top story>>New ANG recruiter for Little Rock AFB

By Senior Airman Regina Agoha
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Little Rock Air Force Base now has an in-service recruiter for any active-duty member who wants to join the Air National Guard.

If an Airman wants to go to a specific state or perhaps back home, Master Sgt. Marcus Rawls, Little Rock AFB in-service recruiter, said he is the “broker” between that Airman and the recruiter there.

He can make sure there is a vacancy and a position number in the Air Force Specialty Code he or she is qualified in. If an Airman wants to cross train, Rawls said he can initiate that as well.

“I am here specifically recruiting active-duty members for palace chase and palace front programs,” said Rawls. “That’s for active-duty members who want to get out early or at the end of their time of service and transition directly to the Air National Guard.”

Rawls said to remember this is a part-time gig, and one would have to double the remaining years that are left. For example, if there are three years left in one’s enlistment, he or she would have to serve at least six years in the guard.

“This is for people who want to go home and have a full-time job waiting for them,” he said.

Before setting up an appointment, Rawls said there are certain things an Airman should have.

“Make sure you have three years of service completed,” he said. “That way, you will be eligible for your Post 9/11 GI Bill. Make sure you have a good track record with your active duty service. If you have any law violations, demotions or a derogatory record, there’s probably not a good chance I can help you. You have to be in good health. You have to be passing your PT test as well. You cannot be on any type profile, except pregnancy.”

Rawls said there are certain AFSCs that are categorized as critically manned according to Air Force standards. During certain periods, those AFSCs will be disqualified. For those interested, go to the virtual Military Personnel Flight site to find out if their AFSC is one in that category.

Rawls explain that anyone wanting to go through the process of palace chasing or separating to become ANG has to be flexible with the time frame.

“It’s not just something that can happen in a week or two,” he said. “It can take up tofour months, and that’s because of the layers of approval. The person whose applying just needs to be patient as the process goes through.”

Rawls is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in building 1255, upstairs in room 216B.

He can be reached at (501)-987-6767, (301)-250-5838 or marcus.rawls.1@us.af.mil. For more information on the Air National Guard visit www.goang.com.