SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- "One team, one fight" encompasses how 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central) uses the Air Reserve Component to build a Total Force personnel construct to aid in mission success.
Comprised of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, the Air Reserve Component supplements, integrates and participates in a variety of operations throughout U. S. Central Command's area of operations.
"Our Reserve Airmen are currently involved in everything from aerial port operations, medical support, defenders, civil engineering and mobility operations," said Col. Kristine Smith, 9th AF (AFCENT) reserve advisor. "Our job is the same as our active duty counterparts - to ensure we can seamlessly integrate AFCENT's priorities of bringing stability to the region and enhancing partnerships within the Air Force and with our regional partners."
ARC Airmen bring a variety of expertise, diversity and iron to the fight. Often times, they deploy with their assigned unit.
“The benefits of deploying with a large unit are meeting people from different backgrounds, skillsets and jobs,” said Master Sgt. John Bayudan-Stegen, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group first sergeant. “This allows me to network with people, develop life-long connections, and maintain a strong relationship with them, so when my Airman or I need assistance in the future, I know who to reach out to for quick service."
Currently making up over 25% of the deployed AFCENT forces, ARC Airmen help active duty units, by bringing experience and diversity of thought gained at their previous assignments to their new jobs.
“In the Air Force, I am a traditional reservist with the 439th Civil Engineering Squadron Fire and Emergency Services Flight, but in the civilian world, I am both a police officer and a firefighter,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Levine, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing firefighter. “Having the opportunity to deploy [with active duty] allowed me to bring my civilian firefighting experience to the frontlines, while also having the opportunity to learn from the career airmen who bring perspectives that I often do not experience in the civilian world. This is an amazing system which brings everyone’s unique experiences together and enhances the Air Force’s mission capabilities.”
To ensure ARC units are able to fulfill AFCENT's requirements, ARC advisors help increase readiness by ensuring all administrative rules and regulations are met.
"Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Airmen often need additional support when transitioning to the AOR, as they may be suspending their civilian jobs while transitioning to a full-time military status," said Smith. "We just want to make sure our Airmen that are committed to serving are also able to have financial and administrative stability for their families back home."
Whether Reserve and Guard Airmen are playing a direct part in active duty operations or they are responsible for easing the transition for those that do, the ARC is and will continue to be a vital part of the total-force mission.