Experienced Airmen wanted: continue to serve with the Reserve

by Master Sgt. Shawn J. Jones
Public Affairs, Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service

2/25/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF RICHARDSON, Alaska  -- Force management programs will push many Airmen out of their full-time active-duty positions, but that doesn't mean they have to give up the retirement plan or the other hard-earned benefits they had come to expect.

Transitioning into the Air Force Reserve allows Airmen to continue to serve their country while providing benefits such as tuition assistance, the Post 9-11 G.I. Bill, reduced-cost health insurance and the opportunity to continue working toward a military retirement plan.

Airmen with active-duty experience are especially valuable to Reserve units because they already understand the Air Force culture and don't require as much training as an inexperienced recruit.

Experienced Airmen do not repeat basic military training, and those who remain in the same career field do not require technical school training.

"When regular Air Force Airmen transition into the Reserve, everyone wins," said Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, commander of Air Force Reserve Command. "We are doing our absolute best to retain as many of these fine Airmen and our investment in them."

"The Airmen retains the benefits of continued service, the Reserve gets experienced Airmen who can contribute immediately and the nation retains a valuable asset for national security," Jackson added.

Airmen who are ready to separate don't have to wait until their original enlistment or commission is complete. The Palace Chase program enables Airmen to separate from their active enlistment or commission as long as they continue their service with the Reserve Component.

Airmen should be aware the recruiting process is somewhat different from when they joined the active-duty Air Force. Having experience is helpful, but Airmen must work with a recruiter to find the best positions.

"Reserve units love fully qualified Airmen who can hit the ground running," said Col. Steve Fulaytar, commander of the Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service. "But finding the best positions for new recruits takes time, so they can help themselves by contacting a Reserve recruiter as soon as possible."