Palace Front

[elcam]

Does anyone know the how the full Palace Front process works?

I got hired by a guard unit and spoke to the inservice guard recruiter that services my base. I filled out an AF 1288 and a Palace Front Questioner and returned it to them. The unit that hired me asked me for medical, dental, surf, shot records, etc... and they medically approved me and returned the back of the AF 1288 to my local inservice recruiter, who then turned the paperwork to the AFPC Palace Front office.

The recruiter swears up and down that I don't need to do a thing on the VMPF with regards to separation, and told me that AFPC will contact separations at my current base once the AF 1288 is approved by AFPC. Others are telling me different info, and when I called AFPC I was told that I still need to request voluntary separation on the VMPF and then select miscellaneous as the reason and put "Palace Front" as the reason.

Does anyone have any knowledge on the process? I don't want to make a mistake and have to delay my separation from AD.

thanks!

[matmacwc]

Oh boy, there is alot you need to do. I can only speak from a 7-day opt or VSP kind of front, but you NEED to tell the active duty AF you are leaving. Vmpf is a good way of doing it, be-it a 7 day option or separation thing, it needs to be done. You also need 2 recruiters, one ISR (which you have) and a ANG/ARC recruiter. I realize what the ISR is telling you, won't hurt to fill out an application or 4 on vMPF telling AD to F off. The Total Force Center at Randolph is actually pretty good, call their 1-800 number and ask them, you'd be surprised.

[elcam]

Oh boy, there is alot you need to do. I can only speak from a 7-day opt or VSP kind of front, but you NEED to tell the active duty AF you are leaving. Vmpf is a good way of doing it, be-it a 7 day option or separation thing, it needs to be done. You also need 2 recruiters, one ISR (which you have) and a ANG/ARC recruiter. I realize what the ISR is telling you, won't hurt to fill out an application or 4 on vMPF telling AD to F off. The Total Force Center at Randolph is actually pretty good, call their 1-800 number and ask them, you'd be surprised.

I actually have both the recruiters working together. The commander of my guard squadron forwarded info to their recruiter and they contacted me directly and began working with the ISR that services my base. My leadership knows since my wing commander gave a recommendation, but I haven't done anything on VMPF off of the recommendation of my ISR. The 1-800 number told that I still needed to accomplish the VMPF request, which is contradiction of the ISR. I guess I could fill out the VMPF stuff and withdraw it if I don't need it.

thanks!

[matmacwc]

Ask the ISR why, he may have a reason and it could be a different situation than I was in.

[elcam]

I actually have both the recruiters working together. The commander of my guard squadron forwarded info to their recruiter and they contacted me directly and began working with the ISR that services my base. My leadership knows since my wing commander gave a recommendation, but I haven't done anything on VMPF off of the recommendation of my ISR. The 1-800 number told that I still needed to accomplish the VMPF request, which is contradiction of the ISR. I guess I could fill out the VMPF stuff and withdraw it if I don't need it.

thanks!

I'll talk to her again, but my perception is that she isn't too sure how to do her job. I'm the first officer Palace Front she has ever worked. It took 4 weeks for that AF 1288 to get back and forth and that was with me pushing the rope between the ISR and the gaining unit recruiter.

thanks!

[F16Rooster]

FWIW, I definitely requested a separation from AD when I did Palace Front in exactly the same situation you're in. Good idea being suspicious of the recruiter. My experiences with recruiters at every single level has been less than desirable.

[elcam]

Just for info... I got it all squared away. I went on the offensive and started getting numbers to AFPC and Officer Separations and got an approved DOS this week. The only mistake they have made so far is that they inputed the wrong projected PAS code which I'll have to call and get them to change monday. Good thing is now I can get orders and TMO rolling.

thanks!

[matmacwc]

Where can you see your future passcode?

[elcam]

It shows up on the career brief on AMS or ADP, I can't remember right now...but mine currently shows a buckley PAS code with my correct RNLTD, but it should show a DCANG PAS code.

[matmacwc]

I think mine is that way as well, wrong, tell me how you fixed it.

[elcam]

It shows up on the career brief on AMS or ADP, I can't remember right now...but mine currently shows a buckley PAS code with my correct RNLTD, but it should show a DCANG PAS code.

