Air Force Reserve recruiters provide information, guidance

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Air Force Reserve is an option available to all ranks, active duty members and is open to all military branches, but many people do not know much about this part of the Air Force. 

Moody has two recruiters who are available to provide answers and guidance for non-prior service, prior service and active duty servicemembers. 

Master Sgt. Joseph Sutton, in-service recruiter, and Tech. Sgt. David Carter, 23rd Force Support Squadron recruiter, have the knowledge to help educate interested individuals on the Air Force Reserve. 

Sergeant Sutton supports all active duty members on Moody, while Sergeant Carter caters to individuals outside of the base. 

Some benefits of the Air Force Reserve include a minimum commitment of service for two days a month and two weeks a year, a monthly income, base privileges such as the Commissary and Base Exchange, educational opportunities and health benefits. 

"My job is to provide options for Airmen who are separating from Air Force active duty service," said Sergeant Sutton. "I give them the opportunity to stay in the service, but not necessarily remain as active duty. I also offer them a sense of guidance." 

There are several categories under the Air Force Reserve: 

-Traditional reservists work part-time for the Air Force Reserve near a base they choose to live. They usually serve the minimum commitment and make up the majority of the Reserve. 

-Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMAs) are assigned to an active-duty unit and work in locations and at times when they are needed the most. 

-Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs) are a special group of reservists who work as civil service employees during the week in the same jobs they hold as reservists on drill weekends. 

The Palace Chase program allows eligible Airmen to end their active duty service commitment at the halfway mark and then complete their remaining service commitment with the Air Force Reserve, said Sergeant Sutton. 

The process of applying consists of filling out an application, having a commander's endorsement and forwarding the package to the Palace Chase staff at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. It may take up to eight weeks for the application to be approved or disapproved.

If approved, the applicant will be able to leave active duty and move to the Air Force Reserve unit of his choice within 90 days.

If disapproved, the applicant may reapply after 120 days. Retraining may be necessary and is available for those who are interested. 

Sergeant Sutton can be reached at (229) 257-3201 and is located in the Traffic Management Office at the Parker Greene Base Support Center.
 
In addition to helping active duty Airmen, Tech. Sgt. David Carter is available to accommodate non-prior and prior service individuals interested in joining the Air Force Reserve. 

Sergeant Carter does the traditional recruiter role by visiting schools, job fairs and employment centers within the surrounding counties and as far as Tallahassee, Fla. 

"I simply provide individuals with information," said Sergeant Carter. "When they are really interested and come in to see me, we discuss their short and long term goals and see what options they have available in the Reserve. I also make sure they are physically, medically and mentally qualified." 

Sergeant Carter can be reached at (229) 257-3245 and is located in building 112 across from the Base Chapel. 

The Air Force Reserve Command supports the Air Force mission to defend the United States through control and exploitation of air and space by supporting global engagement. The AFRC plays an integral role in the day-to-day Air Force mission and is not a force held in reserve for possible war or contingency operations. 

"The Reserve compliments the active duty component of the Air Force," said Sergeant Carter. "There are various jobs that only the Reserve takes care of. If we're not here to provide information and recruit, there would no other organization to support active duty missions."