Air National Guard offers opportunities to Active Duty Airmen Published Nov. 13, 2014 By Master Sgt. Marcus Rawls 19th FSS LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The Air National Guard is targeting more than 50 different Air Force specialty codes to transfer your experience into their Reserve component. While ANG members and active-duty service members wear the same uniform, there are many differences between the two. Master Sgt. Marcus Rawls, the ANG in-service recruiter, offers valuable information for anyone interested in the Palace Chase/ Palace Front programs. Rawls, who has several years of recruiting experience, offers advice and valuable information to Airmen interested in transferring to the ANG. An ANG unit is located in every state and in the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and District of Columbia. Not only is the ANG federally funded, it also has a mission to support each state in time of contingencies and terrorist threats. "You do not have to be a resident of the state in which your assigned unit is located," said Rawls. "We have a very unique mission compared to the Air Force Reserves. We report directly to the state's Governor and State Adjutant General to carry out duties and responsibilities needed to protect the interests of the states and abroad." There are two different ways to enter the Guard. Palace Chase is for those who are breaking their active-duty service commitment early, while the Palace Front program is for members who are transitioning directly after their date of separation. An Airman can cross train easily into the ANG. No time on station or time in grade requirements are needed. As long as one has the appropriate Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score, medical requirements, and the unit of their choice has an opening, it is a simple process. "As the in-service recruiter, I can reserve a slot for an Airman before the member separates," said Rawls. The Air National Guard is still hiring for both part-time and full-time positions. Visit www.usajobs.gov for both Air Guard Reserve and federal technician full-time positions. Anyone can elect to receive email notifications for specific upcoming state openings. There is a website specifically made for prior service Air Force members: www.goang.com/activeduty. The ANG is offering $20,000 affiliation bonuses for a six-year commitment and up to $10,000 for a three-year commitment for those who hold certain Air Force specialty codes for the remainder of fiscal year 2015. However, the commitment bonuses are for Palace Front applicants going to a unit with a vacancy. Half of the payments are given after enlistment and the other half at the half-way mark of the ANG contract. A few examples of these are as follows: · Loadmaster · Aircrew Flight Equipment · Tactical Aircraft Maintenance · Aerospace Maintenance · Aerospace Propulsion · Aerospace Ground Equipment · Aircraft Fuel Systems · Aircraft Hydraulic Systems If you are interested in cross-training into one of the above AFSCs and have the appropriate ASVAB scores, you may be eligible to receive up to a $15,000 signing bonus for filling that vacancy. As a part-time member of the ANG, you can keep your active-duty benefits to include: · Thrift Savings Plan · Tricare (Reserve Select) · Dental (MetLife) · Service's Group Life Insurance · State Tuition Assistance · Exchange/Commissary shopping · Space Available Military Travel Armed Forces · Gym access · 20 year retirement For Palace Chase applicants, keep in mind that a full three years is required to be eligible for 100 percent of your Post-911 GI bill benefits. For basic qualification inquiries and information on all Air National Guard opportunities, contact Master Sgt. Marcus Rawls at (501)987-6767, (501)-231-5308, or email him at marcus.rawls.1@us.af.mil. The ANG recruitment office is located at building 1255, room 216B. You can also visit www.goang.com or www.goang/activeduty for more information on the programs or specific job qualifications.