Fast challenges Air Reserve Component to accelerate innovation, sustain readiness

The ability to rapidly develop, test and field new capabilities has never been more important to the Air Force, and the Air Reserve Component is uniquely positioned to help deliver those capabilities to the warfighter.

That was the message from Lt. Gen. Paul "Speedy" Fast, chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander, Air Force Reserve Command, during remarks at the Air Reserve Component Weapons and Tactics Conference, held in Tucson, Arizona, Oct. 26 to 30. Addressing Reserve Component and Air National Guard members, Air Force leaders and industry partners, Fast emphasized the importance of innovation, operational readiness and collaboration as the nation prepares for an increasingly complex global security environment.

Fast began by recognizing the Airmen who have chosen to continue serving in the Reserve Component, as well as the thousands currently deployed in support of operations overseas. He estimated that approximately 8,000 to 9,000 Reserve Component members are currently mobilized, many having experienced repeated deployment extensions.

"2026 has been an extremely tough year," Fast said, acknowledging the demands placed on Reserve Airmen, their families and civilian employers.

While the operational requirements remain significant, Fast emphasized that supporting deployed members and preparing for their return must be a leadership priority. Leaders, he said, must recognize the sacrifices being made at home and ensure returning Airmen have an opportunity to recover before transitioning back into the demands of readiness.

At the same time, he cautioned that the Reserve Component cannot assume it will have years of reduced operational demand to rebuild readiness. The force must be prepared to respond again, making it essential to balance current missions with long-term force sustainability.

A legacy of innovation

Fast used the history of Reserve Component innovation during operations in Western Iraq in 2002 to illustrate how unconventional approaches to capability development can produce significant operational advantages.

In the months leading up to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Airmen from across the services and special operations community worked together to develop and refine joint fires integration capabilities. The effort brought together operational expertise, emerging technology and industry resources to improve coordination between fighter aircraft and special operations forces.

Reserve Component members played a significant role, leveraging capabilities developed outside traditional programs of record. Investments through the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account helped procure technologies such as sniper pods and communications capabilities that allowed aircraft and ground teams to exchange targeting information and coordinate operations.

The result was a more responsive approach to opening and closing airspace, supporting ground maneuver and rapidly repositioning forces to enable subsequent air operations.

"Thank God we did," Fast said, reflecting on the decision to pursue those capabilities despite the challenges associated with developing and fielding equipment outside established acquisition pathways.

He said the experience demonstrated the value of bringing the nation's technological resources together and giving operational teams the flexibility to experiment, test and field solutions against real-world requirements.

That same approach, he said, remains essential today.

Connecting capabilities and accelerating change

Fast highlighted the evolution of the Air Reserve Component's test and rapid fielding enterprise, noting that traditional distinctions between combat air forces and mobility air forces are increasingly giving way to a more connected operational environment.

Beyond-line-of-sight communications, information sharing and integrated defensive systems are changing how forces operate and support one another. Capabilities such as Angry Kitten and BriteCloud, along with initiatives including Open Viper and Open Panther, demonstrate the importance of continued experimentation and integration.

He also pointed to a recent milestone in which three Reserve Component members flew F-22 Raptor aircraft in quarterback and control roles, demonstrating the depth of expertise and operational experience resident within the Reserve force.

Fast described the Air Reserve Component as an important mechanism for retaining some of the Air Force's most experienced and highly skilled personnel. Many Airmen transition from active duty to pursue civilian careers, advanced education or family opportunities while continuing to contribute their expertise through reserve service.

However, increasing operational demands are changing that equation.

As the Reserve Component becomes more heavily leveraged for both deployed operations and day-to-day requirements, leaders must consider whether the traditional balance between military service and civilian life remains sustainable.

Fast challenged conference participants to recognize that tension and take an active role in retaining experienced Airmen, particularly those returning from demanding deployments.

"The nation needs us to stay," he said, emphasizing that leaders must demonstrate empathy for the challenges Airmen face while communicating the long-term value of continued service.

Partnerships that deliver for the warfighter

Fast also underscored the importance of collaboration between the Air Force, the Air Reserve Component and industry partners.

He recognized the significant investment industry organizations make to participate in events like ARC WEPTAC. He noted that companies come prepared to share ideas, demonstrate capabilities and work through the requirements and funding mechanisms needed to move solutions forward.

He highlighted the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Test Center's ability to provide responsive testing capacity through a flexible operating model. Unlike traditional test structures that rely heavily on reimbursable funding for individual projects, the Reserve Component can maintain a steady-state infrastructure that allows it to respond quickly as requirements emerge.

Fast said this model can provide approximately 80% of the capacity at about 20% of the cost, while maintaining the flexibility needed to support rapid experimentation and fielding.

This approach provides the nation with an enduring capability to address urgent operational needs without having to rebuild testing infrastructure each time priorities or programs change.

A call to action

Fast challenged participants to question established processes, move beyond traditional limitations and remain aggressive in pursuing solutions for the warfighter.

"Do not be satisfied with something taking longer than it should," he said, encouraging Airmen and industry partners not to accept institutional resistance as the final answer when new capabilities are needed.

He reinforced that rapid response and fielding are not simply matters of efficiency. The ability to deliver technology to operational forces can directly affect mission success and save lives.

With ongoing operations in the Middle East and potential challenges in Europe and the Western Pacific, Fast emphasized that the Air Force must continue preparing for a range of future contingencies.

The message to ARC WEPTAC participants was clear: sustain the force, strengthen partnerships and keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

The Reserve Component's experience, expertise and ability to move quickly remain critical advantages for the Air Force. Maintaining those advantages will require leaders willing to challenge convention, support their Airmen and ensure the warfighter has what is needed when it matters most.