Look, I'm no blue kool-aid guy. In fact, I jumped when I was able to separate from AD slightly prior to my ADSC via a certain program. But how can you blame the AF if a guy didn't go in with his eyes wide open? Seven years left?

Of course AD sucks. So does the real world. But it's not like he signed up before 9/11 and then got dumped on. Even if he did (like me and I suspect you)...taking a knee after 3 years?

Absolutely unacceptable.

 

Hey man before throw spears you may want to know why. Feel free to PM me if you want to know, but this forum isn't the place to discuss it. Cheers.

 

Well, I just spent 6 months or so TDY hanging out with AirGunner and I was shocked to see how worn out the AD Helo guys are. Good folks are not being retained. Craziness!

I am Guard and could not wait to get the hell away from the AD funk!

 

Very accruate and well stated Atlas. IMHO, "Big Blue" is currently in an identity crisis and has definitely lost its focus since I first joined. "Big Blue" does not care if we are actually good at our missions as long as we look good in regards to numbers on paper. For us AD CSAR guys constant deployments with no end in sight, worn out aircraft in the field units, and a general mentality of doing even more with even less has left a lot of us just plain tired of the B.S. I'm sure some of the same problems we have in CSAR are applicable to other airframes. With only more force reductions on the horizon I know a lot of people, who you never thought would get out of active duty, that are seriously considering their options. I would not recommend anyone join Active Duty right now. Guard/Reserve is the way to go. As for the Palace Chase, some get it apporved, some of those have gotten denied only to have been RIF'd later. As others have posted it boils down to vacancies in the unit you want to join and sometimes who you know.

 

I'm a pilot at Randolph. Been to the PC office a 1/2 dozen times to talk w/ them face-face. Here is the real info you seek:

PC / PF are programs defined by 36-3205. Think of them as the "normal" ones. The Force Shaping Palace Chase pgrm is a seperate deal all-together, that does not allow 11X's, etc.

My UPT ADSC expires 6/2012. I just requested PC for 3/2012. Here is what the PC office told me, to better help my request (before I applied).

Have a letter of intent to hire from a USAFR/ANG unit

Get an In Service Recruiter (ISR)

Write a good personal memo explaining why it is in the best interest of all involved to approve your request

Fully completed FM1288
Note: 1st endors (WG/CC) Just put all the info in. They DO NOT need to sign the 1288. When they get your vMPF Palace Chase app via email, they will see, review and digitally coord it (this constitutes their sig).

2nd endors: gaining unit info/sig
3rd endors: ISR info/sig

FM2631: statement of understanding
You and witness both sign.

90 days min for requested DOS.

That's all I know so far. ~1 yr from UPT ADSC is a good rule of thumb....from what rumors i've heard.

Good luck all.

 

Thanks flyn...exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Package sent up as of yesterday. Will post when I have approval/dissaproval.

 

Anyone know how strict they hold you to the 4-yr commitment for transferring post 9/11 education benefits? I may have a great opportunity with a reserve unit, but have 2 years remaining on said post 9/11 commitment. I'm complete with my UPT commitment fwiw.

Thanks

 

Also, what if the reserve Position is AGR?... Can u simply fulfill the post 9/11 commitment in the reserves as an AGR?

 

https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil

If you have a CAC reader at home or you can look it up from work this link will tell you pretty much all you need to know about most Force Shaping programs. Just look under the link for officers and then look for FY12 Force Shaping. They have a couple of power point briefs that explain the available programs ad nauseum and most conditions and limitations of each program.

 

I'm good buds with my MAJCOM/A1 - he says they expect another round of reductions in the spring. So, if you get rejected for your ADSC waiver now...just wait a bit.