Demobilized reservists receive time to out-process

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ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) --  Air Force reservists who are not being extended into a second year or have not been identified for early demobilization should begin demobilizing at least 45 days before their call-up anniversary date, said officials.

These days give reservists time to complete mandatory medical evaluations and out-process through the military personnel flight. Another option for them is to apply to stay on active duty, either through retention in the active force or to claim sanctuary, which allows them to remain on active duty and qualify for military retirement.

The extra days also give reservists a chance to take any leave they've accrued before reaching the mobilization anniversary date.

If they are deployed, mobilized reservists will be returned to home station to complete the demobilization process.

"During this period, reservists are expected to perform normal duties with the exception of the accrued leave," said Col. Michael Cleveland, director of personnel at Air Force Reserve Command headquarters. "Reconstitution is the period of time immediately following redeployment back to one's home unit. It's dedicated to accounting for deployed members, equipment and supplies, and for returning equipment and supply levels back to pre-deployment levels.

"It's not a set period of time, and not everyone in a unit will be involved in all aspects of the reconstitution," Cleveland said. "It should not last longer than 30 days."

Unless demobilization is delayed for an authorized reason, no one should remain mobilized after his or her original orders expire, according to Cleveland.

"If someone remains in a mobilized status after the 12-month orders expire, we must be advised immediately and before the person enters the 13th month," he said.

Reservists identified for early demobilization by their gaining major command also should be off active duty within a 45-day period. The starting date of that period can be specified in the demobilization message, or it can be the date of the message itself or the date of return to the home unit for those deployed after they receive the demobilization message, whichever occurs later.

Returning to their home station earlier also gives reservists more opportunity to contact their family and employer, so both can prepare for the reservists' return.

Local military personnel flights have more information about demobilization procedures. (Courtesy of AFRC News Service)