Message from the 7th BW Vice Commander - FY14 Force Management Program

  • Published
  • By Col. Steven Beasley
  • 7th Bomb Wing
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  By now I am sure you have seen the message from the SECAF announcing Personnel Reduction Initiatives. I'd like to reiterate a few points and assure you that Brig. Gen. VanHerck and I are committed to maintaining prompt and transparent communication with you all throughout this transition.

The Air Force continues to retain high quality Airmen at historic rates, but unfortunately budget constraints have led to reductions in Air Force readiness. As an Air Force, we must size and shape the force to meet DoD strategic guidance for a leaner force. As we become smaller, it is even more important that we retain high performing Airmen. Job performance is and will continue to be our first priority. In order to make these reductions we must start to implement programs that reduce the size of our military and civilian force now, rather than later. We'll be using every available force shaping tool and doing everything we can to maximize voluntary programs, including offering monetary separation incentives, as mentioned by the SECAF. However, it is very likely that we will need to use involuntary programs to meet projected manpower requirements as well.

Although these programs focus on active-duty military reductions, additional civilian reductions have been identified for FY14 and we expect more reductions, including a Secretary of Defense-directed 20 percent headquarters staff reduction, to happen in FY15 and beyond. Civilian force management actions are based on federal government-wide statutory language. As in past years, we will continue to offer Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay to the maximum extent possible before we implement a Reduction In Force. Currently, there is no plan for an administrative furlough for the civilian workforce.

We want to ensure our Airmen have ample time to understand how they are individually impacted and what the best options are for them and their families. Once specific details are available, AFPC will notify Airmen via official personnel messages and public news releases that will be posted on www.afpc.af.mil and www.af.mil. At that time, Airmen will be able to visit myPers at https://mypers.af.mil to read the personnel messages and guidance on eligibility and applications.

We realize that while there are a lot of unknowns, your leadership team is committed to keeping you informed throughout this transition. We want to ensure our Airmen have time to make plans for their future, should they be impacted, and understand that we will release information as soon as receive it. Additionally, next week Brig Gen VanHerck will be conducting a series of commander's calls to discuss these reduction initiatives. You will also have the opportunity to text questions if you are unable to attend. The text number is 325-267-5810 and will be ready to receive texts starting Monday, December 16. Questions will be answered during commander's calls and the transcripts will be compiled and posted to our Dyess AFB website at www.dyess.af.mil following the completion of all calls. Additionally, please feel free to submit questions on the Dyess AFB Facebook page and we'll ensure those are answered in a timely manner. In the meantime, keep up the fantastic work that you all do here at Team Dyess.