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Reserve Airmen perform wild weasel mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Serving in the Air Force Reserves can be a way to pursue jobs and further education, as well as providing reservists the opportunity to serve alongside their active duty counterparts.

Airmen have the opportunity to carry their active duty experiences with them into the reservist world.

“I really like being in the reserves, just as I loved being on active duty,” said Lt. Col. Albert Lowe, 482nd Operations Group Detachment 1 commander. “I have the opportunity to work in an active duty wing and hang out socially with my active duty counterparts.”

Although some Airmen may choose to join the reserves following their active duty commitment, they are still able to complete their respective mission for one weekend a month and two weeks each year, as opposed to a four or six year controlled contract.

Active duty and reserve responsibilities vary that AFR members can choose where they live, and their service obligation is seen as part-time versus full-time.

For AFR these two-weeks a year give them the opportunity to enhance their skills and remain proficient in their craft.

“Our unit flies just as much as all of the host unit’s pilots,” said Lowe. “We have a good number of pilots, maintainers and commander support staff in our unit with full time air guard reserve positions and periodic traditional reserve positions.”

Reservists across the base can range from enlisted to officers; each member transitioning in an effort to better their careers outside of the military, while building healthy relationships with their wingmen.

These Airmen are provided the opportunity to work in positions across all of Shaw’s squadrons from logistics to engineering careers.

“The relationship with active duty is seamless,” said Master Sgt. Willie Flemmings, 482nd OG Det. 1 electro-environmental technician, assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron. “I had a flight chief in the 77th FS for a year that asked me who was our reservist. He said he didn't know we had any in the flight. I'm treated the same as any active duty member here at Shaw and held to the same standards.”

Through continued support from their active duty counterparts, these reservists are able to excel in their craft and help accomplish the 20th Fighter Wing’s suppression of enemy air defenses mission.

As members of the Air Force’s total force, reservists assigned to Shaw will continue to make an impact on the mission stateside and while deployed by bringing their expertise to win the fight.