JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Serving as an active-duty U.S. Service member isn't the only way Air Force Airmen can provide support, dedication or service. More than 70,000 U.S. Air Force Reserve Airmen perform approximately 20 percent of the department of the Air Force's workload, including traditional flying and other specialized missions.
For Airmen leaving the Air Force after four or 20 years, the AFR gives Airmen the opportunity to continue serving while pursuing personal goals, said Tech. Sgt. Ronald Reyes, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, in-service recruiter.
"The AFR is a part-time component of active-duty Air Force," said Reyes. "Part-time jobs in the AFR give you the time and financial support to continue your education or begin a civilian career."
Through the Palace Chase or Palace Front programs, active-duty Airmen can transition to the AFR. To Palace Chase, enlisted Service members must complete at least half of their first term contract and commissioned officers must complete at least two-thirds of their initial total active-duty service commitment by the requested date of separation, said Reyes. However, if an enlisted member or officer is within six months of their date of separation, they are only eligible for the Palace Front program.
Once those interested speak to an in-service recruiter, they must gather documents needed for the transition. From there, they choose a position at a base of choice. Reyes said there is typically a Reserve wing or unit in almost every active-duty Air Force Base, which gives participants a wide range of options.
If eligible and selected for the program, service members will sever their current contract and transfer to an available reserve position. While participants end their commitment early, they must pledge a predetermined amount of time to their new branch of service.
"For Palace Chase, enlisted members have to double whatever time they have left and officers would have to triple the time they have left," said Reyes. "However, signing up for six years in the AFR allows you to have access to Tuition Assistance, which is provided to active-duty Service members, and the Reserve G.I. Bill."
Transferring to the AFR requires Service members to answer the call of duty one weekend a month and two weeks throughout the year, allowing members to maintain a personal life of their choosing and attain goals outside of military service.
"In my experience, the main reasons active-duty members separate is to pursue either a full-time career, be a full-time student or be a full-time parent," said Reyes. "Transitioning into the AFR could be more beneficial depending on the individual because of the flexibility the reserves has to offer."
For more information, contact Reyes at 764-4085.