AFR has options for separating Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Devante Williams
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  There are many Airmen who want to serve in the Air Force but don't want to be on active duty anymore. Some Airmen want to get out and go to school but don't want to lose their education benefits.

"The Air Force Reserve is an opportunity to serve on a part-time basis," said Master Sgt. Brandy Corum, Reserve recruiter. "Airmen get the best of both worlds by being able to serve their country and be a civilian to complete their education."

As a member of the Reserve, Airmen are automatically enrolled in the accredited Community College of the Air Force that offers 66 associate degrees in applied science programs. The CCAF is equivalent to an associate degree. One benefit of joining the Reserve is Airmen remain eligible for tuition assistance, making the post-9/11 GI Bill transferable to a family member.

For those Airmen who are looking to separate before their term is up, the Air Force has the Palace Chase program, which allows active-duty Airmen to serve the rest of their time in the Reserve. Under Palace Chase, Airmen must serve two years in the Reserve for every year of active duty they have remaining. For example, if an Airman wants to Palace Chase with two years left in his active-duty contract, he would have to serve in the Reserve for four years.

Once Airmen cross into the Reserve, they can choose to stay in their career field or cross-train. The Reserve has all the same jobs as the active-duty Air Force. The main difference is Reservists work on weekends instead of a full week. Jobs in the Reserve range from aircraft loadmaster to security forces.

"The best thing about joining the Air Force Reserve is that Airmen keep their benefits from their active-duty career," Corum said. "From health care to commissary privileges, the benefits will follow Airmen to the Reserve."

During their time in the Reserve, Airmen will serve one weekend each month and two weeks of active duty annually. Also, they can often select the location where they will serve. The flexibility of the Reserve makes it easier for Airmen to complete their education and get their degrees with less stress.

Crossing over into the Reserve is an opportunity available for Airmen throughout the Air Force. The Reserve will help Airmen transition into the civilian world, while also keeping them military-minded.

Active-duty Airmen at Luke Air Force Base interested in joining the Reserve should call Master Sgt. Brandi Corum, in-service recruiter, at 623-656-7002.