Guidance on sanctuary revised, requires review Published Sept. 23, 2011 By Sandra Pishner 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Sanctuary. If you're old enough to think of the movie "Logan's Run" when you hear "Sanctuary," then you're probably old enough to qualify for it. You won't be renewed (as depicted in the movie), but as long as you meet the other requirements you can earn sancutary. Title 10 United States Code establishes an active duty retirement sanctuary for Airmen of all Air Reserve Components. Sanctuary is a period of time some Reservists reach which qualifies them for an active-duty retirement. Sanctuary protection begins with 18 years of total active federal military service and ends with 20 years of TAFMS. Reservists who fall into this period cannot be involuntarily released from duty, thus protecting their entitlement to an active-duty retirement. Sanctuary, however, cannot be preserved, through voluntary tours of duty. The ins and outs of Sanctuary are described in a newly-published revision of AFI 36-2131, which clarifies active duty and Reserve sanctuary processes, includes demobilization guidance, continuation for medical evaluation, and modifications to Statements of Understanding. Reserve sanctuary relates to Reservists not being involuntarily separated when they have 18 to 20 good years for a Reserve retirement. "The AFI clarifies many issues that were misunderstood in the past," said Staff Sgt. Brenda Kosinski, 446th Force Support Squadron, NCOIC, force management. "Also, there is a whole new chapter on demobilization. I recommend the AFI be completely reviewed because there is no wiggle room for interpretation, which was the intent." According to Kosinski, the 446th Airlift Wing has a number of Reservists in the active-duty sanctuary zone. These people, in particular, need to make sure they understand sanctuary. "The new sanctuary waiver format is the change with the most impact; the waiver has to be in the new AFI specific format or it will be returned," said Kosinski, who will become the NCOIC of force management in October. Reservists near sanctuary-eligibility must waive sanctuary protection in order to serve voluntary tours of duty. Reservists may not serve an active-duty tour voluntarily in order to reach sanctuary. A waiver is not required for Reservists performing inactive duty for training, active duty for training or are activated under involuntary authorizations. A Reservist who gets 18 years of active-duty time under his or her belt must be allowed to voluntarily stay on active duty to qualify for a full retirement. This doesn't apply if the member voluntarily separates, is medically disqualified for continued service or is separated or discharged for cause. Those who do qualify for sanctuary protection due to involuntarily active-duty time via mobilization must invoke that protection in writing. And, when invoking sanctuary protection, a Reservist becomes available for worldwide assignment based on Air Force needs. For more information on sanctuary, both active-duty sanctuary and Reserve sanctuary, review AFI 36-2131, or contact your unit career advisor.