DAF Form 2631: PALACE CHASE Statement of Understanding – If you’re an active duty Air Force member looking to transition early to the Air Reserve Component (ARC)—either the Air Force Reserve (AFR) or Air National Guard (ANG)—you’ll likely encounter DAF Form 2631, officially titled the PALACE CHASE Statement of Understanding/Contract.
This critical document outlines the terms, obligations, and consequences of participating in the PALACE CHASE program, a voluntary early release initiative that allows eligible Airmen to leave active duty before completing their full service commitment in exchange for continued service in a Selected Reserve position.
What Is the PALACE CHASE Program?
PALACE CHASE is a Department of the Air Force program that provides an honorable early release from active duty for Airmen who have completed a portion of their initial service obligation. It enables a direct transition to part-time or full-time reserve/guard service while fulfilling an extended commitment in the ARC.
It differs from PALACE FRONT, which is for Airmen separating at their normal Date of Separation (DOS) who want to continue seamlessly in the reserves/guard without extending their obligation.
Key benefits of PALACE CHASE include:
- Earlier return to civilian life, family, education, or civilian career opportunities.
- Continued military service with associated benefits (e.g., pay for drill periods, Tricare, retirement points, educational assistance).
- Service in a chosen location through Traditional Guard/Reserve (one weekend a month, two weeks a year), Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA), or other ARC statuses.
Note: PALACE CHASE is not a way to reduce your total service obligation—it typically extends it. Approval depends on Air Force needs, your AFSC manning levels, and unit availability in the gaining ARC unit.
Who Is Eligible for PALACE CHASE?
Basic eligibility generally includes:
- Enlisted: Completion of at least half of the initial enlistment.
- Officers: Completion of at least two-thirds of the initial total Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC).
- Medically qualified for worldwide deployment.
- Meet current fitness standards (no exemptions or profiles).
- Possess a valid security clearance.
- Hold at least a 3-skill level in your primary AFSC.
Disqualifiers often include:
- Pending PCS notification.
- Currently in formal training.
- Pending involuntary separation.
- Referral (“2”) or below EPR/OPR in the last three reports.
- On the control roster.
Eligibility and manning requirements can vary by fiscal year and career field. Always consult your servicing Military Personnel Flight (MPF), In-Service Recruiter (ISR), or the latest guidance in DAFI 36-3211 (Administrative Separation of Airmen and Guardians) for current details.
What Is DAF Form 2631?
DAF Form 2631 serves as both a Statement of Understanding and a contract. It documents that you have been fully counseled on the program rules and that you voluntarily agree to the specific terms of your PALACE CHASE transfer.
The form is generated by the ARC In-Service Recruiter (ISR) and requires your initials on individual statements plus signatures from you and appropriate officials. It typically includes sections covering:
- Acknowledgment of eligibility and program purpose.
- Calculation and acceptance of the extended PALACE CHASE contract period (usually based on remaining active duty time, often doubled or more, with a minimum of 1 year and maximum around 6 years).
- Service commitment in the Selected Reserve (DSG/TR, IMA, AGR, etc.).
- Obligation to satisfactorily gain into and participate in the ARC unit.
- Consequences of failure to complete the transfer or meet obligations (possible immediate recall to active duty).
- Consent to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check.
- Prohibition on inter-service transfers during the contract period.
- Understanding that PALACE CHASE is a voluntary separation and subjects you to potential recall to complete the waived active duty period.
The contract expiration date is explicitly listed in the form (often Section 5). Your initial ARC service commitment covers the full length of this contract.
Important: Read every block carefully and initial each statement. The form ensures you cannot later claim lack of understanding if issues arise.
How to Obtain and Complete DAF Form 2631?
- Contact your local In-Service Recruiter (ISR) or the gaining ARC unit recruiter. They guide you through the process and provide the form.
- Gather required documents: AF Form 1288 (Application for PALACE CHASE), detailed SURF, last 3 EPRs/OPRs, justification statement, and others as directed.
- Counseling: The ISR will review each provision of DAF Form 2631 with you.
- Sign and date: Both you and the counselor/official sign.
- Submit as part of your full PALACE CHASE package.
Official Download: Access the current DAF Form 2631 directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf2631/daf2631.pdf
Always use the official PDF from e-Publishing for the most accurate version.
Key Obligations and Risks
By signing DAF Form 2631, you agree to:
- Serve the full contract period in the ARC (failure to gain into the unit can result in recall to active duty).
- Meet all training, participation, and readiness requirements.
- Remain in Selected Reserve status or return to the regular component (no inter-service transfer during the contract).
- Potential immediate voluntary recall for any reason to complete the original active duty period waived.
The program is governed primarily by DAFI 36-3211, Chapter 24 (officers) or 25 (enlisted), along with related guidance in AFMAN 36-2136 and other instructions.
Next Steps for Active Duty Airmen
- Verify your personal eligibility with your MPF and ISR.
- Identify an available slot in a desired ANG or AFR unit (manning is key).
- Prepare a strong justification for why PALACE CHASE serves the best interest of the Air Force and your career goals.
- Start the process 6–15 months before your desired DOS, depending on officer/enlisted status and DEROS alignment.
PALACE CHASE can be an excellent bridge for Airmen seeking work-life balance, civilian opportunities, or continued service closer to home—but only if you fully understand the extended commitment documented on DAF Form 2631.
For personalized guidance, contact your chain of command, servicing MPF, or an Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard recruiter. Policies and availability can shift based on force management needs, so confirm the latest details through official Air Force channels.
Download DAF Form 2631 here: Official PDF
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official military counseling or legal advice. Regulations are subject to change.