at least you get to choose your unit."

      For the civilians out there who may be confused.... When you enlist in the Army you actually enlist for 8 years total time. This may be composed of 4 years active duty followed by 4 years in the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) or any combination of years that adds up to 8. The time spent on IRR had no requirements beyond being somewhat contactable, you didn't do any weekend drills or anything. IRR was simply a long-term contingency plan sort of affair. Not any more. Now soldiers leaving the Active duty military will have to fulfill the remainder of their 8 year commitemnt in the actual Reserve component witht he one weekend a month and two weeks a years requirement and the possibility of activation for war. I know several people directly affected by this change but it has not received much press.

Good Luck folks.