Team will address total-force issues Published June 13, 2003 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Air Force is standing up a “tiger team” to address three major Air Reserve Component issues considered vital to the future success of the total force.The team, led by Brig. Gen. Jose M. Portela, will initially focus on income protection, medical care and changes to the implicit contract with employers. Portela is mobilization assistant to Michael L. Dominguez, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and Reserve affairs at the Pentagon“These are topics of great importance because they affect keeping families and employers informed, happy and willing to continue their military association,” said Dominguez.The team is being asked to define the size and scope of any problems identified in these areas as they relate to the ARC, Dominguez said.“We will evaluate the severity of any problems that affect the mid- to long-range viability of the ARC and develop a variety of solutions,” Portela said.These solutions will be evaluated and, once finalized, will be introduced into the appropriate legislative or policy-making forums, Dominguez said.“There are tough problems but our ARC airmen and the public should know that we are working hard to solve them,” he said.According to Dominguez, these problems must be solved to ensure the continued success of the ARC amidst the dramatic changes that have occurred over the last few years.“It’s important that the Air Force begins laying the foundation now to best protect our superb total-force team in the future,” he said.