In-service recruiter spotlight Published Oct. 25, 2017 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Master Sgt. Joseph Arnold recently took over the position of Malmstrom Air Force Base’s in-service recruiter. The North Carolina native arrived at Malmstrom in September and brings fourteen years of military experience with him. Arnold spent eleven years as a security forces member before joining the recruiting team. He recently took some time to answer a few questions about his job and what he can do to help Airmen at Malmstrom. Q1: What is the role of an in-service recruiter? “My job is to ease the transition from active duty to the Air Force Reserve. I set interviews based on time of separation and determine if the AF Reserve would be a good fit for the member and the Reserve. In some cases I will recommend a member not separate active duty and finish their current term of service.”Q2: As the new in-service recruiter for Malmstrom, what are your goals for your time here? “I want the members of Team Malmstrom to understand the important role the Air Force Reserve plays in today’s Air Force. Each member should feel welcome to come to me with questions and an open mind. I want to leave Malmstrom knowing that the Airmen are prepared for their future if they choose to separate active duty and know they have options.” Q3: What is one piece of advice you’d offer to an Airman thinking about leaving the Air Force? “Always have a plan! Remember to put your family first in your decision making process and make sure to explore all the options available to you. Whether that be with the Air Force Reserve or another branch, always be prepared for the future.” Q4: What is the difference between Palace Chase and Palace Front? “Palace Chase is when a member applies to separate in the middle of their current term of enlistment. Palace Front is when a member wishes to continue service in the Reserve at the completion of their term of service.”Q5: If an Airman decides to leave active duty for the AF Reserves will they have to retrain into a new career field? “A recruiter will do everything possible to meet the standards of the applicant. That means saving the Air Force money and keeping the member in their current AF specialty code. However, in some cases a recruiter will recommend the applicant cross train due to location or the limited amount of positions available.” Q6: How do benefits while in the Reserve differ from those while on active duty? “There are not that many differences, however, the ones that stand out the most are the Reserve GI Bill, Tricare Reserve Select, and testing for rank. Air Force Reserve members do not test for rank. Remember active duty is full time, while Reserve is only part time. The benefits are very competitive to other branches of service and each recruiter is trained on the benefits offered while in the Reserve.” Q7: Is there anything else you’d like to add? “When members come to see me they need to be prepared to have an honest discussion about their future. I will make a recommendation based on their current service and plan for the future. An Airman’s overall well-being and career are my priority when processing with me. I am open minded and will do all I can to help each Airman that I come into contact with. Everyone has their own story. It is my expectation to meet the needs of our Airmen.”For more information or questions about transitioning from active duty to the Reserve, contact Arnold at 731-3776 or stop by his office in Building 1191, Room 27.