Buckley Space Force Base, Colo. -- Col. Karla A. Taff officially took command of Headquarters Readiness and Integration Organization, HQ RIO, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, during an assumption of command ceremony here Sept. 1, 2026.
“To be selected for command at this pivotal moment is a dream come true,” said Taff. “I’m excited to build on the foundation Col. Nathan Day [the previous HQ RIO commander] laid via the reorganization. It’s the perfect time to bring a lean management focus and system to HQ RIO’s human resource processes to improve the work environment for our Reservists and remove barriers to their participation.”
Taff shared her enthusiasm to lead RIO and her goals for the organization.
“I’m excited to improve our internal human resource processes and capitalize on our streamlined posture to define and prioritize the needs of our customers – the combatant commanders, regular Air Force supervisors, and the IRs themselves,” she said. “There are a lot of changes within the Individual Mobilization Augmentee program and how we’re managing and employing IRs. It’s exciting to be on the cusp of developing those ideas into execution and thinking through secondary and tertiary impacts to limit friction for those who want to serve in this unique capacity.”
During his speech, Brig. Gen. Harold W. Linnean, Air Reserve Personnel Center commander, highlighted the work of previous HQ RIO commander, to include reducing seven detachments to two, standing up the Urgent Requests Process, and transitioning 96 core programs in four short months. He then underscored the importance of the mission Taff is inheriting and his confidence in her leadership going forward.
“Colonel Day built the momentum; now, Col. Taff brings the exact strategic vision and relentless drive required to accelerate it,” Linnean said. “When selecting the next commander for RIO, Karla’s record stood apart. She is a master of the Air Force human capital enterprise, process-driven, deeply analytical, and proven across tactical, operational, and strategic echelons.”
Taff brings a bounty of military career experience to her new role as HQ RIO commander.
“Commissioning in 2002 from Florida State University, Karla built her foundation on the front lines of readiness at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida; she managed complex operations in Keflavik, Iceland; and deployed in support of combat operations in Afghanistan,” said Linnean. “Across 13 years on active duty and a seamless transition into the Reserve, she demonstrated commanding leadership at every turn - from commanding the 916th Force Support Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, to her recent role leading our Directorate of Personnel and Total Force Support here at ARPC. Every assignment was rigorous preparation for this command.”
Taff will command more than 8,000 Individual Reservists, Individual Mobilization Augmentees and Participating Individual Ready Reserve members, spread across global combatant commands and major agencies.
“I’m excited and honored to command,” she said. “The challenges motivate me. I love our Airmen and want to make things better for them. I seek out opportunities to look at issues creatively or critically and roll up my sleeves to dig in and get after the mission.”