Individual Ready Reservists muster at Niagara

by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Caya
914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

7/22/2014 - NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- More than 60 Airmen mustered here, July 19 fulfilling their military requirements to the Individual Ready Reserve.

Unlike their traditional reserve counterparts, Airmen assigned to the IRR do not have to attend unit training assemblies and are not obligated to attend annual training. The only military duty they have is to attend an annual paid muster. While they have no major military obligations, IRR members preserve their status, their military specialty and rank, just as they would if they wore the uniform. Additionally, like their active and reserve counterparts, IRR personnel retain certain privileges such as entitlement to a military identification card for themselves and dependents, as well as access base services and commissary and exchange benefits.

"The whole purpose of the IRR is to ensure members are current, qualified and still ready to fight in the event they are mobilized," said Tech. Sgt. Shavonne Genovese, 914th Force Support Squadron customer support chief.

The muster was held at the Community Activities Center here, and the Airmen met with different sections for screening. This screening was to ensure all of their paperwork was correct and included meeting with medical, Veteran Affairs, personnel and 914th Airlift Wing recruiters.

An IRR member who was attending the muster, Capt. Holly Layer, a public affairs officer said she still enjoys the commitment, between herself and the Air Force.

"I like knowing I am still a part of it, even if it's just in a small way," said Layer who mentioned how she appreciated that the Air Force ensured all of her information was correct and experts were able address any issues and answer questions.

One of the main reasons Airmen enter the IRR is because issues arise which conflict with them finishing their contract with the U.S. military. The member's chain of command must approve the transfer into the IRR, said Genovese, who was in charge of the muster. It is written in the enlistment contract, the DD Form 4, which states if a member does not fulfill their entire obligation, they will enter into the IRR. Additionally, they are required by law to complete an IRR muster annually, said Genovese.

Although this is an annual requirement, leadership involved in the IRR program noticed how well the 914th Airlift Wing handled processing the IRR Airmen.

Ramon Roldan, chief of operations for the Total Force Service Center in Denver said, out of the IRR musters he has been to, this was the best he has ever seen.

"Usually we have big lines everywhere and some stoppage," said Roldan, "But today everything is running really smooth."