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Should I stay or should I go? Guard, Reserve offer same bennies, part time employment

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Erin Smith
  • 15th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  Making the decision to reenlist or separate from military service can be stressful, to say the least. 

Often, Airmen are torn between continuing their service or starting anew and losing time they have invested toward personal retirement goals. 

Master Sgt. Kimberly Aaron, Air National Guard recruiter, and Master Sgt. Gary Garnto, Air Force Reserve recruiter, are hoping to open the doors to Airmen interested in continuing their career in the Air Force as part-time employees. 

"The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve may be a great compliment to
your civilian plans upon separating from the service," said Sergeant Aaron. "Our programs are not designed to replace your existing plans but rather [to] simply compliment."

As recruiters, both have the duties of interviewing possible candidates one-on-one as well as at separation briefings. A meeting with local Guard and Reserve recruiters is also mandatory for Airmen who are separating from active duty.

"This is a way of taking care of Airmen," said Sergeant Garnto. "We want to show them the opportunities available to them and the different paths they can take when deciding to separate from active duty."

The requirements for enlisting in ANG and the AFR are similar to active duty. Members must be discharged honorably, have a good re-enlistment code, meet current physical standards, maintain a current security clearance and have no unfavorable information on file.

One of the major benefits, along with base exchange and commissary privileges, is health insurance. Reservists and guardsmen are eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select.

"Many people get out, take a civilian job then call back because they didn't realize health insurance would cost them $700 per month for their family," said Sergeant Garnto.

The part-time opportunity allows Airmen to also follow their new career choice and educational dreams while providing some financial stability and points toward retirement.

"As long as they don't quit completely, we are happy," added Sergeant Garnto. "If they find something that suits them, why give up those four, six or eight years."

For more information about the Air National Guard, contact Sergeant Aaron at 449-0680. For Air Force reserve opportunities, contact Sergeant Garnto at 449-0655. More information is available at www.goang.com or www.afreserve.com