Latest "Palace Chase" stories

Staff Sgt. Oscar Corchado, an aircraft mechanic with the 156th Contingency Response Group, salutes a C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard, departing the flight line at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, June 18, 2021. (Master Sgt. Caycee Watson/Air National Guard)

Over 1,300 airmen leaving active duty through early departure offers

In total, 853 active-duty airmen have opted for retirement, and 486 chose to move to the Guard or Reserve.

By Rachel S. Cohen

2 years ago

Airmen assigned to the 730th Air Mobility Squadron load a C-17 engine onto a C-17 Globemaster III May, 4, 2021, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. (Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal/Air Force)

Hundreds of airmen opt to leave Air Force amid sky-high retention

Hundreds of airmen have decided to leave amid record retention that prompted the Air Force to start voluntary opt-outs. The voluntary force management initiatives end May 27.

By Rachel S. Cohen

2 years ago

Are you eligible for early outs? Find out here

A coronavirus-driven retention spike has led to an overmanning problem, prompting the Air Force to offer voluntary force management programs.

By Stephen Losey

3 years ago

COVID left the Air Force overmanned. Now’s your chance to get out early or go Reserve.

Airmen can apply for an expanded Palace Chase program or active-duty service commitment waivers. The window to apply opens Wednesday and runs through April 2.

By Stephen Losey

3 years ago

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