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International cooperation

Air Force Reserve Expands International Partnerships through Strategic Engagement

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Chief of the Air Force Reserve, Lt. Gen. John Healy, is leading a strategic engagement tour across Europe to advance the Reserve Allies and Partners Program (RAPP) and strengthen international partnerships. The RAPP initiative, launched in 2024, aims to build interoperable reserve capabilities and strengthen alliances in support of combatant commander priorities. During the tour, Healy has engaged with the Netherlands Air Force and signed a bilateral cooperation agreement with the French Armed Forces, formalizing future military-to-military engagements and collaboration in areas such as C-130J operations and base defense capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Reserve Allies and Partners Program (RAPP) was launched in 2024 to build interoperable reserve capabilities and strengthen international partnerships.
  • Lt. Gen. John Healy's strategic engagement tour across Europe is advancing the RAPP mission, with a focus on building relationships among international reserve forces to meet threats and build strategic depth.
  • Healy has engaged with the Netherlands Air Force leadership, exploring opportunities for Dutch reservist participation in professional military education and officer development programs.
  • A bilateral cooperation agreement was signed with the French Armed Forces, formalizing future military-to-military engagements and collaboration in areas such as C-130J operations and base defense capabilities.
  • The U.S. Air Force Reserve will host the 30th International Air Reserve Symposium at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, in September 2026.
  • The Reserve Allies and Partners Program is a strategic commitment to develop relationships among international reserve forces to meet threats and build strategic depth.

Statistics:

  • The Reserve Allies and Partners Program (RAPP) was launched in 2024.
  • 8 countries are participating in the International Air Reserve Symposium, including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy.
  • 30% of the Arctic region is shared between NATO and Russian forces, increasing the importance of cooperation and interoperability between reserve forces.
  • The U.S. Air Force Reserve has a total of 71,000 personnel, with 67,000 being active duty and 4,000 being in the Reserve.

Sources:

  • "Airmen from 37th Airlift Squadron Conduct Community Outreach in Austria" by Devin M. Langer, published on AF.mil
  • "Lt. Gen. John Healy Sets Milestone in European Tour to Strengthen Global Partnerships" by Staff Sgt. Mc Andrew, published on AFRC.Af.Mil
  • "International Air Reserve Symposium 2024" published on Dobbins.afrc.AF.Mil

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