I'm going to call the Palace Chase office at DSN 665-3758 or commercial 210-565-3758

so does your PAS code also show Buckley with S73IFLX5 perhaps? maybe they just input a code as a place holder.

[matmacwc]

No, mine shows some Denver reserve office that the VSP set up, my recruiters have said I'm good to go though, still have until October to make it right.

[elcam]

I'll call tomorrow and get the skinny from AFPC...

[elcam]

I just got off the phone with the Palace Chase/Front office. Apparently there are a few PAS codes that they use as place holders. The buckley is one as well as a Randolph and a Denver one. They use them to prevent records from falling out of the system if a gaining unit has a delay in processing the guy into the unit.

[Sourdough]

I went through the process, but on the Palace Chase side. Having a DOS on my SURF (via AMS) was the 'feel better' response I got from my MPF when I asked them about the process. Sounds like you're g2g!

[matmacwc]

Mine is S73IFLX5....still.

[elcam]

Mine is S73IFLX5....still.

That code is the place holder, but as long as MILPDS has the correct info your good to go. I just got my orders yesterday and they didn't have the gaining info. I called officer separations and had them make amendments to the orders and it now has all the info from the AF1288 on my separation orders, so its on paper.

[matmacwc]

How do I get the milpds info? Can't go to MPF, will the total force center have that info?

[elcam]

How do I get the milpds info? Can't go to MPF, will the total force center have that info?

They do at the total force center or separations of even the palace front office. It was read to me while I was on the phone and I checked it for accuracy. They told that they always use those "holder PAS codes"..just in case something changes and your gaining unit doesn't pick you up. It avoids the info dumping..and by the way that PAS code is for the AFRC/ANG personnel center in Denver/Buckley.

[matmacwc]

Due to my VSP, the total force idiots in SA are telling me I am not TAMP eligible (6 months of Tricare after separation). My ANG unit is telling me that since I am transferring and don't have a break in service, I should be eligible. Any takers on the validity of this?

[elcam]

Due to my VSP, the total force idiots in SA are telling me I am not TAMP eligible (6 months of Tricare after separation). My ANG unit is telling me that since I am transferring and don't have a break in service, I should be eligible. Any takers on the validity of this?

This is what I just dug up:

Eligibility

You and your eligible family members may be covered for health benefits under TAMP if you, the sponsor, are:

Involuntarily separating from active duty under honorable conditions

A National Guard or Reserve member separating from a period of active duty that was more than 30 consecutive days in support of a contingency operation

Separating from active duty following involuntary retention (stop-loss) in support of a contingency operation

Separating from active duty following a voluntary agreement to stay on active duty for less than one year in support of a contingency operation

Receiving a sole survivorship discharge

Separating from active duty and agree to become a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of a Reserve Component.

So my question is the "guard" traditional reservist part of the Ready Reserve? If so then we should get TAMP...

This is what I found on that subject:

The Ready Reserve comprises military members of the Reserve and National Guard, organized in units or as individuals, liable for recall to active duty to augment the active components in time of war or national emergency. The Ready Reserve consists of three reserve component subcategories:

The Selected Reserve consist of those units and individuals within the Ready Reserve designated by their respective Services and approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as so essential to initial wartime missions that they have priority over all other Reserves. The Selected Reserve consists of additional sub-subcategories:

Drilling Reservists/Troop Program Units (TPUs) are trained unit members who participate in unit training activities on a part-time basis.

Training Pipeline (non-deployable account) personnel are enlisted members of the Selected Reserve who have not yet completed initial active duty for training (IADT) and officers who are in training for professional categories or in undergraduate flying training.

Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMAs) are trained individuals assigned to an active component, Selective Service System, or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) organization’s billet which must be filled on or shortly after mobilization. IMAs participate in training activities on a part-time basis with an active component unit in preparation for recall in a mobilization.

Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) are National Guard or Reserve members of the Selected Reserve who are ordered to active duty or full-time National Guard duty for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve component units.

So I would think yes you should get TAMP and I was counting on it as well...

Check out this TAMP flyer:

https://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmartfiles/Prod_606/TAMP_Flyer_10_LoRes.pdf

I'm going to call and ask them the question tomorrow.

[elcam]

Okay I just got off from the phone with the Palace Chase/Front office.

