The convention of organizing armed forces around the concept of "rank" is ancient and almost universal. A few nations espousing a Communist philosophy have attempted to eliminate rank, but then reinstated the concept. Usually military organizations are organized into Commissioned Officers and Enlisted men and women, which is the organization used by the Air Force Reserve.

Those who have served in other branches of the military usually retain their rank when they join the Air Force Reserve. Again, no matter what branch of the military in which you have served, you are welcome to join the Air Force Reserve.