The Air Force Reserve Command supports the Air Force mission to defend the United States through control and exploitation of air, space, and cyberspace by supporting Global Engagement. The AFRC plays an integral role in the day-to-day Air Force mission and is not a force held in reserve for possible war or contingency operations.

The Air Force Reserve performs approximately 20 percent of the daily missions of the Air Force and in some cases provides a majority of the support for certain missions. For example, the Air Force Reserve provides 65 percent of the Aeromedical missions the Air Force performs. There is always a need for healthcare professionals who wish to serve on a part-time basis. Air Force Reserve categories of service break down like this: