Force Shaping and Reduction in Force are back

“We host a Warrior Transition Week which includes a Resume Writing Class, a three-day TAP seminar and a well attended class called Applying for Federal Jobs,” saidMr. Larry Fulk, Transition Assistance Program manager.

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Force Shaping and Reduction in Force are back

Published Feb. 11, 2011
By Capt. Jennifer Lovett
45th Space Wing Public Affairs

11 Feb. 2011 -- In order to meet its end strength, Air Force officials are convening the 2011 Force Shaping Board May 9, the Reduction in Force board in September and Selective Early Retirement boards in October and January 2012. All boards will be held at the Air Force Personnel Center.

"We know this is a tough time for our personnel right now," said Maj. Rob Jackson, 45th Force Support Squadron commander. "We are here to answer any questions folks have and to help them through this process."

The FSB will evaluate officers serving on the active duty list in the grade of first lieutenant and captain in the following competitive categories and year groups: biomedical sciences corps, 2008; medical service corps, 2006 through 2008; and line of the Air Force-judge advocate general, 2006 through 2008.

Officers with six or more years of total federal commissioned service by the mandatory separation date or who have 15 or more years of total active service as of the board convening date are also ineligible under the FSB.

Retention recommendation forms must be completed for all board-eligible officers with less than 15 years total active federal service as of May 9 and must be forwarded to AFPC no later than April 8.

The board will make its determination based on information similarly considered by a promotion board, including an officer selection brief, performance reports, training reports and decorations. The board will also consider the officer's retention recommendation form and any letters submitted by eligible officers.

Air Force officials also will conduct a RIF board for mid-grade officers. Officer over-strength challenges will require officials to conduct SERBs for lieutenant colonels who have been twice deferred for colonel and for colonels with four or more years time in grade who have not met a SERB in the last five years. Guidance for these boards will be posted on the AFPC website.

Voluntary force management programs are still in place for interested officers with the following separation options that include time-in-grade waivers, limited active-duty service commitment waivers, Palace Chase, Blue-to-Green and officer cross-flow programs.

The 45th Space Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center has several transition programs to provide support to any separating or retiring Airman.

"We host a Warrior Transition Week which includes a Resume Writing Class, a three-day TAP seminar and a well attended class called Applying for Federal Jobs," said Mr. Larry Fulk, Transition Assistance Program manager.

The center also offers a "Two to Go" seminar for active duty members who are two years or less from separating or retirement.

These seminars will include information on opportunities available in the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard, Air Force civil service and the private sector, as well as educational options available with the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

For more information on these programs or the force shaping board, visit the AFPC website and select the 2011 Force Management link or call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.

Air Force News Service contributed to this article.