News

From Active-duty to ANG/Reserve, how to make the switch

  • Published
  • By : Airman 1st Class William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  With budget constraints, force reduction and retention boards, Airmen across the Air Force may feel constant pressure and fear that their career may be in jeopardy.

Thankfully, there are two programs offered by the Air Force that could help alleviate some of those fears and give Airmen a fresh start.

Palace Chase and Palace Front are two programs that give Airmen the opportunity to cross over to the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserves halfway through their career or when reenlisting. All active duty service members are eligible for the program and can apply at any time. However, first term Airmen must have met at least 50 percent of their original contract before applying.

Master Sgt. Valerie Harris, ANG in-service recruiter, encourages those looking to separate from the Air Force, or under threat of retention boards, to look into the programs. Harris said it is a great way to continue to serve and build upon your career.

"I've had a few Airmen approach me and ask about the programs because they were concerned about retention boards," said Harris. "I'm really excited that I have an option to offer these Airmen and a possible way for them to continue their service."

Airmen who make the switch to guard and reserve have the option of picking their base because, unlike active duty, bases are picked and not assigned. Retraining is also available if there is an opening in the Air Force Specialty Code.

Senior Master Sgt. Janet Lightburn, 436th Airlift Wing career assistance advisor, said most Airmen who are using the program want to work on their education fulltime and palace chase offers them that choice, while still being able to be connected with the military.

"Some Airmen just don't want to be active duty anymore, for example deployments, or changing duty stations so they find the Guard/Reserve a viable option," said Lightburn. "This benefits the Airmen by allowing them to reach their goals sooner and it benefits the Air Force by allowing them to meet their end strength."

Palace Chase is a great program for Airmen who have experienced unforeseen life changes. Having a child, getting married or furthering education are the main reasons why first term Airmen choose to use the program, said Lightburn.

Airman 1st Class Alexander King, 436th Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance technician, said he thinks the program is a great opportunity for Airmen that have to adjust to new life changes and still want to serve their country. A native of Buffalo, N.Y., King hopes to use the program to get closer to home and improve his education and local community.

"This program will drastically change my life and allow me to do things that I can't while I'm active duty," said King. "I want to go back to Niagara Falls and help the family business that we've had and I want to pursue education, those are my main priorities."

For more information on the palace chase and palace front programs, contact MSgt Valerie Harris at: (302) 677-4544 or Valerie.harris.3@us.af.mil.