What is the Air Force Reserve?

The Air Force Reserve is a part-time component of the Air Force branch. Traditional Reservist participate one weekend a month, two weeks out of the year (Annual Tour) performing their military job at a base of their choosing in the surrounding area. Created April 14, 1948 as a "stand-by" force, the Air Force Reserve will assist with the needs of Active Duty when called upon. Even though the Air Force Reserve is part-time, there are full time career fields known as Air Reserve Technicians (ART) and Active Guard Reservist (AGR). These opportunities allow our Reservist to work their current job in a full-time capacity. All Air Force training begins at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX , where new airmen will complete a 8.5 week Basic Military Training (BMT). This is the Gateway for new airmen as they transition to become a citizen airmen. Upon completion of BMT you'll report to Technical Training school where you'll learn how to perform your military job. Technical Training School duration would vary based off the career field you are in.

Air Force Reserve Benefits

How does the process work?

COVID-19 UPDATE: With all the changes recently due to the corona virus, going forward we will have some slight changes to the enlistment process. Until further notice our Air Force Recruiting Office will remain open and continue to hold appointments and ship out applicants to basic training. However, we are conducting on appointments only basis. PLEASE BE PATIENT ON BASIC TRAINING DATES AS WE HAVE MINIMIZE OUR TRAINING FLIGHTS AT LACKLAND AFB SO OUR MEMBERS CAN PRACTICE PROPER CDC GUIDANCE.

Step 1: Get pre-qualified! You'll be asked a series of questions over the phone to determine your qualification and talk a little bit about your background (previous medical issues, law violations, drug use, and items of this nature). If all requirements are met you will be scheduled for an Initial Appointment.

Step 2: We will hold an appointment (in-person or virtual) to go over the benefits provided by the United States Air Force Reserve, answer any questions, or elaborate on any items you've come across in your own research. Together we'll build a profile for you in our system and cover some preliminary paperwork necessary to begin the application process. Although there is a wide variety of the 135+ technical fields available regularly, we cannot guarantee an opening or create positions solely based on applicant's wishes. Once your profile is completed, we will submit a scheduling request to the MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) for your ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) and your physical.

A Day at MEPS

Step 3: The day before your ASVAB and MEPS appointment you will have a briefing conducted over the phone. We will give you reporting instructions telling you what time and where you need to report too, confirming you have all the required documents that will be needed to process, and any additional items that need to be discussed prior to your ASVAB and MEPS appointment.

Step 4: Once you have completed your ASVAB and MEPS appointment and is deemed qualified from MEPS, we will sit down and look at job options based off our current vacancies. You will be able to select a position from any base with the understanding if you select a position from a base more than 50 miles from your residence you're responsible for ONLY THE COMMUTE on your drill weekends. Once you select a job you will pick a time frame you would like to ship out for Basic Military Training. You will also be given access to fill out your security clearance application. It should take no longer than 3-5 business days to complete your security clearance application.

Step 5: Once your security clearance application has been reviewed and approved we will prepare for your enlistment process. Swear-in date will vary off officer conduct oath of enlistment availability, please be flexible.

Step 7: Once you have completed swear-in, you'll start your drill weekends with the Development Training Flight until your ship date for BMT.

Top Available Jobs

Want more information?

Air Force Reserve Recruiting's official YouTube page. They have created so many innovative video describing the enlistment process, as well information about several career fields. Click the button for Air Force Reserve official YouTube page.