Should I stay or go? Published Nov. 19, 2010 By Master Sgt. Kimberly Aaron Air National Guard In-Service Recruiter SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Making a 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 Guard In-Service Recruiter, and Tech. Sgt. William Gray, Air Force Reserve ISR, are here to open the doors to Airman interested in continuing their career in the Air Force as part-time employees. "The Air 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. Ask us about Palace FRONT so you have no break in service." As recruiters, both have duties of interviewing possible candidates one-on-one, as well as mass briefings. A meeting with both Sergeant Aaron and Sergeant Gray is mandatory for Airmen who are separating from active duty. "This is a way of taking care of Airmen," she added. "We want to ensure they are aware of the opportunities available to them." The requirements for continuing your service in the Air Guard and AFR are similar to active duty. Members must be discharged honorable, have a good reenlistment code, meet current physical standards, maintain a current security clearance and have no unfavorable information on file. One of the major benefits, along with the base exchange and commissary privileges, is health insurance. Guardsmen and Reservists 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 close to $700 per month for their family," Sergeant Gray said. The part-time opportunity allows Airmen to also follow their new career choice and education dreams, while providing some financial stability and points toward retirement. "As long as they don't quit completely, we are happy," Sergeant Aaron said. "If they find something that suits them, why give up those four, six or eight years of active duty service?" For more information about the Air Guard, contact Sergeant Aaron at (843) 963-8675 or email her at Kimberly.aaron@charleston.af.mil. For Air Force Reserve opportunities, contact Sergeant Gray at 965-1490 or email him at william.gray@shaw.af.mil. For more information on the AFR or ANG visit www.goang.com or www.afreserve.com.