President Harry Truman called for the formation of the Air Force Reserve in 1948, just a year after the United States Air Force was formed. Originally, the Reserve was conceived as a "stand by" force for emergencies. In February 1997, the Air Force Reserve changed from a Field Operating Agency to a Major Command (MAJCOM). Since then, the 67,000-member force has evolved into the Air Force's Wingman, performing the same missions and working side-by-side on the same equipment.
The majority of the members of the Air Force Reserve are "traditional" Reservists, meaning they serve where they choose to live. They usually serve a weekend a month and two weeks a year. Another category of part-time workers are Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMAs), and they may serve for varying time periods and this service may or may not be on a military base. IMA positions are usually held by people who have been members of the active duty Air Force.
There are other categories of Reservists, such as Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs), who work full-time as a member of the Reserve and the Civil Service System. Another full-time option is in Active Guard Reserve. These people have been issued orders to work at their Air Force Reserve job on a full-time basis.
The Air Force Reserve is divided into 33 wings and 7 groups. Some with their own aircraft and others that share resources with the active duty Air Force. The "wings" report to three numbered Air Forces, the 22nd, the 10th and the 4th, and these report to the Air Force Reserve Command, headquartered in Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
All the top command positions in the Department of Defense are held by civilians appointed by the President of the United States. At the top is the President, who is Commander-in-Chief. Then comes the Secretary of Defense, and one of the Secretaries reporting to that Secretary is the Secretary of the Air Force. The highest military position is the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who reports to the Secretary of the Air Force. The Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command reports to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Lt. General Charles Stenner is the Major Command Commander of the Air Force Reserve and reports to the active duty Air Force Chief of Staff and he is also Chief of the Air Force Reserve and, in that capacity, reports to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this capacity he can testify directly to Congress on Air Force Reserve matters. No other active duty Major Commander testifies directly to Congress.
The Air Force Reserve is an exciting, vibrant part of the nation's defense. It offers similar benefits afforded by those on active duty and one more - the benefit of time... time to be with your family, time to work at your civilian career and time to serve your country.
This is a wonderful option for those who have never been in the military and want to participate without being on full-time active duty.
The Reserve is also a great way for those in other branches of the military to continue their benefits, such as educational and retirement programs; start their civilian careers with the comfort of a second paycheck; and continue the camaraderie and adventure only available through the service.