Minot AFB trims to meet personnel reduction initiative

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrew Crawford
  • 5 Bomb WIng Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  As with previous post-war activities, the Department of Defense is postured to move toward downsizing the total force, affecting Airmen across the globe, who may have questions about the future of the Air Force and their place in it.

Even though the Air Force just finished over a decade of extended combat operations, retention in our Air Force remains at an all-time high, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. While this is a testament to the selfless service of all members of the Air Force family, he added the DOD is now faced with some very difficult financial choices that force them to reduce the overall size of the Air Force.

These changes can have a profound effect on all four services, which will impact the Air Force and in turn Minot Air Force Base. However, prior to any plans to involuntary separate Airmen, the Air Force is first offering opportunities for Airmen to retire or separate early.

"Members are eligible in multiple categories in overage career fields as the Air Force resets its force structure in accordance with a new strategic posture and revised fiscal constraints," said Lt. Col. Jamison Braun, 5th Force Support Squadron commander. "Eligible members can apply utilizing MyPers and Virtual MPF."

Benefits for separating or retiring early include monetary incentives, forgiveness of service commitments and debts, and control of a member's career along his or her timelines, added Braun.

Voluntary separation pay applies to Airmen on the active-duty list with more than six years, but no more than 15 years of total active federal military service, and will be offered to enlisted retention board eligible Airmen as a voluntary incentive prior to the retention boards.

Airmen can go to the MyPers or vMPF websites for the most current information or to sign up for early separation; however, each individual's case is different and should be reviewed thoroughly before making a decision, said 1st Lt. Luis Linares, 5 FSS career development chief, during one of several town hall meetings hosted here.

"To be blunt, we are going to get smaller ... smaller than we've ever been as an Air Force," said Welsh. "Over the next few years, we may have to reduce our force by approximately 25,000... if we do not receive any budget relief."

Although volunteer separations and retirements will reduce the overall personnel numbers, unfortunately, the Air Force will likely have to use involuntary measures as well to meet that target, added Welsh.

The Air Force is looking at each career field by skill level and grade to ensure the most optimal future posture, said Braun. More than 70 career fields show excess in personnel compared to future requirements. The retention board process will review each individual to ensure the best remain.

"Those Airmen who continue to demonstrate the Air Force's core values and who perform in exemplary ways should feel confident in the Air Force's commitment to them and their families for continued service," said Braun.

Although nearly every career field within the Air Force along with every location will be impacted by the force management process, Minot Air Force Base will continue to ensure safety, security and effective execution toward the Nuclear Enterprise, added Braun.

"We know these programs will be unsettling to many Airmen and their families, but they are necessary to ensure that our Air Force remains the best in the world," said Welsh. "We've decided to roll these force management tools out now to give you plenty of time to understand your options."

The Air Force will do its best to be transparent and give Airmen all the information needed to make decisions affecting them and their loved ones, said Welsh. Whether they voluntarily separate or are asked to separate, the Air Force is committed to doing everything it can to help Airmen and their family in transitioning.