Collaboration increases force effectiveness

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Harvey
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas --  In the military, everything from wars, inspections, and day-to-day operations require collaboration on many levels. It is this collaboration that will play a key part in the new, integrated Air Force.

The 301st Fighter Wing was selected to be a part of the total force integration concept originally proposed by former Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird in 1970. The concept called for combining Active Associations and Reserve forces together in a number of ways.

As former Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz said, "Total Force Integration allows us to leverage Air Reserve component experience, improve access to aircraft, encourage retention, and increase total force effectiveness."

The integration of the two components is currently under way. The wing's active association is Detachment 457 under the 495th Fighter Group, which is commanded Lt. Col. Matthew Cliver. "The first Airmen to show up here under the Active Association arrived in spring 2012. Most of the positions here will be filled by summer 2013," he said.

Due to the addition in manpower, there are and will be personnel changes taking place.

"Over the next 3 years, we will gain some 160 active duty personnel with the majority joining the Operations and Maintenance Groups. At the same time, the 301st FW will lose an equal number of ART (Air Reserve Technician) and TR (Traditional Reservist) positions for a zero sum gain. The active duty will work alongside with our Reservists ensuring the wing meets its mission requirements," Lt. Col. Kevin Zeller, 301st Operations Group commander, said.

While adjustments are being made to accommodate the needed changes, commanders are committed to doing what needs to be done to ensure mission readiness.

"We will continue to refine our maintenance training programs and assignment processes to ensure RegAF and Reserve Airmen all have the opportunity to gain experience appropriate for their rank, specialties, and career development and education needs," said Col. Max Stitzer, 301st Maintenance Group commander.

Positive effects from the two components working together are already taking place at the wing.

In addition to the vital role the active duty Airmen played in our operational readiness inspection, they have completely integrated into all functional areas and organizational echelons in the 301st MXG, contributing substantially to our local operations and even assisting us in improving and streamlining processes and procedures due to their varied experience, Stitzer said.

These improvements are indicative of what will and is taking place Air Force wide.

According to Air Force Reserve Command officials, "The future of the Air Force depends on sustaining strong and ready Air Reserve Components, and the Air Force Total Force has and will continue to set the standard for integrating the active and Reserve Components to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in both peace and war."

While there are challenges to active and Reserve forces integrating, collective readiness is ultimately still achieved, thereby contributing to mission success.

"I believe this is the most effective implementation of TFI. Operationally, integrating active-duty Airmen into the 301 FW requires little to no changes. We all understand the mission and how to succeed at that mission," Cliver said.