Air Force Reserve: a force engaged and changing for the long haul

Since its establishment in December 1948, the Air Force Reserve (AFR) has steadily grown from a standby force using outdated aircraft to a highly experienced, fully engaged force with cutting-edge equipment. We frequently provide unique Air Force Reserve capabilities for significantly less than a full-time force would cost, and we have enjoyed some marvelous successes through modernized equipment and organizational improvements. Every proposed change, however, should not be considered progress until we determine how well it meets the long-term objectives of the Air Force and the nation. In today's high-tempo environment, we are always looking for ways to do things better and faster with maximum efficiency, but each new recommendation demands that we weigh its potential contribution carefully as we evolve for the long haul.

Engaged

This year, Air Force Reservists flew more missions, transported more troops and cargo, and volunteered for more days than at almost any other point in history. What a year! As if the global war on terrorism (GWOT) was not enough, we stepped up with critical responses to the devastating tsunami in East Asia and two major hurricanes in the Gulf States. As a percentage of the total Air Force requirement, the AFR provided 43 percent of the strategic airlift, 21 percent of the theater airlift and 23 percent of the tanker support. We covered 60 percent of aeromedical evacuation requirement, 23 percent of the personnel recovery mission, and 20 percent of the Intelligence work. Our flying training crews flew 14 percent of the total sorties while our bomber and Special Operations Forces (SOF) provided 8 percent and 10 percent, respectively. We fought forest fires with our Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS)-equipped C-130s, flew Noble Eagle combat air patrols with our fighters, tankers and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) crews and controlled satellites and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) all around the globe. Finally, the AFR was the sole provider of weather reconnaissance (Hurricane Hunters) and aerial spraying capability, which was so vital in preventing the spread of disease after Hurricane Katrina.

This is a remarkable contribution to the Air Force mission, especially when you consider our $3.8 billion cost is 4 percent of the Air Force budget.

AEF Participation

Air Force Reserve fighter packages continue to flow into the Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) cycle and our Expeditionary Combat Support (ECS) personnel continue to meet a wide range of requirements from Security Forces to truck drivers. A-10s from the 926th Fighter Wing (FW) (New Orleans) deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) while F-16s from the 482nd FW (Homestead AFB), the 419th FW (Hill AFB), and the 301st FW (NAS JRB Fort Worth), supported Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). In addition, our Litening Advanced Targeting pods, with their precision-engagement capability, were deployed in support of both active duty and Reserve units.

The huge demand for theater airlift in Central Command (CENTCOM), in addition to the numerous other ongoing tactical airlift requirements, has placed a heavy strain on the entire Air Force C-130 community. In February 2005, the C-130E fleet was diagnosed with center-wing box cracks, a problem affecting more than 90 aircraft, which placed a further strain on this crucial community.

Disaster Relief

Reservists, many of whom lost their own homes to the ravages of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, provided disaster relief by moving more than 2,700 tons of cargo, 5,800 passengers, and 2,600 patients. Reserve Personnel Recovery teams were credited with 1,045 rescues. The 920th Rescue Squadron, Patrick AFB, flying HH-60 helicopters, was the first unit in the air and rescued 187 people in a single 12-hour mission by one crew. This is the same wing that received an "Excellent" during their Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) in April, provided flawless search-and-rescue support for the space shuttle Discovery, and saved 24 lives including a high-profile recovery of a Navy SEAL team during AEF 5 and 6 in Afghanistan. After Hurricane Katrina, the 910th Airlift Wing, Youngstown ARB, deployed three specialized C130s to provide aerial spraying for mosquito control over the affected areas. They treated more than 2.6 million acres, an area almost the size of the state of Connecticut!

Sustaining the Force

Most of the AF Reserve success can be tied directly to our dedicated men and women who are serving today in both mobilized and volunteer status. In light of the numerous Reserve contributions and high-tempo environment highlighted above, I'm particularly proud that AFR met its recruiting goal for the fifth consecutive year and was one of only two DoD Reserve Components to make or exceed its goal. Former acting Secretary of the Air Force Dominguez called it, "the biggest success story in recruiting in the Department of Defense." I find it especially impressive because our recruiters faced a shrinking pool of prior-service members, and a smaller number of non-prior-service members expressing interest in the military. Not only did we effectively gain new members but we did a superb job of retaining the officer and enlisted force. The command's 90 percent retention rate is the best it has been since stop-loss was implemented in FY02. I attribute this high retention to meaningful, real-world missions and a bona fide feeling among Reservists that they are making significant contributions to the overall defense of our nation and to the GWOT.

