MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Reservists from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, have been providing maintenance manpower on the F-15 line here.
Integrated with the 366th Maintenance Group since January, the nine reservists with the 414th Maintenance Squadron are fulfill roles in multiple maintenance sections to ensure the mission continues despite low manning.
"With the drawbacks the Air Force has had to face, we're still expected to keep up the same tempo with less people," said Master Sgt. Jerry Duck, 391st Aircraft Maintenance Unit specialist section chief. "They [the 414th] have relieved a lot of stress and pressure, which is crucial."
Total Force Integration capitalizes on the unique strengths of both active and reserve Airmen and enhances the Air Force's ability to conduct missions by sharing resources, aircraft, crews and support.
Master Sgt. Jared Ralphs, 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron phase section chief, agreed. Ralphs indicated that the active duty side is receiving much needed manning support while the reservist gain experience and career broadening.
"Despite being 'young' in terms of time in service, they've been open to do anything and everything that is tasked to them," said Ralphs.
The positive impact the reservists have had on the active duty units goes both ways.
"We were told from day one by the [366th] maintenance group commander and chief that all of the amenities and support of Mountain Home AFB were at our disposal, and they have lived up to that promise and delivered each and every time," said Staff Sgt. Stephen Young, 414th Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "We have [even] been able to participate in volunteer opportunities, complete upgrade training tasks, and continue with our career progression."
In addition to his primary duties, Young has taken advantage of resources the base and the unit has to offer by completing both his Community College of the Air Force degree and his seven-level upgrade training.
"My section chiefs here assisted me with getting scheduled to take my [End of Course] test for my seven-level upgrade training," said Young. "They performed the necessary competency reviews with me and made sure I had sufficient study time in preparation."
The other members from the 414th MXS are supporting ammunition, engines, weapons and avionics, all of which play an integral role in mission completion.
"I honestly didn't think that one person could make a difference, but it has. They came in here like they've been here forever and have been a part of the family forever," said Duck. "They're 'fire and release' kind of guys as we like to call them, you give them a job and they go and get it done the first time."
Nearing their return home to North Carolina in the next couple of weeks, the supported units are already reluctant to see them go.
Both Ralphs and Duck expressed that it was going to hurt when the 414th leaves.
"They are definitely making a big impact on us... it was absolutely the right decision to send them out here," said Duck. "We really appreciate having their help."