Photo By Tech. Sgt. Johnathan Quiñones | U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew T. Muha, second from left, 445th Airlift Wing deputy...... read more read more
By Lt. Col. Phillip Polk Air Force Research Laboratory IMA of Autonomous Programs
Air Force Reservists gathered here Feb. 24–26 for the Spring 2026 Common Training Assembly (CTA), a multi-day event focused on organizational restructuring, emerging technology and professional development. Attended by 90 Reservists, the assembly at the Air Force Institute of Technology brought together Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMAs) and senior leaders from Air Force Materiel Command, the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, and the445th Airlift Wing. The event served to align Ohio-based Reservists with the strategic roadmap for the year ahead while providing a unique networking opportunity. Integration and the Importance of IMAs The event kicked off Feb. 24 with a specialized session for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Led by Col. Joseph W. Tringe, AFRL Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, the session detailed the new proposed AFRL structure and the integration of reserves into the organization’s future roadmap. Tringe also focused on the unique contributions that IMAs bring to the laboratory and future mission opportunities. Leadership and Policy Evolution Discussions continued over the following two days with Maj. Gen. Mark V. Slominski, AFMC Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, opening the larger-audience event. Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Hobbs, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC)Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, provided senior perspectives on fostering a "Warrior Culture" and navigating major policy and organizational changes. Significant focus was placed on high-level directives, including an overview of the January 2026 Commander, Air Force Reserve (CAFR) tasking order to enable a more focused reserve community to meet future demands. Readiness and Future Technology At its core, the CTA emphasized administrative and deployment readiness, community building and essential planning. Members received updates on Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) planning, mobility training requirements, retirement benefits and Department of Veterans Affairs resources. Beyond reserve management, innovation was a central theme. Attendees participated in interactive forums featuring experts on artificial intelligence, AFWERX, and the evolution of the U.S. Space Force led by Brig. Gen. Michelle K. Idle, Space Systems Command Mobilization Assistant to the Commander. Heritage and Professional Connection The assembly also prioritized "Connection before Content," offering networking opportunities and off-site team building. The event concluded with an immersive tour of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force led by Dr. Tara Simpson, 445th AW historian, who highlighted the historic contributions of Reservists to American warfighting. The Reserve Advantage The Spring 2026 CTA successfully bridged the gap between strategic policy and tactical execution for the IMA community. From deep dives into the CAFR tasking order to hands-on technology forums, the event provided the tools necessary for Reservists to remain an integrated, ready, and lethal force. By bringing together diverse leaders from NASIC, AFLCMC and the 445th AW, the event fostered a collaborative reserve ecosystem across Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
| Date Taken: | 03.05.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.16.2026 09:40 |
| Story ID: | 559953 |
| Location: | WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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