JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – Senior Air Force leaders from 15 countries gathered here, kicking off the 23rd International Air Reserves Symposium recently. The IARS has provided a valuable forum for senior Air Reserve representatives from air forces and air components around the globe to discuss topics common to all.
This year's theme, The 5th Generation Air Force, focused on changes that accompany 5th generation platforms, the importance of air superiority, and assuring enduring capability through modernizing the Air Force Reserves.
"The 5th Generation Air Force is not tied to an airplane or a certain technology, but is instead, a mindset, a philosophy, a way of thinking that reflects innovation and progress," said Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice, director of the Air National Guard. "The Reserve Air Forces are an integral part of the 5th Generation culture and in many cases we provide the platform from which our nations progress and continuity through transition."
The IARS officers and their spouses in attendance were welcomed by Maj. Gen. Kevin Bradley, acting deputy director of the ANG, who explained the ANG's federal and domestic mission.
"As a Reserve Component of the Air Force, our mission is to defend [our country] against foreign and domestic threats," said Bradley. "Today there are over 3,000 ANG Airmen deployed overseas defending our country and thousands more throughout the country protecting vital cyber networks, counter drug, search and rescue, aerospace control alert, and natural disaster response."
The purpose of the International Air Reserve Symposium is to provide a forum for Senior Air Reserve representatives from global Air Forces and Air Reserve Components to discuss common challenges. Established in 1992, IARS accomplishes this objective by sharing experiences and information, and co-operating on Air Force topics.
Date Taken: | 09.14.2017 |
Date Posted: | 09.22.2017 16:38 |
Story ID: | 249378 |
Location: | JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND, US |
Web Views: | 106 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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