Palace Chase, Palace Front offer post-active-duty opportunities

  • Published
  • By Scott Jarmon
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Going on to live an ordinary civilian life after separating from active duty in the Air Force may be difficult for some Airmen. Such a drastic change in lifestyle can be overwhelming for some individuals. Luckily, there is a way to keep your ties to the Air Force without becoming a full-time government employee again: signing up for the Air National Guard.

The Air National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Air Force. By serving one weekend every month and two weeks every year helping with state and federal missions, you are still part of Air Force in your own hometown. When not serving, you're free to do anything like working a regular job, going to school, staying at home with family, etc.

Master Sgt. James Jeter, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is available to help make your transition even easier. As an Air National Guard in-service recruiter, his job is to help active duty Airmen apply for the Palace Chase and Palace Front programs. These two programs are set up to give smooth transitions when transferring from active duty to ANG units.

Palace Front allows Air Force officers and enlisted members to transfer to the ANG the day after separation from the Air Force. This is for individuals who prefer to continue their military career without having a break in service. Cross-training may be available immediately upon joining if the local ANG unit needs it. You must be honorably discharged from the Air Force with a good reenlistment code and have no disqualifying medical conditions to be eligible for this program.

Palace Chase allows active duty Air Force officers and enlisted members to request transfer to an Air National Guard Unit. It isn't considered an early release program, but if an active duty member has completed at least 50 percent of their original contract, they may be eligible for this program. Other qualifications for the program include having no disqualifying medical conditions, not being on the control roster, having a security clearance and receiving a 3-level in their primary Air Force Specialty Code. The character of discharge from the Air Force is honorable and discharge is for the convenience of the government.

If you have any questions with regard to the Palace Chase or Palace Front programs, call Sergeant Jeter at 210-652-5202 or DSN 487-5202, or e-mail him at james.jeter.4@us.af.mil.

For information about the Air Force Reserve, another option to consider as your active-duty committment comes to a close, call Master Sgt. Dean Fitzpatrick at 654-3586 or e-mail him at dean.fitzpatrick@goodfellow.af.mil.