Air Force Reserve Birthday is observed on April 14 every year. After the ‘U.S. Air Force’ was established as a separate branch of service, the ‘Air Force Reserve’ was born. Its mission is to provide combat-ready forces to ‘Fly, Fight and Win.’ Reservists play a crucial part in the Department of Defense’s strategy for manpower, global reach, and military flexibility. This day celebrates those who have taken the courageous decision to answer the call of duty. They embody the values of integrity, service before self, and excellence that deserves to be celebrated not just just for a day but the whole year-round.
History of Air Force Reserve Birthday
Evolving from a ‘standby’ force for emergencies into a Major Command or MAJCOM of the “Active Duty Air Force,” the Air Force Reserve has become a vital part of the nation’s defense. It’s made up of the ‘4th Air Force,’ ‘10th Air Force,’ and ‘22nd Air Force.’ As the Commander in Chief, the President of the U.S. is recognized as its highest authority. It provides forces not just for flying missions but for medical, intel, civil engineering, security, and space force-type operations. Currently, it performs about 20% of the work of the “Air Force,” such as traditional flying missions and more specialized missions such as ‘Weather Reconnaissance’ (Hurricane Hunters), Personnel Recovery’ (Pararescuemen), and ‘Modular Aerial Fire Fighting (MAFFs). To become fully deployable and mission-ready, a typical response time for the Air Force Reserve is approximately 72 hours.
Some categories work part-time like Individual Mobilization Augmentees and Traditional Reservists who serve in the Unit Program and are required to report for duty at least one weekend a month including two weeks a year. They do so under the leadership of a group, wing, or squadron, which is their parent command unit. Personnel of the Active Guard and Reserve, or AGR, serve full-time and get full active duty pay and benefits, just like other active-duty members of any branch of the armed forces. Members of the “Air Reservation Technician Program” work full-time as well.
Today, the number of reservists is over 70,000. Regardless of their duty-status category, all Reserve Airmen throughout the U.S. and overseas are always ready for combatant command in air, space, and cyberspace.
Air Force Reserve Birthday timeline
The ‘Aeronautical Division — “Signal Corps” — is established, which is the first military aviation organization in history and the predecessor of the “U.S. Air Force.”
President Woodrow Wilson signs the “National Defense Act” on June 3, expanding the size and scope of the National Guard, which cements its status as the nation’s permanent reserve force.
President Harry Truman formally establishes the “Air Force Reserve.”
706th Tactical Fighter Squadron, “Air Force Reserve” member Capt. Robert R. Swain, Jr. scores the first-ever A–10 Thunderbolt II air-to-air kill by shooting down an Iraqi helicopter.
Air Force Reserve Birthday FAQs
How long do you have to commit to Air Force Reserves?
Your initial military service obligation will be for six years. There’s an additional two years of inactive status, wherein you don’t attend drills but could still be activated by the President.
Is Air Force Reserve full-time?
The majority of jobs are part-time, which amounts to one weekend a month and two weeks a year.
Can you quit the Air Force Reserves?
You can voluntarily separate from the Air Force once your service obligation or contract has been fulfilled.
Air Force Reserve Birthday Activities
Fly paper airplanes
Gather old papers or newspapers and fold some paper airplanes. Get kids involved too and head to an open space like a park or playground.
Volunteer with the Red Cross
The Red Cross extends its assistance to military personnel. Sign up at your nearest Red Cross' and see what you can do to help those in your community.
Perform a roof stomp
Replicate the air force tradition that celebrates a special occasion by climbing on a commander’s rooftop while making noise as others bang on the windows and doors. Afterward, meet up for refreshments to toast the members of the Air Force Reserve.
5 Smart Benefits Of Joining The Air Force Reserve
It can lead to college credits
The training for most career fields leads to college credits applicable to “Community College of the Air Force” degree programs.
They offer student loan repayment
Student loan repayment is offered for selected career fields.
They provide on-the-job training
The “Air Force Reserve” supports continuing education on all levels.
The Montgomery GI Bill-SR
Access to the Montgomery GI Bill select reserve may be available and it can be used for degree and certificate programs, correspondence courses, flight training, and apprenticeship training.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill
This bill gives education benefits to those who have served on active duty for 90 days or more after September 10, 2001, as well as those discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
Why We Love Air Force Reserve Birthday
It brings attention to the support group
Support units may not always get the same amount of recognition as the main service branch. We celebrate this day that provides focus to these special units.
It encourages enlistment
You don’t need to fly a plane. You might find that your skills and talents are more suited for serving as an Air Force Reservist.
It shows the importance of support
Many hands make the work lighter. The work that Air Force Reservists do is a vital part of the “U.S. Air Force.”
Air Force Reserve Birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 14 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 14 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 14 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | April 14 | Friday |
| 2029 | April 14 | Saturday |
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