180-day wait over for retiring Airmen hoping for civil service employment in complexes

  • Published
  • By Amy Schiess
  • Air Force Sustainment Center

Airmen retiring from military service no longer must wait 180 days before accepting a federal civilian position within an air logistics complex thanks to a recent temporary authority enacted to help fill jobs lacking potential candidates.

This authority applies to jobs GS-13 and below at base industrial facilities that are part of the military’s core logistics capabilities, which includes the air logistics complexes.

“One of the things our depots struggle with is competing with the commercial sector for available talent,” said Sarah Walker, human resources specialist, AFSC Directorate of Personnel. “This waiting period put us at a disadvantage.” Retirees who are interested in federal service are not always willing to wait six months before finding other work. They often take their skillset to other companies before becoming eligible to work for the DOD.

“As some of our experienced civilians retire, we lose that knowledge and expertise and bring in entry-level experience. Hiring veterans with their experience saves on training, creates a more balanced workforce and provides workers who often already have a security clearance."

Active-duty members may now apply for these positions even before their official retirement date and be appointed while still on terminal leave, before being discharged or released from active duty. 

“This is a way for them to continue their mission of supporting the Air Force and the United States and applying their skillsets in an environment they are already familiar with,” said Michele Robertson, chief of the Workforce Shaping and Strategic Planning Branch, AFSC Directorate of Personnel.

Right now, more applicants are needed to fill positions across all three air logistics complexes in Utah, Oklahoma and Georgia. Some critical wage grade positions needed are electronics mechanics, aircraft electricians, machinists, nondestructive testing workers, sheet metal mechanics, aircraft ordnance systems mechanics, aircraft mechanics, aircraft engine mechanics and more. 

Nonveterans are still welcome to apply. “We still need entry-level skillsets and people who can provide new insights on how to solve problems,” Walker said.  “All of these different experiences come together to create a diverse workforce.”

The authority is temporary, but officials within the AFSC Civilian Personnel team are hoping it becomes permanent.

To submit your resume for consideration for federal civilian employment, please send them to the following email addresses:

For positions in the Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill Air Force Base, email oo-alc.obm.workflow@us.af.mil
For positions in the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base, email WRALC.Recruitment@us.af.mil
For positions in the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker Air Force Base, email OCALC.OBM.ResumeManagement@us.af.mil