It is widely asserted that the Air Force has become increasingly reliant on the Air Force Reserve (AFR) and Air National Guard (ANG). Many believe this increased reliance began with Operation DESERT STORM and is primarily due to increased OPSTEMPO and active duty end strength reductions. More and more we are seeing many missions, traditionally active duty missions, now going to the Air Reserve Component (ARC). Many believe we are asking the ARC to accomplish too much, when in fact it is a force that should be held in reserve for periods of national emergency.This paper begins by describing the origins and purpose of the ARC, as originally intended by our forefathers. It then provides background on the ARC roles and missions. The analysis section summarizes the contributions of the ARC in the Cold War, post-Cold War, and the War on Terrorism. It also looks at the future of the ARC and its linkage to the active force. Finally, the paper concludes that the ARC has evolved since its official inception in the late 1940s. It will continue to evolve as the Air Force continues to integrate Active, Guard, and Reserve, until we are no longer call ourselves Active, Guard, or Reserve, but Air Force.