We continually strive to make it easier for people to volunteer rather than resorting to mobilization to help fill ongoing requirements. We implemented a number of legislative changes to encourage volunteerism, including the following:

* Modified the stated purpose of the Reserve Components to more accurately reflect the operational mission, responsibilities, and contributions of the Guard and Reserve.

* Eliminated the restriction on the use of federal civil-service military leave for military technicians.

* Lifted the 179-day MPA restriction to allow Guard and Reserve to serve up to three years of duty without counting against active duty end-strength.

On the heels of these successes, DoD is considering new legislative, policy, and procedural changes that will improve the volunteerism process. Further, I've chartered an Integrated Process Team that will, in the very near future, provide me with recommendations on how to make it easier for Reservists to volunteer for current and future Total Force service opportunities. In addition, we are asking combatant commanders to reverse the trend of mandating longer durations for members to stay in-theater before rotating. These mandatory tour lengths are trending toward 120 days and longer, and they make it very difficult for our Reservists to accept. If Reserve members cannot volunteer, then the active Air Force counterparts are left with the requirement. If they don't have the personnel to cover the requirement, then they turn back to the RC and invoke the mobilization process to cover their shortfalls. Understandably, there are valid reasons for mandatory extended tours in certain jobs and positions but, whenever possible, it is best to provide Reserve units more volunteer opportunities by allowing our folks to move in and out of extended requirements. This flexibility is critical to the Reserve's ability to provide voluntary support.

As we turn our attention to the future sustainment of the force, we see a new and even greater challenge posed by up to 6,000 BRAC personnel realignments. The command will seek maximum flexibility in balancing existing versus future manning requirements. We will pursue legislative changes to provide relief to Reservists affected by BRAC in the areas of transition assistance, relocation allowances, veterans' benefits, and health care. Reservists will be offered exciting new opportunities in emerging missions, like Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Air Operations Centers (AOC), and Future Total Force (FTF) opportunities, such as the Fighter Associate Program, and participation in Active/Reserve Associate units.

Staying Relevant

As Reserve equipment continues to be employed at unprecedented levels, we constantly look for ways to improve and sustain our capabilities. Each of the following investment areas is a top priority for keeping our Reserve forces ready and relevant:

Litening Advanced Targeting Pod. AFR fighter and bomber forces are modified to carry the Litening advanced targeting pod (ATP). Combatant Commanders (COCOM) have embraced this precision engagement capability to such a degree that they now require the availability of these assets. Although AFRC purchased advanced targeting pods/upgrades for its F-16 and B-52 combat aircraft, only four pods have been designated for our A-10 fleet. We are seeking additional funding to reduce this pod shortage and add video downlink capability that provides a live targeting-pod feed directly to our troops on the ground. This program enjoys widespread support within the Air National Guard and Air Combat Command.

A-10 Tactical Datalink: An A-10 tactical datalink has been developed that meets the urgent combat needs of CENTAF. It takes advantages of on-hand AFR radios and is compatible with the ground forces that rely on our close air support. Tactical datalink capability is key to more accurate, timely target acquisition and engagement, improved situational awareness, and reduced fratricide in the battle space.

A-10 Multifunctional Color Display. Our A-10 fleet has been temporarily modified to accept advanced targeting pods but our solution is barely adequate using outdated, low-resolution, monochrome TV monitor (TVM) and the minimal processing capability of an Aircraft Interface Module (AIM). AFRA-10s are not scheduled for a permanent upgrade called Precision Engagement (PE) until FY09, so an interim, low-cost modification has been developed. This solution centers on a Smart Multifunctional Color Display (SMFCD) and provides several benefits, including a high-resolution, targeting pod display for improved target identification, increased processing power for enhanced targeting pod and datalink functionality and a moving map display. This program is partially funded and is partnered with the Air National Guard.

HH-60G Multifunctional Color Display/Datalink. AFRC HH-60G aircraft are part of Low Density/High Demand (LD/HD) community of aircraft that may be used in the medium-threat environment. As with the A-10 effort, the HH-60G requires increased, situational battle-space awareness, achieved through the integration of a Multifunctional Color Display and datalink. Currently, this modification is part of the HH-60G modification roadmap as an unfunded requirement. We will work with the Air National Guard to seek funding for this critical modification.

