Integration Builds on Wing's Strengths

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The ongoing association between the 419th and 388th Fighter Wings here will make both organizations stronger by capitalizing on the strengths of each, said Lt. Gen. John Bradley, commander of Air Force Reserve Command. General Bradley, who recently visited the 419th FW to welcome wing personnel returning from Iraq, also said the Reserve fighter wing will have a great future with its active duty counterparts in the 388th FW.

“The integration provides the Air Force Reserve the opportunity to continue to be an integral member of the Air Force team. By exploring new organizational constructs, we
are poised to make transformational leaps now and throughout the 21st century by leveraging the unique strengths that active duty and citizen Airmen bring to the fight,” General Bradley said.

The fighter wings were selected in late 2004 as one of several Total Force Integration initiatives aimed at bringing together the strengths of the Department of Defense triad – active duty, Reserve and Guard. The fighter wings will be the Air Force role model for the Fighter Associate Program.

“On the Reserve side, we bring a lot of experience to the table,” General Bradley continued. On average, 419th FW pilots have 11 years of experience and more than 2,500 hours of flight time, while the wing’s maintainers average about 18 years of experience.

“Active duty members are realizing that members of the Reserve are exceptionally professional and knowledgeable,” said Chief Master Sgt. Lawrence Chang, 10th Air Force Command Chief, who also recently visited the 419th FW. “Reservists also provide stability and experience,” he added.

Currently, the wings are in phase two of a three-phase plan that will culminate in the fall of 2007 when 419th FW aircraft are transferred to Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. and the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Texas.

From this point forward, 419th pilots will be flying 388th FW aircraft exclusively. The 419th FW will integrate with the 388th FW under the Air Force’s classic associate model which has been successfully used throughout Air Mobility Command for more than 30 years.

“A classic associate is a two-wing structure,” General Bradley said. “The associate model is a time-tested, very successful model.” Under this model, active and Reserve component units retain separate organizational structures and chains-of-command. There will be varying degrees of functional integration based on the memorandum of understanding implemented.

“The CSAF and SECAF chose the classic associate model as the best fit, but there will be variations in this model,” General Bradley said.

“We are in the beginning stage and as we move forward, we will make adjustments to get the mission accomplished.”

To date, both wings have made significant progress in creating and implementing common data bases and procedures for day-to-day operations on the fighter pilot side of things.

Earlier this week, both wing propulsion shops began working under the same roof. The wing commanders meet regularly to discuss the “big picture” and identify the concerns and requirements of both organizations.

Once fully associated, 419th FW personnel will support the 388th FW Air and Space Expeditionary Force commitment.

“We want to be good wingmen to the Air Force,” General Bradley said.

Total Force Integration is a fundamental element of Air Force transformation, according to Air Force senior leadership. TFI incorporates innovative organizational constructs and a smaller, more capable force structure that leverages increased capability from new technology. TFI capitalizes on the wealth of talent across the active duty, Guard and Reserve components.