How do I accomplish a Soft Reset on my iPad Air 2 ?

“Soft Reset” is not a term used by Apple.

If you are looking to force-restart your iPad:

• On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
• On an iPad with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

If instead you are attempting to reset one or more aspects of your iPad system, you’ll find the available options here:

Settings > General > Reset >