One Airman, Global Impact: Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Lehane

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Timm Huffman
  • HQ RIO Public Affairs
Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Lehane, an HQ RIO Detachment 2 Individual Mobilization Augmentee, says he loves the opportunities and flexibility afforded to him by the Individual Reserve program.

"I became an IMA because my state police duty schedule did not line up with the weekend drill schedule and it was difficult getting time off," said Lehane, a 15 year veteran of the Connecticut state police. "I continue to stay because of the flexibility; and I can still contribute to the Air Force mission."

With a total of 29 years of service to the Air Force, Lehane has also taken advantage of the many opportunities provided to him. While he is an IMA with the 673rd Security Forces Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, he's currently serving with the 879th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Saudi Arabia, providing force protection to the United States Military Training Mission, the Office of Program Management-Saudi Arabia National Guard and three smaller U.S. military joint units.

"With the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, our involvement and advisement with the Saudis has been critical to supporting the daily strikes against the insurgents," he said.

Lehane was also the first Air Force Reservist to complete the Army's Sergeants Major Academy, an 11-month leadership school. He has also deployed twice and has backfilled for his active duty counterpart several times.

"As an IMA I have had great opportunities," said Lehane. "The IMA program allows you to 'be all you can be,' to quote another branch."

HQ RIO manages Individual Reserve Airmen that support over 50 separate active-duty major commands, combatant commands and government agencies.

Unlike traditional Reservists, who are assigned to Reserve units that regularly perform duty together, IMAs work with their active-duty supervisors to create a custom duty schedule that helps their unit meet mission requirements.