The Air Force will eliminate the distinction between active-duty regular and reserve officers by May 1.

Previously, an officer who earned a reserve commission served in a sort of probationary period until promoted to major, when they could become a “regular” officer.

The contract reserve officers signed when they joined the Air Force states that in peacetime they could be separated from the service if a reduction in force becomes necessary. Regular officers had that clause removed from their contracts. Also, reserve officers could only serve a maximum of 20 years, while regular officers have a high rate of tenure based on rank.

“We’re basically changing the way we manage the force,” said Lt. Col. Leslie Formolo, Air Force chief of promotion and evaluation policy. “This is a simpler way to manage the force. Those on active duty will be regular officers; those in the Reserves will be reserve officers.”

All officers who entered active duty after May 1, 2005 were commissioned as regular officers. All other active-duty officers will be automatically transferred to regular status by May 1, provided they meet appointment requirements. Any officer who was previously denied the change because of not being medically qualified for worldwide duty, will also be granted regular status, Colonel Formolo said.

The change will not affect the active-duty service commitment, nor is a new oath of office required, Colonel Formolo said.

“The change is across all of the Department of Defense, so there’s no option to remain an active duty officer with a reserve-type commission,” Colonel Formolo said.

The only reasons an officer would not earn regular status are:

-- Not a U.S. citizen;

-- Serving on extended active duty under the Limited Period Recall Program, or serving on extended active duty as a result of invoking sanctuary rights;

-- Cannot meet the regular appointment age requirements.

The changeover is a separate issue from force shaping, and the two do not affect one another.

“Force shaping is an entirely different management process, so people should not confuse the two,” Colonel Formolo said. “Transitioning all active-duty officers from a reserve to a regular commission is a law and (Department of Defense) policy; force shaping is specific to the Air Force.”

For more information on the transition, Airmen can contact the Air Force Personnel Center.