Tinker IMAs ensure AF mission continues during transitions

Published Dec. 11, 2008
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affaris

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- In baseball, a pinch hitter may save a game. In the Air Force, an individual mobilization augmentee can save the mission.

An IMA is an individual reservist who volunteers for a position and performs duty dependent on the mission needs. Sometimes, an IMA will occupy the same position as the active duty member deployed. Currently, more than 130 IMAs are assigned to Tinker. "They're essential to keep the mission going when the active-duty manning is pulled in other directions," said Master Sgt. Rebecca Stewart, assistant base IMA administrator, and former IMA. "They can just come in running."

Regionally, the process begins with a vacant position at Tinker, Vance or Altus Air Force Bases. An interested IMA will apply and interview with the active duty unit's commander or director. Once hired, the IMA will meet with Sergeant Stewart or base IMA administrator, Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Johnson, for training, orientation and in-processing.

Once formalities are completed, the IMA is put to work. While on assignment, an IMA is dressed in the uniform-of-the-day and has the same rights and privileges as an active duty Airman. The IMA can use the fitness facilities, dining hall, 72nd Air Base Wing Military Personnel Section or medical clinic.

When the active-duty member returns and the IMA has completed the job, the individual will return home and most likely to a civilian job, which could resemble their IMA position. Home can be anywhere. But, Sergeant Stewart said most Tinker IMAs reside in Oklahoma.

Like other reservists, IMAs are required to complete annual training on a fiscal-year basis, which includes two weeks of training throughout the year. Furthermore, IMAs must complete their in-active duty training, and any tasking that is required for the job. They must also do the same overall training as active duty members, as well as maintain the same readiness requirements. Traditionally, IMAs have active-duty experience, and therefore have been in the Air Force for at least four years.

"I think people would be surprised of the number of reservists that work side-by-side with them and don't even realize it," Sergeant Stewart said.

One such IMA is Col. Margaret Cope, who serves as the Mobilization Assistant to the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center commander, Maj. Gen. Loren Reno. Colonel Cope oversees the IMA program at the OC-ALC and fills in for the commander when he requests her aid. An IMA for seven years, with four years at Tinker, the colonel said the IMA program is essential for the reserve career-development pyramid and is cost effective for the Air Force.

"We have a higher number of senior line-officer billets than the traditional unit reserve program and when officers get promoted to colonel, many line officers come into the IMA program," Colonel Cope said. "I believe IMAs are a tremendous force multiplier. They provide leadership, continuity, experience and technical skills. They are capable, committed, flexible, and ready to fulfill our center's mission and meet surge capability as necessary."

Colonel Cope said she also advises junior officers to focus on the core values - integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

Col. Greg Hall, who serves as the senior IMA to the 72nd Mission Support Group commander, agreed and said IMAs are especially beneficial to the Air Force Materiel Command.

"There are many Air Force specialty codes in AFMC not found in other major commands, such as developmental engineers and acquisition specialists," he said. "So it is important to have an operational reserve of expertise in these areas when the need arises. A qualified IMA familiar with the Tinker processes and personnel can step in and take charge with minimum spin-up time."

As the senior IMA to Col. James Eilers, he manages the IMAs in the group and fills in for the commander when he's away. A member of the Air Force since 1983, Colonel Hall has volunteered for the IMA program since 1995. He first came to Tinker through the program in 1999 and has been with the mission support group part-time since 2005.

"I wanted to continue serving in the Air Force and thought that working alongside active duty personnel would be challenging and provide an opportunity to continue contributing," Colonel Hall said.