Sunday, April 14, marks the 65th anniversary of the modern-day Air Force Reserve. On that day in 1948, President Truman signed legislation to establish the organization. It came about some seven months after the birth of the Air Force as a separate service. Truman envisioned the new reserve component to continue the tradition of “citizen airmen” who were “ready when called upon,” according to an Air Force Reserve release. AFR consists of officers, enlisted personnel, and civil servants “tasked by law to fill the needs of the armed forces” whenever a situation calls for it, states the April 5 release. Over the last 65 years, the Air Force has called upon its Reservists for support in military operations, disaster relief, and responding to humanitarian crises. “Since its inception in 1948, the Air Force Reserve has evolved from a unit-mobilization-only force into an operational reserve that participates daily in missions around the globe,” states the release. Currently, there are more than 70,000 Air Force Reservists. (Washington, D.C., report by Col. Bob Thompson) (Air Force Reserve history webpage)
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.