Recruiter helps active-duty Airmen move to Reserves

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jason Tudor
  • Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE --  Choosing to reenlist or separate from the service can be tough on any Airman.

Technical Sgt. Brian Mounts, an Air Force Reserve recruiter, understands the challenges active-duty Airmen face as they walk through the process of separating from the Air Force.

"It's a tough time, but there are also opportunities to be gained from the experience," Sergeant Mounts said.

That's why the Air Force Reserve placed in-service recruiters like Sergeant Mounts here and at many other Air Force installations.

Serving in the Reserves offers several benefits to separating Airmen. In most cases, they can keep their rank and will not need to repeat basic training. Reserve Airmen can also continue to build retirement benefits, receive educational assistance and are eligible for low-cost health and life insurance. Another feature of serving in the Reserves is that Reservists can remain at one duty station for their career.

Sergeant Mounts said many Airmen are not aware of all the benefits, and informing them that the Air Force Reserve may be a part of their future employment plans is one of his biggest challenges.

"Once I've had an opportunity to make them aware of what's available - and if they are eligible - then the sky's really the limit," he said.


Sergeant Mounts aims to reach separating Airmen by presenting a briefing as part of out-processing requirements.

During the 30-minute briefing, Sergeant Mounts describes the opportunities to transition from the regular Air Force into the Air Force Reserve through the Palace Chase or Palace Front programs. The Palace Chase program engages Airmen interested in leaving before their contracted separation date, while Palace Front is for Airmen leaving the service at the end of their service contract.

In addition, Sergeant Mounts said openings exist across the Reserves for air reserve technicians, serving as both federal civilian workers and Airmen.

"ARTs are critical cogs in the reserve machine," he said. "And we need them now."

Sergeant Mount's briefings occur on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m., in Bldg. 4915 (Air Force Recruiting). More information can be found at DSN 722-2259 or 919-921-7913.