The U.S. Air Force Reserve hosted the U.K.’s Royal Auxiliary Air Force in a three-day bilateral engagement last week to boost their collaboration and explore new partnerships in global security. Lt. Gen. John Healy, Air Force Reserve Command chief, presided over the activities under the Air Force Reserve’s Reserve Allies and Partners Program, which was held from March 17 to 19. Healy engaged the Australian visitors in a tour of the Pentagon and Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Georgia.
Long-Term Strategy Planning
The Pentagon visit provided a platform for bilateral talks on the growth, integration and long-term planning of the Reserve force. According to Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro, commandant general of the RAuxAF and chief of Staff Reserves, their discussions focused on the long-term strategy and goal of expanding the Reserves’ capabilities and relevance.
“What we established today was a real program where we can potentially look at sharing an exchange program and build on something we already have on an informal basis, having relationships squadron to squadron,” said the U.K. Reserve official.
En route to Georgia’s Dobbins ARB aboard C-17 Globemaster III, airmen from the 445th Aeromedical Staging Squadron and the 445th and 911th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadrons shared aeromedical evacuation procedures, including a lifesaving simulation, with the visiting delegation.
Global Operations and Personnel Challenges
At Dobbins, the exchanges focused on the Air Force Reserve’s partnership in global operations, including combat support and civil engineering contributions. The two parties also discussed the common challenges in recruiting and retaining reserve personnel.
Healy stressed the vital need for Air Force Reserve Command to integrate effectively with the United Kingdom and other key allies as challenges from common adversaries become more complex. “By working together, we’re building a more connected and capable force that’s ready for the challenges of tomorrow,” the general said.