Air Force Reserve to operate with fewer reservists Published Jan. 13, 2006 WASHINGTON -- Air Force Reserve Command will have a smaller force in 2006. The 2006 Defense Appropriations Act signed by President George W. Bush Dec. 30 funds an end-strength of 74,000 reservists. That’s 2,100 fewer reservists compared to the 2005 end-strength of 76,100. The new legislation also approves 9,852 full-time air reserve technicians and 2,290 full-time Air Guard and Reserve reservists. The defense bill covers a 3.1 percent military pay raise for active and reserve forces. AFRC receives about $1.29 billion for its reserve personnel appropriation and about $2.46 billion in operation and maintenance funds to run the command. (AFRC News Service)