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Summit brings together ARC, active component to shape Air Force's future

  • Published
  • By 18th Air Force Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Active duty and Air Reserve Component Airmen from around the country will meet here April 3 and 4 for a summit to share ideas and discuss issues regarding continued enhancement of Total Force Integration (TFI).

TFI increases the efficient and effective employment of active duty and ARC resources - including aircraft, crews, maintenance, and support - to enhance the Air Force's ability to support the warfighters. It is built around three types of models: classic associate, active associate, and ARC associate.

In the classic associate model, an active duty unit retains principal responsibility for a weapon system which it shares with one or more ARC units. In the active associate model, an ARC unit has that responsibility. In an ARC associate model, one ARC component has responsibility for the system that it shares with another ARC unit.

"This summit is an important opportunity for TFI stakeholders to come together, engage in critical cross-talk and open discussion, and ultimately work together to identify obstacles and hone our effectiveness," said Brig. Gen. Harold Reed, Assistant to the Commander, 18th Air Force for Air National Guard matters as well as the Deputy Adjutant General for the Wyoming Air National Guard.

Reed added that the realities of force structure reductions and budget constraints make TFI a necessity for the Air Force's operations today and for the future. He also noted that the summit is an important element in strengthening relationships between Air Staff, Combat and Mobility Air Force stakeholders.

"TFI success is dependent on continued stakeholder partnerships at all levels," Reed said. "Those partnerships ensure that we can leverage the aircraft and depth of expertise in the ARC to close the gap between requirements and our shrinking force structure. Ultimately, it enables us to maintain our readiness while providing the mobility capabilities our Nation demands."

During the summit, attendees will hear the perspectives of senior Air Force officials on a variety of topics, be able to share their own thoughts through guided discussions, and ultimately continue to hone TFI.

"TFI initiatives and our great Total Force Airmen have helped ensure that our readiness and sustainability can meet rotational and surge requirements in support of our national strategy," said Lt. Gen. Mark F. Ramsay, 18th Air Force commander. "It's important to note that as leaders we are charged with constant improvement, and TFI is a critical component of our 21st century Air Force. In the end it is about how we can make our Nation more successful."

Airmen interested in "virtually attending" the summit will be able to follow it via Defense Connect Online at the following URL: https://connect.dco.dod.mil/r60874726 or via Twitter by following @TFISummit (and using the hashtag #TFISummit).