Straight from them we do get TAMP as long is there is no break in service. Call them commercial 210-565-3758 or DSN 665-3758 if you want to hear it from them.

They did tell me that the system is "not perfect" and that you can't enroll early and you have to do it the day you swear in but first you have to be enrolled in DEERS---here is the problem

ARPC is taking 30-90 days to enroll people in DEERS which means no TAMP or TRS- so I was told no Tricare coverage, but they will backdate it when you fill out the Tricare Reinstatement Request form when you get your INFO in DEERS and that will pay the bills---we hope!!!

Doesn't sound great---sounds like a lot of phone calls and ass pain--but thats what I was told.

[Pod 26]

Okay I just got off from the phone with the Palace Chase/Front office.

Straight from them we do get TAMP as long is there is no break in service. Call them commercial 210-565-3758 or DSN 665-3758 if you want to hear it from them.

They did tell me that the system is "not perfect" and that you can't enroll early and you have to do it the day you swear in but first you have to be enrolled in DEERS---here is the problem

ARPC is taking 30-90 days to enroll people in DEERS which means no TAMP or TRS- so I was told no Tricare coverage, but they will backdate it when you fill out the Tricare Reinstatement Request form when you get your INFO in DEERS and that will pay the bills---we hope!!!

Doesn't sound great---sounds like a lot of phone calls and ass pain--but thats what I was told.

Seriously, this is a pain in the ass. A lot of people don't know anything about this program. It took me weeks to figure this out, largely because of DEERS. My main problem was with DEERS, it said I was in the ANG, but it had me on AD orders as of the date I swore in the ANG. I have no idea how this happened or why, but it took a little work to fix. I couldn't sign up for Tricare until that was cleared up.

As far as signing up for Tricare, I have no idea what the Reinstatement Request is all about. After I fixed my info in DEERS, I just went to the Tricare office, they checked my eligibility in DEERS, and I filled out the same form anyone else would fill out to sign up for Tricare.

My benefits have since expired, but when I was being seen on base, I was always asked if I was on orders. I took this to mean that the medical folks couldn't readily see if I was enrolled in TAMP or any other program. So, you might be able to get care at a base before you sign up. If not, there's really no point in them back dating your enrollment date unless something catastrophic happens.

Edited September 2, 2011 by Aero Engr

[elcam]

Seriously, this is a pain in the ass. A lot of people don't know anything about this program. It took me weeks to figure this out, largely because of DEERS. My main problem was with DEERS, it said I was in the ANG, but it had me on AD orders as of the date I swore in the ANG. I have no idea how this happened or why, but it took a little work to fix. I couldn't sign up for Tricare until that was cleared up.

As far as signing up for Tricare, I have no idea what the Reinstatement Request is all about. After I fixed my info in DEERS, I just went to the Tricare office, they checked my eligibility in DEERS, and I filled out the same form anyone else would fill out to sign up for Tricare.

My benefits have since expired, but when I was being seen on base, I was always asked if I was on orders. I took this to mean that the medical folks couldn't readily see if I was enrolled in TAMP or any other program. So, you might be able to get care before you sign up. If not, there's really no point in them back dating your enrollment date unless something catastrophic happens.

I'm just concerned about my family--kids get sick and bills can get expensive--so if backdating would pay the bills I'm all for it.

[Sourdough]

I'm just concerned about my family--kids get sick and bills can get expensive--so if backdating would pay the bills I'm all for it.

TAMP eligibility is determined by your SPD (Sep Program Designator) code on your sep orders. The Airman and Fam Readiness Ctr can translate. Have MPF get this right the first time vs amendments.

Quick story: The week before I was supposed to start terminal, my kid was hospitalized all the way through my guard transition and then some. I know you're concern, mine's worth well over $1M at 10 months old-- I've read "The Book" on TRICARE. DEERS was a headache. 30 days is the window for retroactive enrollment, and it almost took me that long to get DEERS unscrewed. TRS was a good interim option for my family until I got the TAMP thing sorted out (a whole other story)... And once you figure that out, plan on falling off the face of the earth again (as far as DEERS and TRICARE are concerned) once you get back on orders in your ANG unit. Title 10 orders will turn off your TAMP (family included), if that's a factor for you. Good luck-