Staying in the Reserve after separation can pay off Published Jan. 27, 2005 By Alicia Helton 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFPN) -- Should I stay or should I go? For those in uniform, it is a question they face each time they come to the end of their enlistment. To many, deciding to stay on active duty or switch to the civilian sector seems to be their only options. Air Force Reserve officials beg to differ.Tech. Sgt. Michael Nienhaus, an in-service recruiter here, offers people another choice: keep their military benefits and serve their country while holding down a civilian job. “There are many programs and benefits the Reserve (has to offer),” Sergeant Nienhaus said. “There’s 100 percent educational assistance as well as accessibility to [college credits tests] and the commissary and base exchange privileges. Also, there are family dental and medical benefits for the (Airman) while (he or she is) in uniform.”In the Reserve, people can take advantage of programs like individual mobilization augmentee to balance their duty commitments with their civilian occupations.“IMA is a great program for a stable full-time student and is very flexible by not taking up weekends,” Sergeant Nienhaus said. “Under this program, reservists are required to work 26 days a year, which includes two weeks of duty.”Those wanting to serve on a weekly basis can apply for the full-time Air Reserve Technician program. People in these civil service jobs must be fully qualified and have their five skill level completed to apply for a job in their specialty. Airmen receive the same benefits as those on active duty. To qualify, the Reserve unit must have an opening in the Airman’s career field and skill level, he said.Meanwhile, enlisted Airmen can turn in their stripes for bars through the Deserving Airmen Program commissioning source.“About 70 percent of Reserve officers are hired (from) within the Reserve enlisted ranks,” Sergeant Nienhaus said.All Airmen thinking of getting out should see an in-service recruiter during their outprocessing, Sergeant Nienhaus said. He suggests these people reply early, show up with an open mind, listen to what the recruiter has to offer and have a game plan ready. He suggests married Airmen talk with their spouse about their options and have questions ready to ask.About 20 percent of active-duty Airmen choose to cross over to the Reserve, he said. “A few requirements must be met, including passing the fitness test and having a good (preventative)-health assessment,” Sergeant Nienhaus said. “Those with medical reasons resulting in poor health or [those with] disciplinary problems such as suspended punishment or [those] on a control roster are ineligible for the Reserve.”To maintain education benefits from the Montgomery G.I. Bill, Airmen must be on active duty for two years before crossing over to the Reserve, where they must serve for four more years. Servicemembers going into the Reserve with no outstanding service obligations can enter a one-year contract.Reservists qualify for retirement and full medical benefits after serving 20 years and once they reach the age of 60.