ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- In the next three years, the Air Force will cut some 40,000 active-duty positions. Some of those Airmen will retire, while others will separate and seek civilian jobs.
Still others will join the Air Force Reserve, an integral part of the total force, which allows them to continue the skills they learned while on active duty. The Air Force Reserve's Vision is to provide the world's best mutual support to the Air Force and its service joint partners - flying and fighting as an "unrivaled wingman."
"The process for becoming an Air Force reservist is relatively easy," said Col. Francis Mungavin, AFRC Recruiting Service commander. "The first step is to seek out an Air Force Reserve recruiter or visit our recruiting Web site at www.afreserve.com."
Most active-duty installations have a recruiter in the military personnel flight, according to Colonel Mungavin.
The next step is to set up an interview to determine what the applicant wants and what the Air Force Reserve needs. Once it is determined that the Air Force Reserve is a viable option for the person, the process will continue.
Applicants who do not have prior-service experience take an Armed Services Vocational and Aptitude Battery test and a physical examination. These two requirements indicate what positions the person qualifies for. The next step is finding a job that fits both the applicant's capabilities and meets the needs of the Air Force Reserve.
Administering the oath of enlistment is the final step in the recruiting process. That process varies slightly for prior-service and officer applicants.
The military service obligation for the Air Force Reserve is a total of eight years - six in the Ready Reserve and two in the Inactive Ready Reserve. Enlistment terms for prior-service enlistees vary due to previous time in service.
"People join the Air Force Reserve for variety of reasons," said Col. Mungavin. "Some sign up out of loyalty to their country. Others want the benefits that come with being a reservist."
"We know for a fact that some prior-service people join the Air Force Reserve because they miss the camaraderie of belonging to a military unit," said the colonel. "Sure, people are interested in the benefits, but many of them sign up again and again to be with their friends in uniform."
Benefits include competitive pay for two days a month of training and 15 days of annual tour, and compensation for any additional days. Various opportunities exist for reservists to voluntarily participate beyond their basic commitment. The Air Force Reserve also provides cost-of-living increases and additional pay increases for years of accumulated service. Some people may also qualify for additional duty pay. The recruiting Web site has more details about benefits offered to reservists.
"We have more than 70,000 people in the Air Force Reserve," said Colonel Mungavin. "Some people think the Air Force Reserve is just made up of hardware - jets, missiles, computers and other equipment used to get the job done. In reality, the heart and soul of the Air Force Reserve is its people. They are our neighbors and co-workers and they come from every walk of life." (AFRC News Service)
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)