Town hall meeting discusses force reshaping programs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jordan Castelan
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Airmen were informed of force management reshaping options during a town hall meeting, July 31 on Ramstein.

A general explanation of the voluntary force management program and the temporary early retirement authority program were discussed. The programs reduce overmanned career fields after an 18-year high in retention rates.

"These force management tools have been created to meet congressionally mandated end strengths," said Capt. Scott Simoneaux, 786th Force Support Squadron Military Personal Flight commander.

Retention rates of service members are high, said Simoneaux. The expected separation percentage of service members has declined, and creates a situation where incentives are now being offered to bring the Air Force closer to reach end strength goals.

"The temporary early retirement authority program began accepting application July 29 and will continue to accepted applications until Aug. 19," said Simoneaux. "Other important dates to remember are approval or disapproval by Air Force Personnel Center by Aug. 31, members will be notified by Sept. 1, and the member would have to retire by Nov. 1."

Information regarding the force management programs is available on the Air Force Portal under the myPers tab and searching "force management" in the search field.

To contact the 786th FSS MPF career development section about force management options, call 480-5549 for appointments or walk-in hours.