The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard to benefit from active-duty Air Force force-shaping actions made necessary by record Air Force retention levels.
Amidst concerns during the ongoing pandemic, many active-duty Airmen who planned on retiring or separating in 2020 withdrew or delayed their plans. This resulted in the Air Force having its highest retention levels in 20 years. It also caused projected fiscal year 2021 end-strength numbers to exceed end-of-year goals.
To ensure end-strength numbers are manageable, the Department of the Air Force has implemented several voluntary officer and enlisted force-management programs for fiscal 2021, including an expanded Palace Chase program and limited active-duty service commitment waivers.
These new policies have opened the door for the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard to benefit by gaining fully-qualified Airmen to help fill their ranks.
"We are excited to give these Airmen - who as a result of the Air Force end-strength challenges and this newly established force-management program, are leaving the Air Force - the opportunity to voluntarily continue serving in the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard," said Col. Lisa Craig, Air Force Recruiting Service deputy commander.
"By joining one of the Air Reserve Components, these Airmen will continue to enjoy many of the benefits they received on active duty, including 100% tuition, while still working toward a retirement," Craig said. "We welcome them with open arms as these fully-trained Airmen bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Reserve Components while they continue to wear our nation's cloth, enjoy the camaraderie of service and give back to our country."
Airmen interested in continuing their military career in one of the Air Reserve Components need to contact their Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard in-service recruiter immediately. Applications for Palace Chase and active-duty service commitment waivers must be submitted no later than April 2, 2021, and the member will need to request a separation date no later than Sept. 29, 2021.
Members interested in transitioning to the ARC need to meet the medical requirements determined by each component and secure a position in the Reserve or Guard unit they would like to join.
"In order to determine whether or not a member would be medically cleared, they need to contact their local ISR for documentation required to initiate review," said Master Sgt. Tiffany Grullon, Air Force Reserve Command Palace Chase/Palace Front liaison. "Members interested in potential vacancies within the Air Force Reserve can visit the Air Force Personnel Center secure website
