Air Force Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. Charles Stenner says he is making a push to attract new members to the Reserve who have no prior Air Force experience as part of his efforts to keep recruiting numbers strong for his component. “We’re seeing fewer and fewer prior-service [Reservists],” said Stenner during a tour of air bases in Southwest Asia earlier this month. Accordingly, he said, “We’re looking very hard at recruiting non-prior service folks who want to participate.” Air Force Reserve Command also remains focused on enticing airmen who are leaving the active duty component to join the Reserve organization. “We want to retain airmen who may be leaving the regular Air Force due to a life-changing event,” he explained. “These highly trained and highly skilled individuals can continue to participate as their lives evolve.” AFRC recruiting has remained strong, consistent with the Air Force’s and US military’s trends overall. In March, for example, Air Force Reserve met its goal of 825 new accessions. Stenner praised the contributions of Reservists during his time in the combat theater. “I couldn’t be prouder,” he said. (Includes 386th AEW report by SSgt. Thomas J. Doscher)
More than seven weeks still remain until the 2023 fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, but observers of Congress are already warning that time is running out for lawmakers to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act and appropriations bill that will fund the Pentagon before that deadline. Should Congress…