Air Force Reservists are on duty today around the world. In addition to its role as a proven and respected combat force, the Air Force Reserve is also quick to lend a helping hand. International humanitarian relief missions may involve anything from repairing roads and schools to airlifting badly needed supplies.

At the request of local, state or federal agencies, the Air Force Reserve conducts aerial spray missions using specially equipped C-130s. With the only fixed-wing aerial spray capability in the Department of Defense, these missions range from spraying pesticides to control insects to spraying compounds used in the control of oil spills. Other specially equipped C-130s check the spread of forest fires by dropping fire retardant chemicals. Other real-world missions include support of counter narcotics efforts, weather reconnaissance, rescue and aeromedical evacuation.

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Vision

Citizen airmen fully engaged in global vigilance, reach, and power.

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Resources

AFRC has more than 74,000 officer and enlisted personnel who serve 37 flying wings equipped with their own aircraft and 7 associate units that share aircraft with an active duty unit. Four space operations squadrons share satellite control mission 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. AFRC has more than 440 aircraft assigned to it. The inventory includes the latest, most capable models of the B-52, C-5, C-130, C-141, F-16, HH-60, KC-135, MC-130, MC-130P, and O/A-10. On any given day, 99 percent of these aircraft are mission ready and able to deploy within 72 hours. ACC, AMC, AETC, and AFSOC would gain these aircraft and support personnel if mobilized. These aircraft and their crews are immediately deployable without need for additional training.

Although the Air Force Reserve provides slightly more than 10 percent of the Air Force's available manpower, the extent of its contribution is much greater. More than 30 percent 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.

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Structure

Thirty-six Wings comprise the Air Force Reserve. 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. The numbered Air Forces assist their wings in using the guidance and resources provided by their higher headquarters to ensure combat readiness.

Reserve Structure (http://www.afreserve.com/whatwedo_popup.html)

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Reserve Categories

There are several categories of service in the Air Force Reserve. Most Reservists serve in the Unit Program, in which they are obligated 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 12 additional days a year.

A small number of Reservists are selected to serve on 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 are categorized by several criteria in the Ready Reserve, Standby Reserve, Inactive Ready Reserve or Retired Reserve:

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Ready 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 72 hours.

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Standby Reserve

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.

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Inactive Ready Reserve

These Reservists no longer train, but are qualified in their fields and eligible to be recalled in the event of a national emergency.

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Retired Reserve

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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