JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Air Force is currently implementing force management programs to meet budget reduction requirements. Nearly 25,000 Airmen will be affected by these programs over the next few years.
The Air National Guard is an option for the Airmen who are separating from active-duty, depending on service history with the Air Force.
"We have at least one unit in every single state," said Master Sgt. Sylvia Kirchner, Air National Guard in-service recruiter, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. "We even have stations in Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands."
For the Airmen who want to be closer to home, or just want to move to a new location, the ANG will try to find a unit close to your desired location, said Kirchner.
The ANG is accepting people through Palace Front and Palace Chase, allowing them to continue to serve in the military.
Kirchner will help applicants locate the closest ANG units if the Air Force Specialty Code is open. Members may choose to cross-train, if there is an opening, to other AFSCs based on Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Batter y scores and medical eligibility.
Palace Front program, according to Kirchner, allows Airmen approaching the end of their active-duty service commitment to make a smooth transition into the ANG with no break in service. The member is guaranteed a secured part-time position with an ANG unit of their choice before separating from active duty. Applicants may be eligible for a $20,000 enlisted incentive bonus if they enlist in certain AFSCs.
Airmen interested in the Palace Front program must meet the following requirements:
· Must have current Air Force fitness assessment score of 75 percent or better
· Must not be on a medical profile
· Must have current physical health assessment and dental assessment
· Must receive an honorable discharge with a qualifying reenlistment code
· Must have a valid security clearance
The Palace Chase program gives active-duty Airmen the opportunity to leave the Air Force early, in exchange for their part-time service commitment in the ANG. The Air Force Personnel Center/Palace Chase office is the approval authority for Palace Chase applications. If a Palace Chase application is disapproved, the member will continue their active-duty commitment.
If accepted for Palace Chase, Airmen double the remaining time on their active-duty commitment to determine their ANG service requirement. For example, if an Airman accepted for Palace Chase has three years remaining on their active-duty contract, that individual will incur a six-year, part-time service commitment to the ANG.
Approval for Palace chase is based on various factors. Basic requirements include:
· First-term Airmen must complete at least half of their enlistment
· Officers must complete at least two-thirds of their active-duty service commitment
· Must not have permanent change of station orders
· Must not be scheduled to deploy or attend professional military education
· Must not be on an unfavorable information file or control roster
· Must not be on a medical profile (pregnancy excepted)
· Must have current physical health assessment and dental assessment
· Must have a minimum rating of "3" on most recent three enlisted performance reports
· Must not be within six months of date of separation
· Must have a valid security clearance
Senior Airman Jason J. Brown, 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this story.