Reserve recruiter helps Airmen with future career plans

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Have you ever wondered what the difference between Palace Chase and Palace Front is? If this is you, the Aviano Air Force Reserve in-service recruiter has the answers to those questions.

Master Sgt. Lark Dahl serves as the Reserve's liaison for active duty military members stationed here, in Turkey, Portugal and Hungary.

"I personally have felt the struggle of leaving active duty and thinking I had it all figured out," said Dahl. "We understand not everyone wanted to serve full time, and the Reserves offer the same amount of camaraderie and support as active duty."

When a member decides to transition into the Reserves, they first must ensure eligibility. Below are some of the disqualifying factors for joining the Reserves. 

· Current unfavorable information file
· Article 15's received within the last two years
· Medical issues that limit the member from completing any portion of the physical fitness test
· Mental health components that cannot be waived by the Air Force

If the member is fully qualified, they have the opportunity to serve in the Reserves through the Palace Chase or Palace Front programs.

Palace Chase is for members who are halfway through their current enlistment and want to separate from active duty but still want to service. The Air Force Personnel Center has a major role in deciding if the member can separate and transition into the Reserves.

Palace Front is another option for active duty Airmen. The program is designed for members who are approximately one year from separation and want to separate from active duty and serve has a reservist.

"For Palace Front the member and I sit down and go through the process together," said Dahl. "We look at where they want to be stationed and the job they want in the Reserves."

After taking initial steps for transitioning into the Reserves, members have the choice between a Traditional Position and an Individual Mobilization Augmentee program.

"The Traditional Position is more of what you see offered on TV commercials," said Dahl. "This is where you work one weekend a month and two weeks a year, which equates to 39 days a year."

The IMA program allows members to work with an active duty unit at their leisure as long as it equates to 39 days. Dahl says this program is designed for members who want to pursue a tougher school program or who have an active duty spouse.

According to Dahl, there are a lot of common misconceptions about the Reserves.

"One of the most common questions asked is if the Air National Guard and the Reserves are the same. They are not," said Dahl. "The Guard is controlled by each states governor and the Reserves is an Air Force major command."

She also explains how it is the member's choice to serve anywhere as long as the base they are interested in has an open position. Deployments are voluntary and medical care is very affordable.

The Reserves offers many opportunities and benefits for transitioning service members, and Dahl hopes to assist those interested in taking the next path in their career.

"I hope to share my experience with others," added Dahl. "So when members do transition, they are set for an easier future into something they love. There are so many opportunities to excel in the Reserves."