Air Force Reserve adjusts to meet operational demands Published Oct. 20, 2009 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga -- As the next logical step in Air Force Reserve Command's journey to become a fully operational major command, Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr. moved his permanent residence from Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., to Robins AFB Oct. 11. Since before AFRC became a major command in 1997, the commander, who also serves as chief of Air Force Reserve, has lived in Washington and worked at the Office of Air Force Reserve in the Pentagon. In the past, General Stenner routinely left Washington and traveled to Robins AFB and other locations to fulfill his dual-status duties. Those duties will continue. The only difference is the general now resides at Robins AFB. "Sitting in the seat at the command headquarters will accelerate the process of total force integration," General Stenner said. "MAJCOM commander to MAJCOM commander collaboration will result in an agreed upon way ahead on any matter, and guidance and direction to the respective staffs from the top down as to the way ahead will eliminate uncertainties that I believe currently exist." The impact of the current operations tempo is such that the secretary of defense directed all of the uniformed services to manage their forces in an operational manner, the general said. This directive led him to the conclusion that "the center of gravity for operational taskings involving the Air Force Reserve is at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command. Hence, in order to do justice to this directive, I believe it is imperative that I live where the command is located," General Stenner said. He said his move reflects the emerging expectations of operational demands. "We will be more directly involved in sending our reservists overseas to support the needs of combatant commanders," he said. General Stenner said the change in residence does not signal a change in the way he approaches his duties as chief of Air Force Reserve. "This domicile change does not mean that my Title 10 responsibilities as chief of Air Force Reserve and principle adviser to the chief of staff of the Air Force are any less important than they are today." The general will continue to travel between Robins AFB and the Pentagon as necessary to carry out his duties at both locations. The two staffs are properly organized to ensure continuity is maintained. "The scope of my responsibilities have not changed, and the fact that my personal residence has changed in no way diminishes the importance I place on the roles and missions of both of these staffs," General Stenner said. "Dee and I look forward to making new acquaintances as well as renewing old acquaintances from our previous tour at Robins," General Stenner said. From 2003 to 2006, he served as director of plans and programs for AFRC. "The Middle Georgia community is very special, and I'm excited about the opportunity to spend more time here," he said. "I have always admired the close relationships between the community members, civic leaders and employers. And I have not forgotten, and still absolutely agree, that "every day in Middle Georgia is armed forces appreciation day!" (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)
