IDS programs assist Airmen with force management uncertainty

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- --  An Integrated Delivery System initiative to assist personnel, supervisors and families cope effectively with the challenges of voluntary and involuntary Force Management programs has recently been unveiled by the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

This IDS project is a result of the Air Force announcement in December that several force management programs have been initiated to reduce the force by thousands of Airmen over the next five years as a result of sequestration. Leaders released the plan early so that Airmen have the necessary time to consider their career options.

In an email to personnel, 66th Air Base Group Commander Col. Lester A. Weilacher highlighted the importance of remaining up-to-date on the force management programs that may impact them.

"It is essential Airmen stay informed of changes to these dynamic programs," he said. "For instance, the latest available matrices being used in conjunction with ongoing force management programs portray enlisted and officer vulnerability in excess of 22,000 across our Air Force."

Weilacher went on to encourage Airmen to check the matrices often, as eligibility may change.

As a result, he directed the AFRC to increase the number of programs designed to assist military members in transitioning from the military to a civilian career.

The IDS created a comprehensive Transition Assistance Program Participation Timeline for Airmen to use.

"Services provided by IDS agencies will remain as flexible and adaptive as possible to the needs of our service population through each phase of the announced Air Force Military Force Management programs," said Dawn Andreucci, Airman and Family Readiness Center readiness consultant.

There have been several programs included in the fiscal year 2014 force management programs for officers and enlisted members.

For enlisted members, programs will include a chief master sergeant retention board, a quality force review board and a date of separation rollback. The enlisted voluntary measures focus on Airmen in non-critical, overage specialties. These programs include Limited Active Duty Service Commitment waivers, including waiving up to two years of enlistment obligations; and Palace Chase transfers to the Reserves for enlisted Airmen with a one-to-one rather than a two-to-one year commitment.

Programs for officers are force shaping boards, an Enhanced Selective Early Retirement Board, or ESERB, and voluntary separation pay. Officers in the grades of lieutenant colonel and below may apply for Limited Active Duty Service Commitment waivers, the Expanded Palace Chase program or the 10-8 Commission Waiver Program. Additionally, only lieutenant colonels may apply for Time-in-Grade waivers.

For officers and enlisted personnel in over-manned career fields with more than 15 but less than 20 years of service, there will be Temporary Early Retirement Authority, or TERA, offered.

The AFRC has lined up several workshops to assist in developing strategies to help employees manage finances, sustain or enhance their relationships and promote self-care at work and at home during the changes ahead.

"The Airman and Family Readiness Center is featuring a number of specific workshops to get personnel prepared for any projected force management programs that may impact Airmen," said Robyn Endo, Airman and Family Readiness Center director.

The workshops center around the Comprehensive Airman Fitness model.

"The focus of these IDS team-sponsored workshops is to maximize the strength of Comprehensive Airman Fitness through the four pillars of mental, physical, social and spiritual resiliency," said Linda Ambard, 66th Air Base Group community support coordinator. "The ultimate goal is improved coping with life stressors, increased resiliency and well-being which will ultimately result in optimal performance and growth through the Comprehensive Airman Fitness model designed to increase performance in all pillars and reduce the negative effects of stress."

Some of the upcoming offerings include:

Take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI, to learn your personality preferences Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This workshop will assist in selecting a new career.

Learn how to get into the teaching profession as representatives from the Troops to Teachers program and Junior ROTC explain their programs and answer questions Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Marketing Yourself for a Second Career is scheduled Feb. 26 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hanscom Conference Center and includes a three-phased job search plan, resume tips, preparing for and conducting interviews, using military strengths and more. Registration is appreciated, but not required.

A Twelve-Month Plan workshop is scheduled March 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to highlight monthly job search strategies and activities in preparation for re-entering the workforce after a brief educational sabbatical.

The IDS team is comprised of the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Base Chapel, Civilian Health Promotion Service, Employee Assistance Program, Equal Opportunity Office, Family Advocacy Office, Health and Wellness Center, Mental Health, the School Liaison Officer, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program and Youth Programs.

For more information on resources available, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 781-225-2765.