The article substantiates the need to rethink the views on the existing system of state reserves, including the mobilization reserve, the importance of making motivated and well-founded decisions on its reform. The main reasons of ineffective system of mobilization reserve of the state are defined and the main shortcomings of functioning of the operating system of mobilization reserve are formed. The necessity of reproduction of the modern, progressive, and most importantly realistic system of mobilization reserve of the state is noted.