What is the current AF thinking on the IMA program?

SMSgt Thor Merich — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:01:46 -0400

Its seems to me that the AF is reducing the number of IMA's significantly from the past. My previous unit had 75 IMA's when I joined it many years ago. My current unit now has only 7. Does anyone know what the AF's plans are for the future of the program?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 28 at 2015 12:10 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:10:13 -0400

I recommend you tag Air Force to this discussions well to get a more rounded USAF response SMSgt Thor Merich.
FYI I was in the US Army IMA program for over a decade and saw it ramped up and ramped down after 9-11.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 12:10 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:10:21 -0400

Perhaps it is because of the downswing in budget, putting more focus on having "active" personnel involved in training? I am curious, as well, as this is a program that I will look into if I cannot get back into the air guard.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 28 at 2015 12:27 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:27:10 -0400

Phasing them out. Just like everything else.

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Sep 28 at 2015 1:36 PM

SSgt Donnavon Smith — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:36:19 -0400

Not familiar with the acronym

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 5:05 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:05:56 -0400

Like everything else, we are a smaller force including the ARC component. We still have a slew of IMAs in my unit but that is partially because of the organizational makeup. The IMA program is still alive and well, but it's size has reduced along with the size of the total ARC component. It won't be phased out though...Deborah James has highlighted the need to grow the ARC component to support the dwindling active component.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 10:26 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:26:21 -0400

I have been since 2005, I love the program. Although it has been downsized, it seems to be growing with the addition of ARPC's RIO. I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon, the word just needs to get out about the vast benifits associated with the program.

Response by 1stSgt Jeff Blovat made Sep 30 at 2015 9:10 AM

1stSgt Jeff Blovat — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 09:10:20 -0400

Unknown. I have a buddy I worked with who joined the program last year. Not many that I knew of in AD or NYANG. Proudly wore the beret for 22 years. Rock on bro......

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 9:39 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:39:57 -0400

I know the rumors of the IMA program going away have been floating around for years. Recent moves the AF has made seem like they are planning on keeping it for the long hall (I am referring to the transition from BIMAA to RIO). So from an overall AF standpoint, I would say they plan on keeping us around. The issue I run into at my current organization is how they use the IMA's assigned. Without getting into details (this is not the appropriate forum for that) some organizations do not utilize the IMA program as it is designed to work. This could be due to certification issues, PRP issues, clearance issues ect. Sometimes it may come down to personnel within the command not understanding how it is supposed to work. Some organizations have stellar IMA programs in place, others have work to do.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Nov 22 at 2015 1:36 PM

SrA David Steyer — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 13:36:15 -0500

I know you have to be at least a five level to do it, but at my last base there were a LOT of unfilled positions in a joint unit. If you were able to "retrain" into said position, do your seasoning at an AD base or something then fill the slot you may get some takers...