Force reduction: the leaner future of the Air Force

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Approximately 2,300 service members are eligible for 2014 Force Management programs at Travis.

"We say approximately 2,300 personnel on Travis are affected by the programs because the exact number of people is continuously changing, meaning that members are being approved for separation or retirement," said Master Sgt. Amy Murphy, 60th Force Support Squadron Career Development superintendent.

The programs in effect are voluntary and involuntary, affecting officers and enlisted alike. The voluntary options for both officers and enlisted are the Temporary Early Retirement Authority, which authorizes Airmen with more than 15 but less than 20 years of active service to apply for retirement at a reduced amount of pay.

The Voluntary Separation Pay, in which Airmen with six or more years but less than 20 years of active service may apply in lieu of meeting an retention board. Officers must also have served at least 5 years of continuous active duty immediately preceding the date of separation.

"Do your homework and read the fine lines," said Senior Master Sgt. Maryann Navarro-Davis, 60th FSS Military Personnel Section superintendent. "Know the criteria of the programs that apply to you and understand what the program entails. Trust but verify everything. Do not let rumors sway your decision to choose one program over another. Read the guidance that is continuously being updated to stay informed as changes arise."

The involuntary programs for enlisted are Chief Master Sergeant Retention Board, Enlisted Retention Board, Date of Separation Rollback and Quality Force Review Board. The involuntary programs for officers are the Selective Early Retirement Board, Enhanced Selective Early Retirement Board, RIF Board and Force Shaping Board. The details to all programs may be found on the Force Management tab of the Sharepoint or by following the link on MyPERs home page.

"Read, read, read and heed the guidance from the (Personnel Services Delivery Memorandum)," said Capt. Veronica Hoskinson, 60th FSS Manpower and Personnel flight commander. "We cannot emphasize enough how important keeping personal records updated and utilizing member's (Commander Support Staff) for any and all updates members may have."

Ensuring that personnel service records are maintained and up to date help the paperwork process stay streamlined. Utilizing accurate information and correctly filling out applications lower the probability of having the member's request returned for corrections, said Hoskinson.

"Be prepared, prepare yourself and know your options," Murphy said. "Regardless if you're affected by Force Management, everyone should prepare for the future, whether it is continued military service or civilian life."

Resources for members preparing for the future or thinking about transitioning out of the service have Transitioning Assistance Program, Career Assistance Advisors and the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Travis.

For more information on 2014 Force Management programs, visit the website at http://bit.ly/1dwF9NF.