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The Reserve Advisory Council: AFRC’s voice from the field

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Alvina Maynard
  • Air Force Reserve Command
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  

Air Force Reservists have several ways to voice their concerns to Air Force Reserve Command’s senior leaders. One of the best is through the Reserve Advisory Council.

The RAC is comprised of 12 members of the Air Force Reserve, six officers and six enlisted, representing a diverse cross-section of the Reserve community formed to provide informed, comprehensive and strategic advice to the chief of the Air Force Reserve and the senior enlisted advisor.

Guided by an Air Force Reserve general officer senior mentor, supported by HAF/REI, and in partnership with both the Air and Space Force Association (AFA) and the Reserve Officer Association, members serve three-year terms organized into work teams. Current focus areas include training, operational readiness, personnel welfare, career development and technological advancements.

Twice a year, the RAC convenes ahead of both the AFA Warfighter Symposium and the AFA Air, Space and Cyber Conference to engage with senior leaders and for in-person work sessions. During these sessions, RAC members interact with senior leaders to understand their top priorities and ascertain which areas the RAC’s efforts can be best aligned with senior leader intent. Between in-person sessions, RAC work teams conduct research and build solutions to various issues.

In some cases, those solutions are bullet background papers pushing for policy or legislative changes. In others, a simpler approach leads to success. Previous RAC member, Master Sgt. Vaness Romo, was able to elevate an experience from her unit into an educational “Did You Know?” series in Citizen Airman magazine. Another team worked with enlisted development officials to advocate for additional opportunities be added to the Enlisted Developmental Education Board. Chief Master Sgt. Gayla Gibson led a team that developed a flow chart to simplify mental health support for Reservists. This team continues to find channels to broaden the reach of their efforts by partnering with larger scale mental health initiatives.

While the RAC has been in existence for six years, it just recently formalized its charter in 2024. Article II outlines the RAC’s purpose with the following responsibilities:

  • Review and analyze policies, strategies and initiatives proposed or under consideration by Air Force Reserve leadership.
  • Provide feedback and recommendations on how these policies, strategies and initiatives impact Air Force Reserve personnel.
  • Identify emerging issues and concerns among Air Force Reserve personnel and bring these to the attention of Reserve senior leaders.
  • Serve as a liaison between Air Force Reserve leadership and its personnel to facilitate open communication and understanding.

Reservists with an issue they would like to see addressed are encouraged to contact a council member. In addition, Reservists with an interest in serving on the RAC should be on the lookout for the application via a myFSS e-mail when the window opens in November. New members will be added next year.