New Pilot Concierge Cell facilitates the transition from active duty to Reserve
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- In an effort to retain qualified Air Force pilots considering leaving active duty, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command created the Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC) to help facilitate the transition from active duty to the Air Force Reserve.
The PCC’s mission is simple: Simplify the affiliation process for those who desire to continue to serve.
“Think of the PCC as a bridge between transitioning active-duty pilots and Air Force Reserve squadrons,” said Maj. John Price, a member of the PCC team. Before coming to AFRC headquarters to work with the PCC, Price served as a pilot with the 920th Rescue Wing’s 301st Rescue Squadron at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida.
He said the process in which the PCC works is broken down into three stages: “Mission Planning,” “Ready for Takeoff” and “I’m in Holding.”
In the Mission Planning phase, aviators who are nearing the end of their Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) can begin exploring what options are available to them and determine if the Air Force Re-serve is the right move as individuals make life decisions. An ADSC is the period of time an officer or enlisted member serves on active duty beyond their initial commitment. The length of an ADSC can vary depending on the type of service and the member’s rank.
The Mission Planning phase should begin 18-24 months from when an individual begins to explore options nearing the end of their ADSC. At this point, Airmen should decide whether they want to Palace Chase or Palace Front, begin forming an idea of where they would like to settle down, become familiar with benefits and bonus programs within the Air Force Reserve, and decide if they want to join the Reserve as a full-time or part-time employee. Palace Chase and Palace Front are voluntary programs that allow active-duty Air Force members to separate early and join the Reserve or Air National Guard.
The Ready for Takeoff phase begins when an individual is ready to “pull the trigger” on joining the Air Force Reserve, Price said. This is when the Palace Chase or Palace Front process begins as the member makes contact with their local in-service recruiter and pursues finding an AFRC unit to sponsor them.
“This is where the Pilot Concierge Cell can provide the most assistance in bridging the gap between the separating service member and his or her future AFRC squadron,” Price said.
Reserve squadrons often receive hundreds of applicants with some units utilizing part-time traditional Reservists as their hiring point of contact. When applicants don’t receive a response from a squadron, the PCC can help ensure the separating member isn’t left in the dark.
Once a squadron gives an “intent to hire” letter, the last phase begins.
Most of the work in the final phase is accomplished by the unit and its local in-service recruiter.
“However, if you’re in holding for some administrative hang-up, the PCC will track that issue down and help resolve the matter,” Price said. “Because the PCC is strategically located at Headquarters AFRC’s Directorate of Operations, our ability to find solutions is generally just a few phone calls away.”
The PCC provided the following answers to some frequently asked questions:
• Q: Does the Pilot Concierge Cell work with rated aviators from other branches of service?
• A: Yes, we do!
• Q: I’ve already separated from active duty, but now I think I would like to join the Air Force Reserve. Would the PCC work with me?
A: Absolutely!
Q: I’m a civilian or non-rated military member who has always dreamed of being an Air Force pilot, can the PCC help me?
A: Sorry, not at this time. We won’t hang up on you, but we will direct you to https://www.milrecruiter.com/afrc-uft/ for information about how to apply to an AFRC pilot training board, as well as how to connect with units that are hiring.
Q: I’m a rated aviator who is looking for an individual mobilization augmentee position in the Air Force Reserve. Can the PCC help me land a job?
A: Not likely. The PCC focuses on rated pilots seeking flying positions, but we will attempt to steer you in the right direction.
There are numerous ways to reach out to the PCC, including:
Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil
Global Search: A3/ReservePCC.
Teams: Visit our Teams Page and post a question: Reserve PCC (Pilot Concierge Cell) Teams Chat: Start a new Teams Chat using @ReservePCC and it will notify the team.
Phone: Comm:478-327-1546 or DSN: 312-497-1546 (leave your info and someone will get back to you).
PCC Landing Website: Reserve PCC (Pilot Concierge Cell) — PCC Landing Page “So, if you’re interested in learning more about the Air Force Reserve as a rated aviator, connect with the PCC,” Price said. “Let us facilitate your transition to the Air Force Reserve as you embark on the next phase of your career!”