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Maj. Gen. George Squier proclaimed that the provision establishing the Organized Reserve Corps was one of the most important sections of the 1916 National Defense Act. He sought to acquire a body of experienced technical men to organize and train in peacetime and be available when needed for war.
Lt. Charles D'Olive was commissioned in the Signal Officers Reserve Corps. He became an expert in air battle tactics and scored the 93rd Pursuit Squadron's first victory when he shot down a Fokker over France on the morning of 12 September 1918. He was the last American ace of World War I.
President Harry Truman personally sought to revitalize the reserve program, envisioning Reservists standing ready to serve as replacements during wartime. The Air Force Reserve was formally established on April 14, 1948.
Lt. Gen. George Stratemeyer commanded both the Air Defense Command and Continental Air Command. In 1948 he strove to have all major air commands responsible for reserve training
Lt. Gen. Elwood Quesada was the first Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Reserve Forces. He was an advocate for the corollary unit-program concept that authorized joint training of reserve and active duty forces in 1950.
Maj. Gen. Tom Marchbanks was the first Chief of Air Force Reserve in 1968. He envisioned the Air Force Reserve operationally and administratively managed by reservists.
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