Evolving from a ‘standby’ force for emergencies into a Major Command or MAJCOM of the “Active Duty Air Force,” the Air Force Reserve has become a vital part of the nation’s defense. It’s made up of the ‘4th Air Force,’ ‘10th Air Force,’ and ‘22nd Air Force.’ As the Commander in Chief, the President of the U.S. is recognized as its highest authority. It provides forces not just for flying missions but for medical, intel, civil engineering, security, and space force-type operations.

Currently, it performs about 20% of the work of the “Air Force,” such as traditional flying missions and more specialized missions such as ‘Weather Reconnaissance’ (Hurricane Hunters), Personnel Recovery’ (Pararescuemen), and ‘Modular Aerial Fire Fighting (MAFFs). To become fully deployable and mission-ready, a typical response time for the Air Force Reserve is approximately 72 hours.

Some categories work part-time like Individual Mobilization Augmentees and Traditional Reservists who serve in the Unit Program and are required to report for duty at least one weekend a month including two weeks a year. They do so under the leadership of a group, wing, or squadron, which is their parent command unit. Personnel of the Active Guard and Reserve, or AGR, serve full-time and get full active duty pay and benefits, just like other active-duty members of any branch of the armed forces. Members of the “Air Reservation Technician Program” work full-time as well.

Today, the number of reservists is over 70,000. Regardless of their duty-status category, all Reserve Airmen throughout the U.S. and overseas are always ready for combatant command in air, space, and cyberspace.

According to nationaltoday.com; susandavis.com