JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md –
Hundreds of Airmen gathered at the base theatre here Dec. 18 and 19, to get smart on programs the Air Force will use to conduct the largest force reduction in the service's history. Budget cuts stemming from sequestration are driving the force management in effort to meet congressionally-mandated end strength and mission requirements.
Col. Bill Knight, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, and members of the 11th Military Personnel Section conducted briefings for officers and enlisted Airmen, discussing the 18 programs consisting of both voluntary and involuntary options being used to slim the force. The Air Force is the first service to provide its members the information on force management programs.
"Our leadership is trying to make sure you have the most time to understand what's going on so you can make the most informed decision that you possibly can," said Knight to attendees of the briefing. "This is a serious conversation and it's not one we take lightly. We're teammates here. There agencies here on base that are here to help you through this program. Reach out and you'll find another Airman either in uniform or in civilian clothes that will give you a hand."
Briefers from the MPS explained each program and shared what guidance has come down for each program - which is only about half of them.
"This is not the conversation we want to have just days before Christmas," said Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Koester, 11th MPS superintendent. "Over the next five years, about 550 aircraft and about 25,000 Airmen will be gone from the Air Force. That's why we're here - to make sure we do this smartly and to make sure we provide enough time for our Airmen to make that sound decision and make sure they're educated on what they're going to do."
The programs are designed rid the force of low performers and simultaneously offer eligible members options for early retirement and waivers for remaining service commitments.
"Most of these [voluntary] programs are going to be regarding overage population by grade and [Air Force Specialty Code]," Koester said.
Eligible members in AFSCs considered over-manned can choose from the following voluntary-separation programs. Descriptions and detailed guidance will be released on the MyPers website as it becomes available.
- Chief Master Sgt. Voluntary Retirement Phase
- Temporary Early Retirement Authority
- Enlisted Voluntary Separation Pay
- Officer Voluntary Separation Pay
- Limited Active Duty Service Commitment Waiver Program
- Expanded Palace Chase
- Eight vs. 10 Total Active Federal Commissioned Service Date Waivers
- Time in Grade Waivers
Some non-voluntary force management programs are already in progress.
"The big thing they're looking for in these (non-voluntary programs) is job performance," Koester said. "We want to retain those high-quality Airmen."
Non-voluntary programs include:
- Quality Force Review Boards
- Date of Separation (DOS) Rollback
- Senior Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO) Retention Boards
- Enlisted Retention Boards
- Selective Early Retirement Boards
- Enhanced Selective Early Retirement Boards
- Reduction In Force
- Force Shaping Board
Civilian Employees
Civilian employees will be affected as well, and the Air Force is planning to cut around 900 positions in addition to maintaining current hiring restrictions. There are currently no plans to administratively furlough civilian employees.
As in past years, the Air Force will continue to offer Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay to the maximum extent possible before implementing a Reduction In Force. The Air Force will continue to seek legislative relief for future programs.
Knight ended the briefings on a positive note, thanking the Team Andrews members from each unit here.
"I want to take an opportunity to tell you thank you," Knight said. "You're the most incredible people that I've had the opportunity to work with. I could not be more proud of you."
More information on the programs is available on the MyPers website, and more details will be released there as it becomes available.