Palace chase program provides service option in AFRC

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Andria J. Allmond
  • 512th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  When Staff Sgt. Benjamin Reese enlisted in the regular Air Force, he and his wife had a five-year plan. By the end of Reese's first term of enlistment, they were accomplishing each objective in that blueprint.

Almost.

"I only intended on doing one tour on active-duty," said the 436th aerial port specialist. "That's what was part of our five-year plan."

But despite Reese's best efforts, the timing of a deployment along with other factors in his civilian ventures didn't allow for an easy separation. The Pittsburgh-area native re-enlisted, still attempting to adhere to his original agenda.

"I knew that I didn't want to do another four-year enlistment because I had things I was working on to start a civilian career," said Reese, who plans on attending heavy-equipment operator school. "I also knew about the palace chase program."

But many active-duty Airmen do not.

"In-service recruiters are the ones who work the palace chase program on all active-duty (Air Force) bases," said Master Sgt. Trip Clough, 436th Airlift Wing in-service recruiter, from his office located in the welcome center just outside the main gate here. "That's because palace chase is an active-duty program. It's designed to allow the member to continue their service in the Air Force as part of the Air Force Reserve Command."

So, why do members not want to finish their term of enlistment?

"People's situations can change a lot in four years or less," said Clough. "Kids, school and spouses all play a major role in the service commitment of our Airmen. The Air Force realizes that; and instead of losing our assets through separation, we want to retain our trained people.

"And we want those people to be happy, not view their military service as something that is impeding their lives."

Similarities and differences occur between the regular Air Force and Reserve. Those differences may make the Reserve a better option for some.

Unlike its active-duty counterpart, the Air Force Reserve allows its members to choose their base. Many members have the option of retaining their current Air Force specialty or choosing to retrain into a different career field. Service commitments vary for each member, but AFRC expects each reservist to perform a minimum of 15 days of active-duty training and 48 quarters of unit training assembly participation per year.

Active-duty members are eligible for the palace chase program once they have completed at least the first half of their first term. Upon enlisting in a second term, members are eligible at any time. If members decide to explore this option, the first step of the process involves contacting an in-service recruiter.

"There is only one expert on the palace chase program and that's the in-service recruiter," said Clough, who urges Airmen to obtain information on this topic only from the subject matter experts.

After contacting the in-service recruiter, the active-duty member will be walked through the process from start to finish said Clough.

"I make it as quick and easy as possible," said Clough. "Also, I try to guard (those participating in the palace chase program) who are worried about repercussions from their chain of command due to their decision."

Clough said some Airmen fear their decision will be met with negative treatment from supervisors or fellow Airmen. He also stated that there have been incidences of Airmen being persuaded by fellow service members not to participate in the program.

"I know that the people I worked with don't want to see me go," said Reese. "But this option is what's best for me."

It also may be seen as what is best for the Air Force.

"So, we have these active-duty Airmen that (the Air Force spends) time and money to train in order to make them the best in their field," said Clough. "And then what happens if they separate or if they become less productive because they aren't happy being part of active duty? We lose money. We lose assets.

"This program works to keep those people productive and content. We retain what we already have. The member wins and the Air Force, as a whole, wins. It just makes sense."

Airmen interested in this program are encouraged to speak with an in-service recruiter for a full list of the benefits available to reservists, as well as the similarities and differences between active-duty and reserve service commitments. For more information on the palace chase program, call (302) 677-6983.