Active to reserve; continue service on different schedule

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  There is a new face at Malmstrom. His responsibility is to process Airmen separating through the Palace Chase or Palace Front programs. 

Master Sgt. Shawn Moore, in-service recruiter, recently arrived from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and is here to assist Airmen reach and continue their Air Force goals by transitioning them from active-duty to the Air Force Reserves via the Palace Front and Palace Chase programs. 

"Palace Front is a program for people looking to get out of active-duty after their enlistment is up and continue their service one weekend a month and two weeks a year," Sergeant Moore said. "Palace Chase is an option for individuals trying to get out of their remaining active-duty tenure. These Airmen can apply to process as long as they've completed 50 percent of their first enlistment." 

Sergeant Moore educates people on the opportunities available to those who are interested in Air Force benefits such as education, medical care and the option to go Reserves. 

"One of the most rewarding parts of this job is showing people the options that are out there," Sergeant Moore said. "I get to show them a different way to continue their service to the United States. This information can open doors for them to complete their degrees and make anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 a year in the Air Force Reserve." 

While continuing their service to the Air Force, another perk of going Reserve is the educational benefits. 

"When you go Reserve, not only do members get their GI Bill, which is around $1,100 a month, they also get a $350 kicker from us, and additional active-duty kicker, which is about $150 a month and on top of that, we give them $4,500 through the tuition assistance program just to go to college," Sergeant Moore said. "So they're pretty much paying themselves to go to college." 

The in-service recruiter will help make the transition smoother by completing most of the work himself. 

"I do all the phone calls, e-mails and paperwork, and if there is a question I don't have the answer to, I'll find it and get back to the individual," Sergeant Moore said. "All I ask of the member is to keep their documentation as far as PT scores and other Air Force paperwork they've received and I do the rest for them. They really have an easy life when they come to me."

While Sergeant Moore aids significantly in the transition process, Airmen first have to decide whether going reserve is the right choice for them. 

"A lot of security forces members come in to see me with concerns about the operations tempo with the war and being assigned to a missile base in Air Force Space Command," the former security forces member said. "I like having the ability to show them there are other options out there. I can help give active-duty members a better lifestyle if they decide this is not the one for them." 

Helping to provide that better lifestyle has given Sergeant Moore the opportunity to be amongst the highest producing recruiters in the Air Force over the past couple of years. 

"That has a lot to do with word of mouth," he said. "I take care of the person on the other side of the desk. Once I help them out they go tell their friends and they generate and interest. So far at Malmstrom I probably deal with about 30 people a week and I certainly hope those numbers increase as time goes on." 

Sergeant Moore is located in building 1191, room 10. His office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.; and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. He can be reached for appointments or questions at 731-3776.