The purpose of this paper was to support the thesis that an Air Force Reserve C-17 squadron was capable of manning and operating an Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. In considering this possibility, a three-pronged approach was studied. First, the role that strategic airlift squadrons played in the Total Force throughout history was shown. Secretary Laird, along with General McConnell and other high-ranking officials in the late sixties and early seventies determined the role of the ARC needed to become fully integrated with the active duty. Maturing from their flying club past, the ARC has steadily and persistently become a vital ingredient towards the successful accomplishment of the US Air Force mission. Proof of their involvement was documented in calendar year 2005 when reserve strategic airlift aircrew members flew 45% of all airlift missions.