Wright-Patterson Air Force has about 30,000 military and civilian employees. Traditionally, that total number of workers has been seen as divided in roughly thirds — about a third of the workforce at the base is uniformed military, another third or so civilian Air Force employees and another approximate third consists of contractors.
During the early months of pandemic, about 22 million U.S. workers lost their jobs, and the U.S. is still down about 10 million jobs compared to the pre-COVID era.
So the Air Force is taking steps to address the issue.
The service will implement several voluntary officer and enlisted force management programs for fiscal year 2021, including waivers to separate or affiliate with the reserves.
These programs provide for both enlisted members and officers who meet certain criteria. The application window runs from its Jan. 20 opening to April 2.
”Voluntary force management programs provide Airmen with flexible options to retire, separate or affiliate at times that suit their personal circumstances and allow the Department of the Air Force to balance certain specialties to ensure we meet the needs of the high-end fight,” Col. Richard Cole, Military Sustainment and Transition Program Division chief, said in an Air Force statement.
The limited ADSC — or “Active Duty Service Commitment” — waiver program lets eligible Airmen retire no later than Sept. 1 or separate no later than Sept. 29.
Retirement-eligible Airmen must complete at least 20 years of total active federal military service and, for officers, at least 10 years of total active federal commissioned service, before the requested retirement date, the Air Force Personnel Center said.
Applicants to separate and retire, even those who meet basic eligibility criteria, are not guaranteed approval, Cole cautioned.
”While an Airman may be eligible, manning and mission requirements will be considered when evaluating applications,” he said. “Airmen should consider their options and apply promptly if interested, as eligibility is subject to change quickly as applications are approved.”
The Air Force is also warning, however, that Airmen whose time commitments are waived will still be expected to repay unearned portions of bonuses, special pay, tuition assistance or other incentive payments.
The Air Force is directing those interested to web sites at FY 21 Enlisted Voluntary Force Management Program and FY 21 Officer Voluntary Force Management Program.
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