Palace Chase offers chance for change Published June 26, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Kathryn Stilwell 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- What does the phrase, "Palace Chase", bring to mind? It is often met with a quizzical expression, but palace chase is simply the name of a program offered to active-duty service members for an opportunity to go reserve or Guard halfway through their enlistment. Anyone can use the palace chase program. First term Airmen must meet their 50 percent mark before they can submit an application while second term and beyond may apply at any point in time. However, applicants must have a clean record of service, meaning no Article 15's or physical training failures. "The palace chase program is an active-duty program designed for you to continue your commitment in a reserve capacity," said Master Sgt. Tripp Clough, in-service recruiter at Dover Air Force Base. "It's attractive for people who came on active duty for the sole reason of going to college, or are now on active duty and have a family. Things change in the four years they signed up for that may not fit now, where four years ago active duty was a great way to go." The first step for taking advantage of the program is to meet with a reserve or Guard recruiter. They will be able to explain the step-by-step process more thoroughly, but Clough assures it is an easy process. "You meet with me and we will do an AF Form 1288. I will let everyone in your chain of command know that you're applying to go palace chase. You can separate as soon as 90 days, or as long as 180 days. Anytime within that window, you can pick your separation date." Unlike with active duty, a base is not assigned, but selected. Cross-training into a different career field is also an option should there be no more openings in an individual's current Air Force Specialty Code. For more information on the palace chase program in a reserve capacity, contact Clough at: (302) 677-4613.