Staying connected; Guard and Reserve recruiters give options to seperating Airmen Published Aug. 21, 2008 By Danielle Gregory Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- After separating from active duty continuing on with an Air Force career may be easier than some think. Master Sgt. Tim Tanner, Air National Guard Recruiter and Technical Sgt. Neil Lambrecht, Air Force Reserve are hoping to open doors to many of those Air Force members that are looking to stay involved in the Air Force. Their jobs are to ensure that all the active duty forces here on Tinker know the opportunities of their services and how they can continue their military career on a part-time basis. "We want the member to know their options. Most Airmen soon realize after separation, that they miss many things about the Air Force. This is a way to stay connected and serve in their community," said Sergeant Tanner. As recruiters both have the duties of interviewing possible candidate's one on one as well as separation briefings. Both recruiters' jobs are to facilitate the Palace Chase and Palace Front programs. Palace Chase is a program that allows members to separate early. The Palace Front program simply allows members to transfer to the Guard or Reserve at their scheduled separation. Both programs eliminate any break in service that a member might sustain. "My goal as an In-Service recruiter is to help active duty members make informed decisions about their future as well as place qualified personnel in Air Force Reserve units," said Sergeant Lambrecht. The requirements for the ANG and the AFR are the same as active duty. Members must be discharged honorably, have a good re enlistment code, meet current physical standards, Fit to Fight, current security clearance, no unfavorable information on file and not being listed on a control roster. Members also have to be world wide qualified and have a re-enlistment code that makes the person eligible to re-enlist. "We are the truest of citizen Airman. The Air Guard plays a dual role mission. First we are the states militia. The governor of each state is the commander in chief of their National Guard," said Sergeant Tanner. "We are utilized for whatever they deem necessary. Secondly the President of the United States has the option to activate the Air National Guard for call to duty, fighting today's war on terrorism." The AFR is a federal identity. They do not belong to the state, which means they can only be activated by the President. "I am not the only AFR recruiter in the area however I am the only recruiter on Tinker. There are other state recruiters located in Midwest City, Norman and Lawton," said Sergeant Lambrecht. Sergeant Tanner is the In-Service Recruiter stationed here at Tinker. His area of responsibility is Tinker, Altus, Vance, and Sheppard AFB. He can place members in the entire nation and territories. There are state recruiters here in Oklahoma for ANG and AFR, but active duty service members are urged to contact both Tinker recruiters for any information they would like to know. For further questions on the Air National Guard, Sergeant Tanner can be reached at Bldg 460 Rm. 222, by phone 739-4911 or email. Air Force Reserve, Sergeant Lambrecht can be found at Bldg 460 Rm. 206 and also by phone 739-2980 or email.