The Air Force Reserve was conceived as a "stand-by" force for national emergencies, but has evolved into a Major Command of the active duty Air Force that performs many missions in common with the Air Force and some missions that are unique. These are Weather Reconnaissance (the Hurricane Hunters), and Aerial Fire fighting.

There are 13 different kinds of state-of-the-art aircraft used by the Air Force Reserve, from the remote-piloted Predator to the C-17 Globemaster III that specializes in airlift operations, to the new F-22 Raptor fighter.

The Air Force Reserve performs about 20 percent of the work of the Air Force. Although the majority of the Reservists hold part-time jobs, the number of full-time positions is growing. These full-time jobs are performed by Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs) and by Active Guard Reserve (AGR). Another group of experienced Reservists serve as Individual Mobilized Augmentee (IMAs). IMAs have specialized skills and work according to tailored schedules at assigned locations.