Whiteman offers In-Service Recruiting opportunities

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cody H. Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Many Airmen find themselves questioning whether serving in the active duty Air Force is right for them. And in this question, the decision to part from the military can be a difficult one.

The In-Service Recruiting Program makes this decision easier, allowing active duty service members to transition to a part-time military role in the Air National Guard.

In 1998, the ISR program was implemented with only three Air National Guard in-service recruiters. More than a decade later, the program has more than 20 recruiters responsible for multiple territories across the globe.

One of those ANG in-service recruiters, Master Sgt. Stephen Agnelli, is now located in the 509th Bomb Wing building. His goal is to assist Active Duty Airmen with transitioning to more than 140 Air Guard units in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands through the Palace Chase and Palace Front programs.

Palace Chase allows eligible Air Force members to honorably exit the Air Force early and serve part time in the Air Guard. Service members must have half their commitment served before being eligble to apply to Palace Chase. Palace Front allows a seamless transition into a part-time military position with the Air Guard, with no break in military service.

Each individual has their reason(s) for the transition, and Agnelli suggest the following reasons why Active Duty Airmen may want to join the Air Guard:
1. Airmen may be looking for geographical stability or want to remain in one permanent area.
2. Airmen may want to focus on school and attend it full time while serving part time Guard.
3. Airmen may miss their family, and the Guard can find them a slot close to home.
4. Airmen may have been turned down for Active Duty cross training. The Guard may have an opening for the career field of choice.

According to Agnelli, service members will most likely be able to retain their current rank and their previous military time will transfer with them, counting toward their retirement.

Air National Guard Airmen receive a monthly paycheck for their work. They are required to perform at least one weekend per month and accomplish 15 days of annual training per year. They can also take advantage of benefits including Service Members Group Life Insurance, health and dental coverage.

For more information, contact Agnelli at 660-687-7334, or online at www.Goang.com.