Air Force completes FY12 civilian workforce restructure

  • Published
  • By Ann Stefanek
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Air Force officials announced 4,500 additional positions for elimination as a continuation of its FY12 Civilian Workforce Restructure.

This reduction builds on the realignments announced in November, including the elimination of 9,000 positions and the addition of 5,900 positions against the Air Force's top priorities. In addition, these reductions respond to the Secretary of Defense's direction to target civilian funding at fiscal year 2010 levels.

"We value our talented and experienced workforce and are trying to do everything possible to manage these reductions with as little impact to our people as possible," said Michael B. Donley, Secretary of the Air Force.

During this round, the Electronic Systems Center is facing a total cut of 245 positions, 62 of which are currently filled. Of the total number of positions targeted for reduction, 125 reside at Hanscom, and of those, 25 are currently filled.

A comprehensive look, starting in 2008 and running across the six-year Future Years Development Plan process, shows the organic civilian workforce at Hanscom increased by one position. However, there are workforce imbalances that require targeted cuts in specific areas.

In an effort to encourage voluntary separations and retirements, the Air Force is currently offering its second round of voluntary separation incentive pay and voluntary early retirement authority programs. Civilian employees received VERA/VSIP eligibility letters from their personnel managers earlier this month. The applications are due no later than Jan. 20 for all Hanscom AFB-serviced civilian employees. Approved applications will result in separations or retirements that take effect by April 30.

Air Force officials are still evaluating the need for a Reduction in Force.

"At this time, we are surveying the workforce for a second round of VERA/VSIP and are in the midst of management reassignments resulting from the first round of the restructure," said Brig. Gen. Gina Grosso, Director of Manpower, Organization and Resources. "Once we exhaust all voluntary force management measures, a determination will be made whether or not a RIF is necessary. We hope to have more information in the spring."

This announcement marks the end of civilian reductions associated with the Air Force's FY12 civilian workforce restructure.