QUANTICO, Va. -- Col. Mike Mentavlos, the Individual Mobilization Augmentee to Air Force Office of Special Investigations Region 6 Commander, Col. Vasaga Tilo, Jr., was recently selected to represent the Air Force Reserve and AFOSI on the Defense and Security Issues Committee (DEFSEC).
DEFSEC serves as a “think and do-tank” that updates the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers President and Council on emerging defense and security issues affecting NATO reserve forces with a focus on the War on Terror and ongoing NATO operations in Afghanistan and other theaters of operation.
Col. Mentavlos was number one out of 108 applicants and is the first-ever selection for the AFOSI IMA program.
“I’m honored to represent the Air Force, the Reserve Program and AFOSI as a member of DEFSEC,” Col. Mentavlos said. “In this role, my NATO reserve partners and I have the opportunity to collaborate and provide recommendations on various issues affecting reserve forces around the world.”
The Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers, commonly referred to by its French acronym CIOR (for La Confédération Interalliée des Officiers de Réserve), represents the interests of more than 1.3 million reservists across 34 participating nations in and beyond NATO, making it the world's largest military reserve officer organization.
The mission of the cerebral think-and-do-tank addresses pertinent current and emerging global security and defense challenges at a strategic level to drive CIOR innovation, thus improving the operational effectiveness and interoperability of NATO and Allied Reserve forces.
Its vision is informing Reserve-centered policy development of evolving stakeholders in the international, national, corporate, and academic arenas, while cultivating a sustained relationship with NATO and respective ministries of defense.
Col. Mentavlos is a proponent of fellow IMAs continuing their academic vectors.
“As the IMA Officer Career Field Manager, I highly recommend our IMAs consider applying for Developmental Education Courses, both long and short-term, through the Reserve School Selection Board,” he said. “The boards are held quarterly by the headquarters Reserve Personnel Center at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. Applicants are competitively selected based on the needs of the Air Force. IMAs have the opportunity to develop and fine-tune their leadership skills. These courses provide an outstanding opportunity to build relationships and networks in line with (AFOSI Commander) Brig. Gen. (Terry L.) Bullard’s vision regarding Strategic Communications and building partner capacity.”
Upon hearing of Col. Mentavlos’ selection to DEFSEC, General Bullard wrote, “I like highlighting our Reservists more and more and showing the command, the Air Force and the world just how awesome our IMA Force truly is.”