About the Air Force Reserves

The Air Force Reserves is an Air Force branch that performs the daily responsibilities on bases throughout the United States. It offers its members the opportunity to serve within their local communities while still participating in the Air Force. Many active Force members join the Reserves because they are able to serve in the Army, but don't have to leave their families for long extended periods of time.

History

Created in 1948 by President Harry Truman, the Air Force Reserve used to be considered the back-up for the Air Force, but has since become a major active part of the Air Force.

Function

The Air Force Reservists help support bases throughout the U.S. by performing the base's daily activities. Based out of Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, the Air Force Reserves have 67,500 members, all of whom are scattered throughout the 67 reserve bases in the United States. Air Force members are organized in to the following categories: Traditional Reservists, Individual Mobilization Augmentees, Air Reserve Technicians and Active Guard Reserve. A majority of Air Force Reservists are Traditional Reservists who work part-time with the Air Force, serving one weekend a month and two weeks a year.

Benefits

The major benefit of being a Reservist is that members serve where they live, allowing them to stay with their families while residing in local communities. In addition, reservists are paid according the amount of days served and are given reasonable health insurance, making it a highly coveted option for active-duty members. Lastly, by joining the Air Force Reserves, members can add to the retirement benefits accrued during active duty.

Enlistment Criteria

In order to join the Air Force Reserves, you must meet the following criteria. If you don't have military service, you can't be older than 35 but if you have military experience, your age will adjusted. Weight requirements based on height and gender can also be applicable.

Non-U.S. Citizens

For non-U.S. citizens, the Air Force Serve states that "enlistment into the U.S. Air Force Reserve... is limited to those foreign nationals who are legally residing in the United States and possess an Immigrations and Naturalization Service Alien Registration Card."