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Reserve augmentee positions available throughout AF, at JB MDL

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kimberly Champagne
  • Air Force Reserve Readiness Management Group Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. --  The Air Force Reserve is set to hire 1,600 augmentees throughout the Air Force with several positions available at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Designed under one of several Reserve categories, individual mobilization augmentees do not serve in Reserve organizations, but instead are assigned to active Air Force or joint component units.

"The IMA program offers a unique opportunity to serve in Reserve status for those who are not located near a traditional Guard or Reserve unit, for anyone who cannot commit to one weekend every month, or for anyone who wants to participate in new Air Force missions," said Col. Nancy Zbyszinski, Readiness Management Group commander, U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

Recent attrition rates have combined with a greater demand for IMAs to create the positions. There are IMA openings in most career fields across the Air Force. The joint base has openings for augmentees in explosive ordnance disposal, air traffic control, environmental controls and chaplain assistant specialties.

The RMG oversees the Air Force's 8,700 IMAs and 1,500 participating individual ready reservists.

Unlike any other Air Force servicemember, IMAs have flexibility when and where they work by scheduling their annual training requirements rather than serving one weekend a month and two weeks a year. They coordinate with their active component supervisors to arrange duty dates according to the needs of the Air Force and the IMA's civilian schedule.

"IMAs are fully integrated into operations of the active component - assigned to more than 40 major commands, combatant commands and defense agencies," said Lt. Gen. Charles Stenner, Air Force Reserve Command commander. "We want to maintain the right people with the right skill sets in the right places and the IMA program allows us to do that, along with our other Reserve categories."

Flexible duty dates and the chance to work in active-duty organizations are just a few of the advantages of the IMA program.

"Travel is a great side benefit," said Maj. Chuck Pittman, RMG director of personnel. "Imagine living in Michigan, but doing your annual tour and (individual duty training) at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, in the dead of winter."

Travel expenses aren't necessarily an obstacle.

"Travel can be funded," Pittman said. "We want to get the word out about that, since many members are used to IDT travel being at the member's expense."

There is also the chance to participate in emerging, cutting-edge Air Force missions.

"We have openings all over the world and in the new Global Strike, Cyber and Africa Commands," the major said.

Anyone interested in learning more about the IMA program should contact their local Air Force Reserve recruiter.