Force reduction will cut airmen and aircraft

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Diana Cossaboom | U.S Air Force Maj. Sean Brazel, 20th Force Support Squadron director of operations, explains the Force Management Program to enlisted personnel Dec. 18, 2013, at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The Air Force is downsizing by approximately 25,000 airmen and 550 aircraft if there is not significant budget relief from Washington. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Diana M. Cossaboom/Released)  

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

01.07.2014

Story by Airman 1st Class Diana Cossaboom 

20th Fighter Wing

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - Air Force leaders officially announced force management programs to include an Air Force-wide reduction of approximately 25,000 airmen and 550 aircraft, which took effect during December 2013.

To clarify important factors of the reduction, the 20th Force Support Squadron hosted town hall meetings the week of Dec. 16, for all 20th Fighter Wing personnel.

During the meetings, Lt. Col. Tara White, 20th FSS commander, and Maj. Sean Brazel, 20th FSS director of operations, were available to answer questions during officer and enlisted briefings, Dec. 18.

Airmen are not leaving in the numbers the Air Force had predicted and there is a need to start cutting back, especially because the Air Force will not be getting significant budget relief from Washington, said Brazel.

The force management program's initial timeline started in December, and the changes made to the evaluation systems occurred Jan. 1, 2014. The official timeline can be found on myPers, a CAC-enabled website.

"The first change defines 'organizational climate' and makes it mandatory to discuss during all feedback sessions for all airmen," said White. "The second major change will be the consideration of 'organizational climate' on all evaluations. The third change defines 'command climate,' and makes it mandatory to discuss during performance feedback and mandatory to consider on all commanders' evaluations."

Even though the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 projected funding increases in December, the Force Management programs will continue without adjustments in order to create a better balanced budget and proficient work force.

White and Brazel advised airmen to ensure personal information and records are current in virtualMPF and PRDA, both CAC-enabled websites. In addition, airmen are advised to keep family members informed the force management program and any changes.

Airmen have been notified through email if they were selected to meet a retention board.

Questions about the FY2014 Force Management Program should be directed to [phone]/7830/1602 or emailed to 20FSSManpower/[e-mail]

Additional resources:

Retirements and separations:
[phone]/1395 or email [e-mail]

Air Force Reserve In-Service Recruiter:
[phone] or email [e-mail]

Career Assistance Advisor:
[phone] or email [e-mail]

24/7 customer support of personnel services is available through the Total Force Service Center at [phone].

• Date Taken: 01.07.2014
• Date Posted: 01.15.2014 16:40
• Story ID: 119210
• Location: SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, US