So are you saying that you don't just pay back the actual dollar amount you take, but it will accrue interest from the time you are 45 (or so) when you retire from the reserves and when you turn 60? Makes sense, but seems like not quite as good of a deal in that case, unless you want to have nothing to do with the reserves. I tried looking at the references on the VSP message but couldn’t find anything.

Does anyone know if the percentage deducted from a Reserve or Guard retirement is based on the before or after tax money you collect from the check recieved upon DOS?

I agree with the assesment that it doesn't look as great with the above option vs a clean split, but essentially you'll have a lump sum that you can invest for 28+ years (in my case) before you even see your Reserve retirement...just wondering cuz I was picked up too.

Beernuts, you may be "too old" to do Palace Chase under Force Shaping. Most of the ones they are letting out via Palace Chase are CGO's from the '01-'04 year groups. There have been about 12 people Palace Chase at my unit over the past year or so and they have all been approved, but it's all AFSC dependent. Supposedly the tanker is overmanned. I don't see how that can be, but we are. I put paperwork in about 3 weeks ago and I'm waiting for an answer any day now.

Now here's a kick in the arse for you. When the VSP came out a month or so ago, we had DOZENS of people bombarding the MPF with applications. I think our OG was stunned at how many people actually wanted to get out. Well, only 2 or 3 got approved. However, AFPC had enough cahonies to offer some of the ones who didn't get approved the chance to separate for no money at all. A chance to drive out the front gate, no strings attached. This is how desperate the Air Force is to get people out. So basically, they said, "We don't have the money to pay you to leave, but since we know how many people are thinking about getting out, we'll open the door for you for nothing.".

I would really like to have an insight into how AFPC is actually making the decisions. From talking to others, there are so many identical applications and apparently the "first come - first served" rule was bogus, because some who sent their apps in well after others are getting it. No one in my year group from my base got it "due to manning". I thought that's why they were offering it...? It's all a mistery to me, but I'm curious if anyone has talked to someone "on the inside". (Tanker Dan congrats...)

My other concern is all the people now getting out in the next year sending apps out to all the Guard/Reserve units at the same time makes it that much more competative for me!!

Heard a rumor that they may re-evaluate some of the previously denied VSP applications (mine was disapproved due to 'manning') and/or readjust the baseline matrix. From the matrix it looks like they have gotten rid of like 1500 of the 3500 they were looking for. You guys heard anything along these lines or is this complete chaff?

Noone in AFSOC has gotten this VSP yet. I didn't think any pilot/nav applications were being approved, but apparently they are. Anyone know someone who has actually gotten money in the bank and their walking papers? Amazing. I did a PC transfer last year, disapproved by 57 WG/CC, approved by SECAF personnel office. I'm now trying to get my PC service commitment waived as well. I love flying for the AF, but I love my family more. Time to sack up, quit the AF, and move to domicile.

Deuce,

So are you with a guard or reserve unit right now? I know someone who PC'd to a BRAC'd unit (on purpose) just so that he could get out when they close down. No strings attached. If you were to someone convince the unit to let you go, I'm not sure you'd have a PC service commitment.

You need to review the posts. My comment began with the contention that money should not be the main reason for starting a military career, nor should it be the main factor when considering staying in that career.

My posts focus on the sense of duty, not on material rewards. I'm not a bit ashamed of that focus. I'm also very aware that others may not share that focus. As the posts in this thread have shown, opinions vary on this subject. I'm as entitled to mine as you are to yours.

Ske-17 - 8 of 8 approved? 135s right?

We had only 2 of 25 or so at McChord for the VSP
About the same for Palace Chase apps

Supposedly my base is slightly overmanned as well, but there still building the 17 for now and opening more bases, of course.

I originally tried to Palace Chase in '05 when dissapproved, so I can't make any sense of why, the Chief at the Palace Chase office just said the biggest factor was that the Wg/CC didn't sign off.

Congrats to everyone who got the VSP that wanted it. Sound like things may work out Ok . . .

Beernuts,
17's acually...can you believe that? We were at 75% manning when we got the word on all the approvals. Your WG/CC's appv'l should have no bearing on whether or not you got / get appv'd for either PC or VSP. The Force Shaping Board has the final say and can throw trump on a disapproval.

From our unit's experience, 3 years time on station is what AFPC wants out of you to bless the Palace Chase route. We've had a number and continue to have individuals going through the process right now. If you're looking to pull chalks, keep pushing those PC papers! You looking to keep flying Budda in the Reserves or Guard?