NATO Reserve Leaders Highlight Standards, Interoperability

Senior reserve officials from across the alliance discuss the growing strategic value of reserve forces in addressing global security challenges.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Senior reserve leaders from across the NATO alliance gathered to discuss the growing importance of reserve forces in addressing global security challenges during the NATO Air Reserve Symposium. The event focused on how Allied Reserve Organizations and the NATO Committee on the Reserves can support NATO's future transformation efforts.

Why it matters

As the global security environment evolves, NATO is recognizing the rising strategic value of reserve components to provide a decisive edge through their civilian-sector expertise, surge capacity, and strong community ties. Strengthening interoperability and professional standards among allied reserve forces is crucial for NATO's ability to respond effectively to emerging threats.

The details

Lt. Gen. John P. Healy, Chief of the Air Force Reserve and Commander of Air Force Reserve Command, and AFRC Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Israel Nuñez highlighted three pillars of the 'Reserve Advantage': civilian-sector expertise, strategic depth and surge capacity, and a strong connection to the communities' reservists serve. Healy outlined expanding Air Force Reserve engagement in the Indo-Pacific and Europe, including new partnerships and training exchanges to deepen coalition readiness. Nuñez stressed the essential role of disciplined Airmen and uncompromising professionalism among noncommissioned officers in maintaining the nation's airpower advantage.

  • The NATO Air Reserve Symposium took place in February 2026.
  • The 30th International Air Reserve Symposium is set for September 21-24, 2026 at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.

The players

Lt. Gen. John P. Healy

Chief of the Air Force Reserve and Commander of Air Force Reserve Command.

Chief Master Sgt. Israel Nuñez

AFRC Senior Enlisted Advisor.

NATO Air Reserve Symposium

An event where senior reserve leaders from across the NATO alliance gathered to discuss the growing importance of reserve forces in addressing global security challenges.

NATO Committee on the Reserves

A NATO organization that supports the alliance's future transformation efforts.

Allied Reserve Organizations

Reserve organizations from across the NATO alliance.

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What they’re saying

“Our security environment demands a ready, interoperable and, when necessary, lethal force. Air Reserve forces provide a decisive edge - what we call the 'Reserve Advantage'.”

— Lt. Gen. John P. Healy, Chief of the Air Force Reserve and Commander of Air Force Reserve Command (Mirage News)

“Lethality and readiness are not buzzwords. They are the cornerstones of our ability to deter aggression and, if necessary, fly, fight and win.”

— Chief Master Sgt. Israel Nuñez, AFRC Senior Enlisted Advisor (Mirage News)

What’s next

The 30th International Air Reserve Symposium, set for September 21-24, 2026 at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, will include hands-on demonstrations by U.S. Reserve units and an opportunity for partner nations to collaborate on shared challenges.

The takeaway

As the global security landscape evolves, NATO is recognizing the strategic value of reserve forces in providing a decisive edge through their unique capabilities and deep community ties. Strengthening interoperability and professional standards among allied reserve components is crucial for the alliance's ability to respond effectively to emerging threats.