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Q:
To be-gin, can you tell us a little about yourselves?
A:
Sure, I’m Senior Master Sgt. Julie Boekers, and I work with Master Sgt. Gabriel Silva. We are the Air Force Reserve Recruiting Team on Ramstein Air Base.
Q:
And who do you serve, specifically?
A:
So, the Air Force Reserve offers currently serving, Active-Duty Airmen (enlisted and officer) the opportunity to transfer into the Reserve via two programs – Palace Front and Palace Chase. The programs are frequently misunderstood, so that’s where we can help.
Q:
So what does it mean to “Palace Chase”?
A:
The Palace Chase program is an “early release” program. What this means is Active-Duty members can request to transition from Active-Duty into the Air Force Reserve. The application process, which is handled by Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center, takes approximately 7-8 weeks. Like any other Air Force program, there are eligibility rules and factors. Interested Airmen can review their eligibility by checking out Table 1.1 of AFI 36-3205. Being stationed overseas, one important thing to know is you’ll need to submit your application 9 months prior to your Date Eligible for Return from Overseas for an early release equal to DEROS.
Q:
So that covers Palace Chase, what about Palace Front?
A:
The Palace Front program differs from the Palace Chase program in that it’s not “early-release.” Palace Front allows Active-Duty commissioned and enlisted Airmen to transfer to the Air Force Reserve the day after they separate, normally upon completing their service commitment.
Q:
So, to summarize, if an Airman is interested in making the transition to the Air Force Reserve, what should they do?
A:
Airmen interested in the Palace Chase program, again that’s the early-release opportunity, should check their eligibility through the AFI we mentioned before (AFI 36-3205, Table 1.1). But more than anything, they should reach out to us, their local Air Force Reserve In-Service Recruiters. That is what we are here for! There are also other Air Force Reserve Recruiters in Europe (Spangdahlem, Mildenhall, Lakenheath, and Aviano), and we can help connect you with them if necessary.
Q:
Are there any other opportunities you can tell us about?
A:
The Air Force Reserve needs recruiters! That’s what I am, and I can tell you it has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding assignments I’ve ever experienced. I joined the recruiting team in 2006, and have been a part ever since. It is, without a doubt, one of the best kept secrets of the Air Force Reserve. Enlisted members, Senior Airman through Senior Master Sgt., are eligible to apply, and I’m the primary POC for that process.
Active-Duty Airmen, enlisted and officer, seeking information about the Air Force Reserve can contact the Ramstein In-Service Recruiting Team at 480-3940.
