Air Force Reserve seeks applicants for dual-status jobs Published Nov. 13, 2006 By 1st Lt. Torri White Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- In the next three years, the Air Force plans to eliminate thousands of military and civilians positions. As a result, some displaced people might consider a dual-status job as an air reserve technician in an Air Force Reserve Command unit. ARTs are full-time civilian employees and part-time reservists in the same job. "ARTs are essential for the operational readiness of their Air Force Reserve units," said Pat Nichols, manager of the AFRC Special Examining Unit at Robins AFB. "They perform the mission and maintain the day-to-day operations of their units while traditional reservists go to work in their civilian job, pursue an education or stay at home. "In the Special Examining Unit, we are actively recruiting for the ART program," Ms. Nichols said. "ART positions open daily, and we are working to fill them immediately." The Air Force Reserve has about 10,000 people in the ART program. Their duties as a civilian employee are similar to those in their reserve assignment. During the normal work week, ARTs serve as civilians in a wide range of jobs in direct support of their unit, including pilots, navigators, maintenance personnel and mission support occupations. On the military side, they serve as reservists in the Selected Reserve and train with their units at least one weekend a month and during two weeks of annual tour duty. They must maintain continuous active membership in their Air Force Reserve unit of assignment. In addition to unit stability, the ART program has offered career progression with competitive pay and retirement benefits since 1958. Over the years, program benefits have grown. Civilian benefits include a contributory retirement, health benefits, life insurance, specialized training, education, and recognition through cash or honorary awards. Air Force Reserve benefits include military pay for one weekend of training each month, two weeks annual tour training and any additional training or service. While they serve, they build credit toward reserve retirement pay. Applicants must be willing and eligible to become an active member of the Selected Reserve or already be a member of the Selected Reserve. They need to meet Office of Personnel Management qualification requirements, which are online at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/. Before applying, they should review the Qualification Information Sheets at http://vrs.afrc.af.mil/ARTJOBS and click on the 'QIS for ART Positions' link for ideas on what qualifications are required for specific jobs. Active-duty Airmen may apply for ART positions within 120 days of their separation date. If they have more than 120 days before separation, they can submit their application with a letter signed by their commanding officer stating they will be released from active duty (Palace Chase) if they obtain an ART position. Mobilized reservists may submit a copy of their mobilization orders or a statement in their application stating they are available within 120 days. Applications are available online at http://vrs.afrc.af.mil/ARTJOBS. In most cases, it takes about four to six weeks for applicants to receive a Notice of Results in the mail. "For each position candidates apply for, they must submit a separate application," Ms. Nichols said. "However, in positions that list multiple grade levels, people only need to submit one application to be rated for all grade levels." People can find what positions are available by going online at http://www.usajobs.gov under Announcement 443 and at http://vrs.afrc.af.mil/ARTJOBS. "This is a great opportunity for traditional reservists who want to work full-time or qualified candidates who need a career change," Ms. Nichols said. "Now is the time to apply and start an exciting career in the ART program." (AFRC News Service)