C-130 Radar Replacement. The radar installed in most AFRC C-130s is reaching the end of its service life and is beginning to negatively affect mission readiness. The proposed replacement, the APN-241 radar, is a partially funded modification that increases readiness through much greater refiability. The mean time between failures (MTBF) will increase from 50 hours to projected minimum of 750 hours (fielded radars have exhibited a MTBF of 1,200 hours). This radar has a proven track record on a variety of aircraft and will add superior ground mapping and adverse weather detection capability as well as augment the All-Weather Air Drop System (AWADS).

C-5A ADS and LAIRCM. AFR's airlift contribution to GWOT is significant and represents a considerable portion of the Air Force's air mobility team. Each person and aircraft on this team is invaluable and protecting them from surface-to-air threats is a top funding priority. Systems such as the C-5A Aircraft Defensive System (ADS) and Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) for our mobility aircraft are vital for protection against widely available, shoulder-fired, heat-seeking missiles and for the future expansion of our warfighting capabilities. Although ADS and LAIRCM are currently partially funded, our goal is to fully fund these critical modifications.

Change

Change is particularly stressful on Reservists. Our active duty counterparts understand that moving every two to three years is an expected part of their career. They plan for this, and build relations in local communities and on their base, knowing they're only going to live there temporarily. Many Reservists, however, left the active duty lifestyle to provide a more stable family situation, establish community ties, and continue to serve in a more predictable environment. This fact can make Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and Future Total Force (FTF) decisions extremely painful for them, their families, and their communities. Reservists are faced with a decision to commute to a Reserve position in a new community, cross-train into a new specialty, or, worst case, decide to no longer participate. Our recruiting folks are looking long and hard at the possible repercussions from the proposed unit realignments and are gearing up for the challenges that will inevitably flow from the required moves (up to 6,000), likely attrition, and ensuing training requirements.

Fortunately, the Air Force has many more opportunities for the Reserve as they offer expanded roles in new mission areas, such as Predator and Global Hawk, and growth in existing areas such as space and Air Operations Centers (AOC). They see expanded associate roles in almost all mission areas and are looking for innovative ways to take advantage of the experience and expertise we offer. Gen T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff, recently commented on the way ahead for the Air Force and the four points that will drive its future: 1) The future Total Force must be not only adaptable to today's fight, but also tomorrow's fight and equally adaptable to unknown applications. 2) It must be seamless among the active duty, Guard and Reserve. 3) It must operate in a joint environment--not only in what is purchased, but also in the way we fight, talk, and think. And 4) It must be affordable. The AFR has a direct role in each of those points and will continue to benefit from opportunities to make positive impacts in almost every mission area.

Summary

I am so very grateful for our outstanding people, their capabilities, and their contribution to the defense of our nation. I can't thank them enough for their dedication and commitment to the Air Force Reserve and to the priorities of our country. As the Reserve team strives to evolve for the long haul--becoming more adaptable, better trained and better equipped--we will continue to meet the challenges of our environment and defend against the enemies of the United States and for the values we hold dear. We will continue to seek new opportunities that are right for our members and recognize the delicate balance between Reservists, their families, and their employers. Thanks again to all of our dedicated Airmen and their families.

By Lt Gen John A. Bradley, Chief of the Air Force Reserve, and Commander, Air Force Reserve Command

Lt Gen John A. Bradley is chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington D.C., and commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. As chief of Air Force Reserve, he serves as principal advisor on Reserve matters to the Air Force chief of staff. As commander of Air Force Reserve Command, he has full responsibility for the supervision of all U.S. Air Force Reserve units around the world.

General Bradley was born in Lebanon, Tenn. He was commissioned in 1967 after completing the Air Force ROTC program as a distinguished graduate at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

As a fighter pilot, General Bradley flew 337 combat missions in Vietnam. He has commanded a fighter training squadron, fighter group, fighter wing and numbered air force. He also served as deputy to the chief of the Air Force Reserve and as the deputy commander of Joint Task Force-Computer Network Operations. Before assuming his current position, General Bradley was assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters. The general is a command pilot with more than 6,800 flying hours in the T-38, A-37, A-10, F-4 and F-16.

His major awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal with three silver oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award with oak leaf cluster.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Reserve Officers Association of the United States
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