Tinker chiefs discuss upcoming force management programs

Published Jan. 24, 2014
By Kimberly Woodruff
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The news is out. The Air Force is cutting 25,000 from its forces in a necessary move to curb spending.

Several expanded force management programs will be implemented this year. The fiscal 2014 programs include an enlisted retention program, chief master sergeant retention board, enlisted retention boards, enlisted quality force review boards, officer force shaping board, enhanced selective early retirement boards, a reduction in force board, and officer and enlisted voluntary separation pay incentives for Airmen in non-critical, overage specialties.

In four military "all-calls" last week, 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Brian Lavoie and 552nd Command Chief Master Sgt. Avery Woolridge came together to talk with Airmen and answer questions concerning the upcoming moves.

"A lot of people believe it won't happen. This is happening. Be involved and talk to the first shirts," said Chief Woolridge.

The information presented came directly from the Personnel Services Delivery Memorandum, available on the Air Force Portal.

While information is changing day-to-day, Chief Lavoie felt it was necessary to get the information out so Airmen could start to ask questions pertinent to their individual situations.

Airmen are encouraged to keep up-to-date with the changing news by checking the Air Force Portal, and by talking with their chain of command. Chief Lavoie said he wants Airmen to gather the necessary information and talk with the experts before jumping out and making a decision that cannot be taken back.

Quality Force Retention Boards will be held to determine if selected Airmen will be retained by the Air Force.

Chief Lavoie stressed that if selected to meet with the Quality Force Retention Board, there are things beyond an Airman's control and there are things within their control, but each Air Force member should take ownership of their own career. When working through the process, Airmen need to follow the timeline (at right) and make sure to get the required items in by the deadlines. To aid in this process, Airmen need to have their personnel records up to date when they meet with the board. Finally, commanders and supervisors should be good wingmen and take care of those in their chain of command who might be having a tough time, Chief Lavoie said.

Airmen selected to meet with the retention board, should first check their records on the Personnel Records Display Application and the Virtual MPF on the Air Force Portal and ensure all the information is accurately reflected and fix the information if necessary prior to deadlines. Attend the Pre-Separation Briefing provided by the Airman and Family Readiness Center and sign up for GPS (Transition Assistance Program)

"In preparing to make the decision about volunteering to separate or retire, be honest with yourself regarding the chances of being separated," Chief Lavoie said. "Seek helping agencies if you feel stressed. Also take care of your families, as they may feel stressed and want to understand what's happening. Be a good wingman to friends and colleagues."

If all Airmen are equal with "Firewall 5s," (outstanding performance reports), then what separates them, Chief Lavoie asked. "How one has contributed to their organization, passing physical training tests, completing professional military education, and whether or not one has completed their Community College of the Air Force degree. Everything will be looked at closely and weighed against others in the same career field," he said.

Both men said the most important thing to do is to be an informed Airman. Watch Chief of Staff of the Air Force videos and read his messages when they are released online, pay attention to Air Force News and other sources of information.