The Air Force plans to stop separating new active duty officers into two groups—reserve and regular. Depending on how an officer entered the service, he or she received a reserve or regular commission. An officer with a reserve commission had to be selected for appointment to the regular Air Force, usually at the time he or she made major. Since May 2005, all new officers have entered active duty in regular status. And, on May 1, 2006, USAF plans to automatically convert all current officers, unless they have some medical condition that prevents their service worldwide.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
