Becoming a reservist: An option worth considering

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Whether a person decides to stay in the Air Force for 20 years or wants to get out now, it is important for all Airmen to understand the different options available to them.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher Mills, Western Recruiting Squadron Air Force Reserve recruiter here, is the man responsible for assisting Airmen in their quest to join the Reserve.

"My main purpose is to take people from active duty and to bring them on board into the Air Force Reserve," said Sergeant Mills. "But it's not just my job to place people into the Reserve. My job is to get people to reach their ultimate goal, to better themselves. I try to better understand their needs and wants so that I can better serve people."

Sergeant Mills said the Reserve is a great option for active duty Airmen who want to get out before their term is over. Airmen are given the option to finish out there contract with the Air Force through a program that offers more flexibility and convenience.

"A traditional reservist would serve one weekend a month and a total of two weeks a year," the sergeant said. "Those two weeks can be broken up over the course of the year, depending on that person's schedule and needs."

There are a few different ways to join the Reserve. The option chosen is dependent on what the person wants and needs, as well as whether or not he or she is qualified for a job.

The options available to Airmen wanting to join the Reserve break down into two main programs: palace chase and palace front.

"Palace chase is for active duty members to get out earlier than their original date of separation," Sergeant Mills said. "But they must serve at least half of their term before they can be eligible for this option. If they are in their second term, they can apply whenever."

Sergeant Mills explained palace front as being a program more suited for Airmen who are approaching the end of their term and want to join the Reserve.

"If a person decides they do not want to re-enlist into active duty, but that person wants to join the Reserve, that would be considered palace front because there is no break in service," he said.

There are many benefits to joining the Reserve, many of which include the same benefits offered to active duty members.

"The benefits are the same as they are for active duty," said Sergeant Mills. "Reservists even get the opportunity to purchase Tricare now at a significantly reduced rate. Before this option was available, I was paying $980 a month for my family, and that was for the bare minimum."

Whether a person is seriously considering the Reserve or they are just curious and have questions, Sergeant Mills said he is always available whenever anyone needs him.

"My door is always open," Sergeant Mills said. "Even on the weekends, holidays and down days, I come in just to help people out."

For more information, contact Sergeant Mills at 723-4010 or via email at christopher.mills.2@us.af.mil.