Formed in 1988, the council comprises 13 members, a liaison and an adviser. After hearing from reservists, the council documents the issues, conducts research and makes recommendations for improvements in areas that will have a positive impact on Reserve members or their quality of life. Recommendations are forwarded to the AFA, which works with elected officials to get them implemented. Proposals to improve benefits and help military families are high on the priority list. Currently the council is involved with nearly 30 issues ranging from modernizing equipment and funding Reserve construction projects to improving child care and increasing retirement benefits.
Council members meet three times a year.
The purpose of the first meeting, normally conducted in February, is to bring issues to the table. Prior to attending the meeting, council members solicit input from reservists in their unit or who live in their area. After all of the issues are presented, the list is narrowed down to sharpen the group s focus. If more information is required, members are assigned to conduct the necessary research. Once the AFA receives the submission, it prioritizes the issues and begins the process of gaining congressional support.