KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- For Airmen separating from active duty, the next step isn’t always clear. One in-service recruiter at Keesler Air Force Base is helping members explore a path that keeps them in uniform—but on their own terms.
Master Sgt. Eric Tabor served 14 years on active duty before transitioning to the Air Force Reserve. He began his career in heating, ventilation and air conditioning before cross-training into recruiting, where he spent eight years as a line recruiter and trainer with the 368th Recruiting Squadron.
“I met a Reserve recruiter while I was still active duty, and he asked me why I didn’t consider it myself,” Tabor said. “I had a friend who made the switch and loved it. I talked to him, and he never regretted it. That opened the door for me.”
At the time, Tabor had already helped countless active-duty applicants begin their careers and had seen firsthand how military service could shape lives. Still passionate about serving but ready for more control over his own career path, he made the switch to the Air Force Reserve.
“Recruiting for the Reserve over active duty gave me more control over my career,” he said. “I still get to serve the way I wanted, still receive the benefits, still provide for my family, and do the thing I love.”
Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Resio, 403rd Wing Recruiting Flight Chief, said his own journey into recruiting was shaped by both positive and negative experiences during his enlistment process.
“I had one really great recruiter and one not-so-great recruiter,” he said. “Those experiences motivated me to give back and help others find their path. A bad recruiting experience can turn someone away. I want to be the reason someone feels confident about joining.”
As Keesler’s in-service recruiter, Tabor assists Airmen through transition programs such as Palace Chase and Palace Front. These options allow continued service while pursuing personal, educational or civilian career goals. He also guides members through eligibility, application and job placement—whether they want to stay local or relocate.
“My personal mission is to make sure the Air Force Reserve is going to benefit them in some way, shape or form,” he said. “The Reserve isn’t for everybody, but if the pros outweigh the cons, I help them figure out how to make it work—whether that’s traditional, IMA, ART or AGR.”
Air Force Reserve service is available in several forms to accommodate different career and lifestyle needs.
Traditional Reservists, or TRs, serve one weekend a month and two weeks per year, making it a good option for those balancing military service with civilian careers or education.
Individual Mobilization Augmentees, or IMAs, are assigned to active-duty units and complete their training in a flexible block format, often tailored to the needs of the unit.
Air Reserve Technicians, or ARTs, serve full-time during the week in a civilian capacity and wear the uniform during drill weekends, providing continuity to Reserve units.
Active Guard Reserve, or AGR, members serve full-time in a military status, supporting the Reserve mission on a daily basis in roles similar to active duty.
Tabor highlights several key benefits of Reserve service. Members can access low-cost health insurance through TRICARE Reserve Select, which offers substantial savings compared to most civilian plans. They retain tuition assistance benefits, and those eligible for the GI Bill can also transfer education benefits to dependents. Additionally, Reserve service counts toward military retirement, allowing members to continue earning points even while pursuing civilian careers.
Meeting with Tabor is a required step for all separating active-duty Airmen during out-processing, but he encourages members to come with questions—even if they’re unsure about joining the Reserve.
“It’s just coming in, sitting down, seeing if the Air Force Reserve can benefit you in any type of way,” he said. “If the benefits sound amazing, then great, let’s see what we can do for you.”
Tabor also encourages current Reservists to share their stories.
“If the Air Force Reserve helped you reach your goals, share that message,” he said. “Put that spark in their mind—being of service to your country, especially with the 403rd Wing in their backyard, maybe it’s an option for them.”
Resio added that certain career fields are especially in demand.
“Right now, aircraft maintenance is one of our most critically low-manned areas—crew chiefs, avionics, propulsion, fuels, electrical systems and structural are all needed,” he said. “Those jobs are vital here, especially with the Flying Jennies and Hurricane Hunters based at Keesler.”
To learn more, schedule an appointment at https://msgterictabor.setmore.com or scan the QR code.