You can make a difference

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jamesha M. Jones
  • 11th Wing Reserve Affairs Office
BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, DC (AFPN) --  Have you ever had an issue or idea you wanted someone to take action on, but felt like nobody would listen to you? Then, if someone did listen to you, did you find them saying, “It’s not going to happen because it would take an act of Congress to make those changes?"

Regardless of past letdowns and frustration, I know from personal experience that you can make a difference.

I had the honor of attending the Air Force Reserve Advisory Board recently.

The AFRAB is the primary forum to develop and implement clear policies for the Air Force Reserve. The board studies complicated Reserve issues, channels multiple-service initiatives to the Air Reserve Forces Policy Committee and helps develop proposed legislation of benefit to the Air Force Reserve.

My week began with a series of briefings on how the legislative process works.

At first, I thought I was back in high school learning civics all over again, except I learned a whole new language.

Terms like ULB, which means unified legislative and budget; appropriators; authorizers; HASC, or House Armed Services Committee; and SASC, which is the Senate Armed Services Committee, were explained to the group so we could understand the language of “the Hill” and why it takes so long to change existing law.

After our visit to the Capitol, we were ready to settle down to business.

The AFRAB receives issues from people throughout the Air Force. Most of the input comes via e-mail.

The advisory board consists of active duty members, active Guard members, active Reserve members, individual mobilization augmentees, traditional reservists and civilians from different major commands, bases and Air Force specialty codes and grades. The members are subdivided into smaller working groups who are given specific issues that are submitted. These issues are then defined, different options for solutions are explained and a course of action is recommended.

My group was responsible for discussing many different issues. One particular issue we discussed came from a member requesting the Montgomery GI Bill cover certification testing for reservists. The member wanted to know why active-duty members can use the GI Bill to cover certification testing and reservists can’t. The member believed by providing an incentive for reservists to get certification, they would have more knowledge to support the mission. After much debate, the recommendation from the board was to have AFRC step forward with a legislative initiative on the subject.

Sometimes, we may not think our issues are very important, but unless we bring them to someone’s attention, we will never know. Prior to attending the meeting, I had no knowledge of the AFRAB. This was my first experience, and I recommend it for junior enlisted troops because it provides the opportunity to see firsthand how policy changes take place. It also gives junior troops the chance to have their voices heard on issues that affect the Air Force community.

The forum is very relaxed and the committee members really listen to opinions and invite feedback. I walked away realizing I benefited from those who stood up in the past and fought for changes. Their perseverance paved the path we are on and it is up to each of us to get involved and stay the course. That is why it is important to understand the process and to know the “majority” of one can make a difference.

If you are interested in or would like more information about the AFRAB, go to http://www.afrc.af.mil/special/afrab/afrab.htm/.