Air Force Reserve Command introduces new Deputy Commander

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE – Robins Air Force Base’s Reserve Command recently named Major Gen. Les Bradfield as “Anchor” Deputy Commander.

Bradfield is prepared to step into his new leadership role and has a wealth of experience. He has been serving in the military for 32 years and is a Naval Graduate from The Citadel, where he received his commission as a Naval Officer in 1992. He served in the United States Navy for nearly 11 years and had many assignments, both in the U.S. and overseas. 

Bradfield transitioned to the United States Air Force Reserve as a traditional reservist in 2003, where he became an A-10 fighter pilot and later became an air reserve technician in 2005. Prior to becoming Deputy Commander, he served as Director, Air Force Reserve Plans, Programs and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force,  at the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia.

Before coming back to Robins, he was stationed in the greater Washington D.C. area, specifically the National Capital region, for five years. He had three different jobs, two of those were with the air staff of the Air Force and one was on the joint staff. He said it is very different from his position now, but it helped him to see how it all plugs in to a bigger picture.

“I consider it my calling. I’ve served in two different services and I’m proud to continue to serve and humbled to be in the position that I’m in. I’m still having fun,” he said.

As deputy commander, along with Commander Lt. General John P. Healy, he is responsible for the day-to-day administration and operations of a 69,000-person command at nine different reserve bases; 37 wings and 10 independent groups are under their command.

This is Bradfield’s second time he and his family have been stationed at RAFB and he said it has been fantastic being back in the local community. 

“It’s just been a great place to be. Proud to be a part of Team Robins and the local community,” he said.

Bradfield shared it has been great being in his new position and there are many great professionals, both military and civilian. He said there are 1,600 in RAFB and the Air Force Reserve Command has had a presence there since 1948, over 76 years. 

He also said it has been great to be a part of that history, legacy and making a difference on base.

Being in a leadership role comes in different styles, Bradfield describes his as adaptive to day-to-day demands.  However, in administration, he said collaboration and focusing on the requirement best describes his leadership style.

He also said he likes bringing his team in, expecting them to lead and pushing leadership and decisions to the appropriate level. 

“Everyone’s a leader. You’re a leader every day; you lead by example, and I tell folks not to wait to lead. Lead where you are, because whether it be just seeing a problem, seeing a challenge and addressing it on the spot or making recommendations, speaking up and offering an innovative solution, that too can be considered leadership,” he said.

Bradfield said the Air Force is part of the Department of Defense and the joint forces. He said they are just one of the many components that make up the Air Force. 

“69,000 reserve people, nine reserve bases, 37 wings and 10 independent groups. We’re just a part of the Air Force and we provide cost effective surge capacity and strategic depth,” he said.

Bradfield also explains the meaning of strategic depth. His command is involved in almost all Air Force missions across the spectrum through a cost-effective part-time force. He said they are trained and ready to go, in case the nation needs them, either on a regular rotational basis or surge capacity. Whether it is preplanned or short notice, they will meet those needs.

Bradfield said he is excited to be back in the community and making a difference for the airmen, who do the nation’s work. 

“Though I don’t get to see them every day, knowing that everything I do, every decision I make, somewhere affects an airman or their families,” he said

He also shares he has had relatives back in the 1950s and 1960s who served in the reserve on RAFB. Bradfield said it has been neat to see how things have changed, and what stays constant. 

“The community has grown, I can tell you that, but what has not changed is the community support that rally behind what we do here at Robins Air Force Base,” he said.

Bradfield’s motivation is selfless service to the country and serving others. He said he is honored and humbled to be in his current position and every day he is reminded of the reason he is at RAFB: to serve airmen and their families in his country. He said this gives him the energy to serve in his position. 

He shares the mission RAFB has with the maintenance depot and other jobs are vitally important and he knows it will continue to have a strong future.

Bradfield’s vision for the Air Force Reserve Command is bright and he believes they will tackle any challenges that come their way.

“We will have future challenges. Threats, challenges and budgets may be uncertain but what is certain is the nation will continue to need us and this is a fantastic way to serve,” he said.

Bradfield also shared while they are uncertain of what the future holds for the nation, Air Force and Air Force Reserve resources will help improve the nation.

“Through innovation and technology from the private sector, as well as exquisite data, to help us make decisions. We’re going to ensure that we’re meeting the nation’s needs with the resources that we have,” he said.

Bradfield believes there are many opportunities at RAFB. He said he did not know until 2000 the the reserve was an option for someone like him, who came from another service. He said it was an opportunity for him to continue to serve and enjoy benefits.  

According to Bradfield, there are 69,000 men and women and over 200 different types of jobs that the base can fill. He said they are slightly less than 25% full time, making the reserve a great way to continue serving while also living locally and pursuing other goals.

“I continued to be a part of something bigger and defending our way of life. It was an opportunity that provided flexibility with different options to serve, with comprehensive benefits, generous retirement and educational opportunities,” he said.

To find out more information about Major Gen. Les Bradfield click here.