Reserve recruiter visits Laughlin

  • Published
  • By Thomas Warner
  • Randolph public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Air Force team members scheduled to separate from active-duty service will find interesting options available to them in the Air Force Reserve. 

Tech. Sgt. Gil Rendon is a recruiter who covers Laughlin In Service Recruiter duties and talks regularly with Airmen who, while mulling separation, are still valuable assets to the Air Force. 

"An Airman who just came off several years of service can be invaluable to other reservists who might not have that same experience," Sergeant Rendon said. "My first question to people I talk with is, 'Do you have a plan.' If they do, that's great and if they don't, I share with them some options that involve the reserve."

Sergeant Rendon typically meets with Airmen who are within 180 days of their separation date. Two methods of transitioning from active-duty service to reserve duty - Palace Chase and Palace Front - are highlighted with his briefings. The next briefing is 10 a.m. Jan. 15 at Club Amistad. 

With the Palace Chase option, Airmen can qualify for an early exit provided they have completed a specific amount of their service obligation and meet the criteria set by Air Force instruction 36-3205. 

The Palace Front route can be taken by Airmen who have already completed their service obligation and are interested in continuing service on a less-involved, more flexible basis. 

"Many people are simply not ready to separate completely and there are others who stay out for a while and decide they miss it," Sergeant Rendon said. "Some people already know exactly what they want and there is no pressure placed on anyone. What I want and what the Air Force wants is for people to be able to make an informed decision." 

Rendon spent nine years on active duty before using the Palace Front option to transition to the Reserve. He worked with security forces and as a Basic Training Military Training instructor. 

There are many reservists in each of the nine major commands under the Air Force umbrella and more than 80,000 reserve personnel currently serving. More than 65 percent are unit reservists - those who participate one weekend a month and two weeks a year. 

Sergeant Rendon said the Air Force Reserve benefits tremendously when Airmen with active duty experience choose to join. 

"I talk with people and tell them that while you might not qualify for or be able to get the exact situation you desire, there's a good chance you will," Sergeant Rendon said. "I deal with people of all ranks and each represents different scenarios and circumstances. 

Some want to deploy, others don't; some want a full-time civil service job, some are single parents who need a break from the ops tempo... it varies." 

"All I want is to share a few options with people and let them make an educated decision," he explains. "There are many benefits that most Airmen are not aware of including TRICARE insurance, Space Available travel, upgrade training and promotion and continuation of service to their country." 

People interested in Air Force Reserve opportunities can attend his monthly briefing held at Club Amistad on January 15 at 10 a.m. Sergeant Rendon can be contacted at DSN 487-7532 or by e-mail at gilberto.rendon@randolph.af.mil .