MPS helps out with force management

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Nichols
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  In response to current problems with overstaffing in some career fields and understaffing in others, the Air Force is introducing some programs to help with force management. 

The programs are designed to benefit not only the Air Force as a whole but also individual Airmen.

Whereas force management usually involves directly cutting down the number of personnel, one of these new programs provides an alternative approach, one that enables Airmen to remain in the Air Force while addressing the problem of overstaffing.

The cross-flow program, designed specifically for officers, will help to alleviate shortages in understaffed career fields by reallocating troops to career fields currently spread thin.

Some of these include control and recovery, air liaison officer, intelligence, public affairs, developmental engineer and acquisition manager.

To apply for this program, interested officers must submit a memorandum as an email attachment to the AFPC/DPASF Special Duty Assignments mailbox by Jan. 31, 2011. Officers will then learn of their status through an e-mail sent from AFPC.

Another program the Air Force is offering is the Limited Active Duty Service Commitment, which applies for both officer and enlisted personnel.

This program, which constitutes a more traditional approach to force management, enables personnel in select Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs) to request retirement or separation prior to completing specified ADSCs or service obligations.

"These programs give personnel in vulnerable career fields voluntary options and greater control of their careers than would non-voluntary ones," said Lt. Kwan, chief of 374th Military Personnel Section.

The Air Force provides all transitioning Airmen the opportunity to attend a comprehensive Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to ensure they are aware of their full range of benefits, and to help military members and their families consider their options as they transition from active-duty service.

There will be a town hall meeting Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. in the Airman and Family Readiness Center auditorium to provide an overview of the programs and give attendees the opportunity to ask any questions.

For further information on force management programs, visit the AFPC website or call the MPS at 225-9913.