BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Col. Kelli B. Smiley assumed command of Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center during a ceremony here, June 11. She is the newest leader and 36th commander of the organization responsible for executing personnel policy and programs for the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.
Chief of Air Force Reserve and Commander, Air Force Reserve Command Lt. Gen. Richard W. Scobee presided over the ceremony.
“As commander of Headquarters ARPC you are responsible for guiding this organization and your focus must be to improve combat readiness and our warfighting capabilities. The ability of our airmen to serve is directly tied to our success at ARPC,” said Scobee. “I’m tasking you with making sure our airmen have the proper tools and training to be successful. I have the utmost confidence that you will excel in this new role because I’ve seen you excel in the past.”
After receiving the guidon from Scobee, Smiley addressed the military members and civilians assigned to HQ ARPC in attendance.
“As commander I now have the distinct pleasure of supporting each of you and continuing to drive forward towards the Headquarters ARPC vision to be the ‘Innovative Leader in Personnel Services throughout the Airman Lifecycle,” she said.
As HQ ARPC commander, Smiley is responsible for personnel support to nearly 1.3 million Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and retired members. From initial entry to retirement, the center provides world-class support for generations of Airmen throughout the Airman Lifecycle.
Smiley assumes command of HQ ARPC after serving as the commander of Headquarters, Individual Reservist Readiness and Integration Organization, HQ RIO. As HQ RIO commander, Smiley seamlessly integrated wartime-ready Individual Reserve forces in more than 50 Major Commands, Combatant Commands, and government agencies to meet Air Force and Combatant Commander requirements. She was also responsible for the readiness, accountability, personnel and administrative servicing of more than 8,500 Individual Reservists worldwide.
“I want to recognize all of the men and women of Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center and Headquarters RIO,” said Smiley. “It is an incredible honor to stand before you today as your new commander. This will be my fourth role supporting the Air Reserve Personnel Center and I am still in awe of the vast mission and the impact you all have over 1.3 million Total Force Airmen who are actively serving, separated from service or retired Air Force members.”
Smiley succeeds Moore, who began her new assignment as the Mobilization Assistant to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia on June 9.
“I am sorry Gen. Moore is unable to be here today. She has done so much for Headquarters ARPC and Headquarters RIO and I want to publically acknowledge the incredible leadership and mentorship she has provided to me and ARPC these past three years,” said Smiley. “I am stepping into a team that has benefited from her passionate command and I am confident we will reap the benefits of her vision and efforts for years to come.”
Smiley is a 1991 distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. During her career she has served on active duty and as a Reservist in several statuses at the squadron, joint, and headquarters level.