The Air Force Reserve is an integral part of our country's dominant presence in air and space. With readiness as its primary charge, the Air Force Reserve contributes daily to the Air Force mission and is actively involved in Air Force operations around the world.
The Air Force reserve currently employs 74,000 trained Reservists. Though this makes up 15 percent of the Air Force's overall manpower, the extent of their contribution is much greater. More than 30 percent of all Air Force missions are accomplished through the efforts of Air Force Reservists.
Before Serving in the Air Force Reserve
To join the Air Force Reserve, you must be between 18 and 35 years old, or 17 with parental consent. While exceptions are sometimes made for candidates with GEDs or other high school equivalents, high school diplomas are preferred. As in most service branches, the ASVAB test is used to match recruits with jobs.
As with full-time Air Force recruits, Reservists spend six weeks in Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. During this time, trainees develop the discipline, confidence, and skills to grow into Airmen.
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Air Force Reserve Benefits
The Air Force Reserve offers many of the same benefits as active-duty Air Force, with the flexibility to train near home and maintain a civilian career until needed. Reservists are paid for all time spent drilling and deployed, and have access to the same professional training as full-time servicemembers. Plus, few people see as much of the world as professional Airmen!
Air Force Reserve Careers
While many commercial pilots begin their careers in the Air Force, an in-flight job is just one facet of training a servicemember might receive in the Air Force Reserve. From telecommunications to ordnance disposal, Air Force Reservists develop valuable skills and character that civilian employers find very desirable.
