This Sunday, April 14, marks another historic milestone for the Air Force Reserve and all who have contributed to its success along the way.

Reservists in every branch of the military are an important part of the Department of Defense’s strategy for manpower, global reach, and flexibility. With approximately 450 aircraft, a typical response time for the Air Force Reserve to mobilize for mission readiness and become deployable is an amazingly short 72 hours. This capability began with the creation of the Air Force Reserve 76 years ago on April 14, 1948, soon after the establishment of the Air Force as a separate branch of service.  

This history would be incomplete, however, without the National Defense Act of 1916, which authorized the creation of reserve forces as an ongoing part of American military organization. For additional historical facts and perspectives into this important birthday, click here.