Federal Report Recommends Eliminating the Air Force Reserve Command

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A federal report released last week suggests the President and Congress eliminate the Air Force Reserve Command.

Colonel Rob Palmer at Robins Air Force Base says two factors in the recommendation jump out, which are the “disestablishment” of the AFRC and having reserve units serve with active duty units.

Palmer tells 41NBC the AFRC takes care of 70,000 Air Force Reservists, which includes their medical readiness, training, personel readiness, and more. Instead of having a central headquarter, the recommendation suggests the duties of the AFRC would be split among the other main commands.

Palmer adds the recommendation would also merge the reserve units and active units into one. He says the current system allows reservists to work with reservists who have a better understanding of one another. Under the recommendation, active duty units would command the reservist units.

Palmer says if implemented, the recommendation could affect up to 1,200 people at RAFB. Palmer stresses this is only a recommendation from the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force. It will be up to the President and Congress to make a decision.