Accord
ing to the latest Pentagon data, retention for active and reserve components remained strong for the month of March. Recruiting for the active forces also was on track, with all the services making at least 100 percent of their goals. However, the Air National Guard fell to 90 percent and Army Reserve to 80 percent of their respective recruiting goals for March. This is the second month in a row that ANG recruiting has come up short, yet its strong retention level—111 percent in March—continues to sustain Air Guard end strength at 99 percent.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.