The Air Force Reserve Command supports the Air Force mission to defend the United States through control and exploitation of air, space, and cyberspace by supporting Global Engagement. The AFRC plays an integral role in the day-to-day Air Force mission and is not a force held in reserve for possible war or contingency operations.
The Air Force Reserve performs approximately 20 Percent of the daily missions of the Air Force and in some cases provides a majority of the support for certain missions. For example, the Air Force Reserve provides 65 percent of the Aeromedical missions the Air Force performs. There is always a need for healthcare professionals who wish to serve on a part-time basis. Air Force Reserve categories of service break down like this:
These members work part-time jobs for the Air Force Reserve in an area in which they choose to live. They usually serve one weekend a month and are on temporary duty (TDY) two weeks a year. These make up the majority of those in the Reserve.
Total: 46,828.
Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMAs)
These reservists can live anywhere. They work part-time, augmenting active duty units, and serve individually at a wide range of locations around the world. They usually serve 24 flexibly scheduled days throughout the year. They are often, but not always, prior active duty members.
Total: 7,952.Air Reserve Technicians (ART) are a special group of reservists who work as civil service employees during the week in the same jobs they hold as reservists on drill weekends. ARTs are the full-time backbone of the unit training program, providing day-to-day leadership, administrative and logistical support, and operational continuity for their units. More than 9,500 reservists, which is more than 15 percent of the force, are ARTs.
To apply for an ART position you must qualify and be willing to join the Air Force Reserve. To qualify for an ART position you must have experience and qualifications in the career field of the position to which you are applying.
- Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
- Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
- Retirement
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Federal Leave Program
- Federal Program for Dental & Vision Benefits (FEDVIP)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Pay and Personal Recognition
- Life Insurance and Medical Care
- Reemployment Rights
- Job Training
- The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
- Travel
- Retirement
- Additional Benefits
- Money for School
Active Guard Reserve (AGR)
These Reservists have been issued orders to work at their Air Force Reserve job on a full-time basis.
Total: 2,721.The Air Force Reserve is broken down into officers and enlisted personnel, and they break down like this:
A "Commissioned" officer has received a document or "commission" from the President of the United States granting that officer authority. All officers in the Air Force Reserve must have college degrees and must be selected. If you start your career as an enlisted man or woman, it is possible to become an officer provided you have a bachelor's degree. Officers may work in many different career areas of the Air Force Reserve; however, pilots and navigators must be officers. Those who have served as officers in other branches of the military may retain their rank when they join the Air Force Reserve.
Total officers: 16,346."Enlisted" refers to any member of the U.S. Military who is not a commissioned officer. Enlisted personnel work on virtually every mission in the Air Force Reserve and are integral to all operations. These people do the "hands on" work of the Reserve. Enlisted personnel are also supervisors. For instance, a Master Sergeant might supervise an engine maintenance crew of 30 or 40 airmen.
Enlisted Personnel may have degrees at all academic levels, but these degrees are not required. However, the Reserve always encourages its members to continue their educations. The Air Force Reserve offers opportunities to grow and earn promotions, and some choose to stay in the enlisted ranks throughout their military careers.
Those entering with experience in other branches of the military will most likely retain their ranks in the Reserve. Enlisted ranks start at Airman Basic to Chief Master Sergeant.
Total enlisted personnel: 54,800.Physicians, Dentists, Nurses with a BSN, and other healthcare professionals enter as officers, with the rank based on your experience and education. In the Air Force Reserve, you'll experience a heightened sense of camaraderie and teamwork that you may not find in your normal routine.
As an Air Force Reserve healthcare professional, there are many specific benefits, such as special pay incentives and loan repayment plans. You'll be automatically enrolled in the non-contributory retirement plan and you'll earn a second paycheck that may include flight pay. Air Force Reservists have opportunities to expand their education with pay and travel allowances to professional conferences. You will also enjoy full base facility privileges and space available travel.
There are also enlisted opportunities in healthcare, and it's possible for an enlisted reservist to become an officer. For instance, Licensed Practical Nurses can use the educational benefits offered by the Air Force Reserve to become Registered Nurses and, subsequently, officers.
The links above will highlight more of the opportunities available with your chosen healthcare field.
Benefits for Healthcare Providers
• Enter as a commissioned officer
• Non-contributory retirement plan
• Earn a second paycheck
• Professional conferences
and travel allowances
• Enjoy base facility privileges
Healthcare Professionals FAQs
Find out the answers to common questions asked by Healthcare Professionals.