Originally Posted by
LOBO
Palace Chase is always an option. There's two ways to go about it one thru the Force Shaping Program, which I think you, might be asking about and the other is thru the SECAF. Both use the same paper work; the only difference is who approves the application a Full Bird at AFPC (i.e. Assignment Section Chief) or the SECAF. The only caveat to the SECAF route is that it is a 3 for 1 swap instead of a 2 for 1 swap under Force Shaping.
A good rule to go by for a date of seperation from active duty is usually one year from your ADSC ending. Anything more and the AFPC usually squawk about your time remaining. Usually if you get to that point you can 7 day opt any assignment they give you and stay put for that year and then get out without any strings.
Just speaking from experience!!!
I didn't use PC in 04, but I applied and was approved. However, when I did it, you could apply under Force Shaping or Regular PC. Here was the difference:
Under Force Shaping, if you were in an AFSC that was heavy, auto approved. If not, auto denied.
Under Regular, they actually looked at your paperwork and read your justification stuff.
With "Regular," people above the rank of E-5 will read your package and work with you. With FS, some airman might not even get your package out of the local MPF. It could be different now, but if you're in an AFSC that is undermanned and trying to work a special circumstance deal, your chances were much better under "Regular" PC.