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WASHINGTON — Regular force management updates are now being published at www.af.mil, including program updates, reports on voluntary program applications received at AFPC and changes to program eligibility.
Also, in response to Airmen’s feedback to the secretary of the Air Force, chief of staff and chief master sergeant of the Air Force, Airmen can now access the latest program details, such as the eligibility matrices, through a force management hot button on the Air Force Portal.
“From initial notification and implementation, we’ve discussed the dynamic nature and fast pace of our force management programs,” said Lt. Gen. Sam Cox, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. “With volumes of available information, necessary real-time adjustments and national-level budget uncertainties all colliding, it is understandable that we have sincere angst in our force. While the heightened concern is natural and reasonably expected, we want to help mitigate it with a consistent effort of communicating to our Airmen.”
Updated eligibility matrices
Today, updates to the enlisted and officer eligibility matrices were published on the myPers website, available via the Air Force Portal. The new matrices highlight adjustments based on the already approved retirements and separations, as well as adjustments to the overall manpower requirements. Updated Air Force Medical Service officer matrices are still under revision and will be posted in the near future. Approximately 100 enlisted categories have already been removed from the original eligibility matrix. As additional AFSCs and grades or year groups close out, we eliminate the need to hold retention boards for those particular categories.
Enlisted Temporary Early Retirement Authority
The established window for Temporary Early Retirement Authority closed March 26. The Air Force Personnel Center has received more than 4,000 enlisted applications, of which approximately 70 percent meet eligibility criteria. In some cases, Airmen with less than the required 15 years of service or Airmen serving in a non-eligible Air Force specialty code had applied. To date, 470 enlisted applications have been approved with notifications already sent to Airmen. Approximately 1,850 additional enlisted TERA applications have been approved with notifications to Airmen going out this week. Applications and additional notifications will continue to be processed in all eligible AFSCs and grades.
Officer TERA
The Air Force Personnel Center has received more than 1,000 officer TERA applications, of which approximately 60 percent meet eligibility criteria. To date, 66 officer TERA applications have been approved with notifications already provided. Approximately 250 additional officer TERA applications have been approved with notifications to Airmen going out this week. Applications and additional notifications will continue to be processed in all eligible AFSCs and year groups.
Officer active-duty service commitments
Late last week, AFPC received expanded authorities to support additional waivers for rated, educational and health professions’ active-duty service commitments. These authorities eliminate previous limitations to the existing voluntary programs. AFPC will publish additional guidance next week on the myPers website, available via the Air Force Portal, informing officers of exactly which ADSCs can be waived as it applies to the current VSP window. In addition, because the TERA window ended, the Air Force will open another TERA window to ensure those previously affected Airmen have an opportunity to apply for a voluntary program. Details are being developed and will be released next week.
Officer and enlisted VSP
About 8,600 VSP applications have been submitted (7,200 enlisted and 1,400 officer), with approximately 50 percent meeting eligibility criteria. In most cases, the ineligible applications are from Airmen who currently serve in a non-eligible AFSC. Even though the VSP window does not close until May 1,750 enlisted VSP applications have been approved thus far with notifications going out this week. Officer approvals will also begin this week now that updated eligibility matrices and overage estimates are published. Applications and additional notifications will continue to be processed in all eligible AFSCs, enlisted grades and officer year groups.
Civilian workforce management
The second round of civilian workforce management programs was recently announced. Those programs start with surveys gauging employee interest in Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pays. These programs will run parallel with military force management programs. Unlike the military programs, the civilian voluntary programs are tied to certain locations, occupations and the ability to prevent involuntary separations. VERA/VSIP surveys are underway at many, but not all bases. Civilians whose voluntary departure could not make a job opening for a local civilian facing involuntary separation will not be included in the survey effort. The Air Force’s goal is to use all tools available to maximize voluntary opportunities and only use involuntary programs as a last resort.
Resources
Updates to information on force management and other personnel programs will continue to be available on myPers. Airmen can use the new force management graphic on the Air Force Portal, which will take them directly to updated matrices.
