| Air Force Reserve Command | |
|---|---|
Air Force Reserve Command emblem |
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| Active | 17 February 1997 – present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | Air Force |
| Type | Major Command |
| Part of | Department of the Air Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Robins Air Force Base |
| Nickname | AFRC |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
LTG Charles E. Stenner Jr. |
| Insignia | |
| USAFR Pipe Band Tartan | |
The Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) is a major command (MAJCOM) of the U.S. Air Force with its headquarters at Robins AFB, Georgia. It stood up as a major command of the Air Force on 17 February 1997. Previously, the Air Force Reserve (AFRES) was a Field Operating Agency (FOA).
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The Air Force Reserve Command supports the Air Force mission to defend the United States through control and exploitation of air and space by supporting Global Engagement. The AFRC plays an integral role in the day-to-day Air Force mission and is not a force held in reserve for possible war or contingency operations.
The purpose of the Air Force Reserve as derived from Title 10 United States Code is to:
Provide combat-ready units and individuals for active duty whenever there are not enough trained units and people in the Regular component of the Air Force to perform any national security mission.
Air Force Reservists are on duty around the world. In addition to its role as a proven and respected combat force, the Air Force Reserve is also involved in international humanitarian relief missions, from repairing roads and schools to airlifting supplies.
At the request of local, state or federal agencies, the Air Force Reserve conducts aerial spray missions using specially equipped C-130s.
The Air Force Reserve has some specialized capabilities not found in regular Air Force units. These include support of counter narcotics efforts, weather reconnaissance including hurricane penetration, aeromedical evacuation, aerial spray capabilities and forest fire suppression.
To provide the world’s best mutual support to the Air Force and our joint partners—flying and fighting as An Unrivaled Wingman.
The Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) has more than 74,000 officers and enlisted personnel who serve in thirty-five wings equipped with their own aircraft and seven associate units that share aircraft with an active duty unit. Four space operations squadrons share satellite control missions with the active force. The AFRC has more than 620 mission support units equipped and trained to provide a wide range of services, including medical and aeromedical evacuation, aerial port, civil engineer, security forces, intelligence, communications, mobility support, logistics, and transportation operations, as well as more than 370 aircraft assigned to it. This includes the latest, most advanced aircraft in the Air Force inventory, such as the C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules, F-16 Fighting Falcon, HH-60 Pave Hawk, KC-135 Stratotanker, WC-130J Hercules ("Hurricane Hunter"), MC-130 Combat Talon, MC-130P Combat Shadow, HC-130P Hercules and A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt II. On any given day, 99% of these aircraft are mission ready and able to deploy within seventy two hours without need for any additional training or preparation. However, Air Combat Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Mobility Command and Air Education & Training Command would gain these aircraft and personnel in the event that they are mobilized.
Although the Air Force Reserve provides slightly more than 10% of the Air Force's available manpower, the extent of its contribution is much greater. More than 30% of all Air Force missions are accomplished through the efforts of Air Force Reservists. Reservists average more than 360 missions away from home each month, supporting other Commands and Department of Defense requirements for important fighter, airlift, aerial refueling, rescue, and force projection assets.
With the two long wars of the 2000s, the Air Force Reserve contribution has grown from an average of 2,300 tasked in 1999 to 5,000 tasked since.[1]
Thirty-five wings, four groups, and 73 squadrons comprise the Air Force Reserve Command. Each wing is charged with a core mission that is accomplished through the collaboration of a variety of specifically tasked squadrons.
Reserve wings report to one of three numbered Air Forces reporting to Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. The numbered Air Forces assist their wings in using the guidance and resources provided by their higher headquarters to ensure combat readiness.
There are several categories of service in the Air Force Reserve. Most Reservists serve in the Unit Program, in which they are required to report for duty at least one weekend a month and an additional two weeks a year.
A smaller but equally important category of Reservist is the Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA). IMAs are Reservists who are assigned to active-duty units to do jobs that are essential in wartime but do not require full-time manning during times of peace. They report for duty a minimum of one day a month and twelve additional days a year.
A small number of Reservists serve limited tours of active duty, usually at headquarters staff level or in other special assignments. Their job is to bring Reserve expertise to the planning and decision-making processes at senior levels within the Air Force and other services.
Reservists serving in the Active Guard and Reserve Program (AGR) perform functions for the Air Force Reserve Command that require full time manning. Recruiting is one of the fields in which a reservist can become an AGR. AGRs receive full pay and benefits just like active members of any branch of the armed forces. They serve four year controlled tours of special duty that can be renewed. AGR's have the option with good conduct and performance to serve 20 or more years and receive a retirement after 20 years just like active members of the armed forces.
Reservists serving in the Air Reserve Technician Program (ART) carry dual status, working as full-time civil service employees for the Air Force and as military members in the same AFRC units where they work as civilians and performing the same job.
Reservists are categorized by several criteria in the Ready Reserve, Standby Reserve, Inactive Ready Reserve or Retired Reserve:
The Ready Reserve is made up of approximately 74,000 trained Reservists who may be recalled to active duty to augment active forces in time of war or national emergency. These Reservists are combat ready and can deploy to anywhere in the world in seventy-two hours.
The Standby Reserve includes Reservists whose civilian jobs are considered key to national defense or who have temporary disability or personal hardship. Most Standby Reservists do not train and are not assigned to units.
These Reservists no longer train but are qualified in their fields and eligible to be recalled in the event of a national emergency.
There is a small group of these reservists labeled PIRR or Participating IRR who receive points toward retirement and are under Cat E status. There are over 1,000 ALOs or Academy Liaison officers in this field, as well as some chaplains, and a few other positions that require Military duty but not a fixed schedule. These CAT E personnel can earn mandays just like Cat A and B reservists but on a more limited basis.
The Retired Reserve is made up of officers and enlisted personnel who receive pay after retiring from active duty or from the Reserve, or are Reservists awaiting retirement pay at age 60.
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