Officer's Force Shaping Board to convene in April

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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  As the convening date for the Officer’s Force Shaping Board nears, manning levels of more career fields are balancing and increasing the odds for those officers hoping to make the Air Force a career.

The Air Force instituted the board to address the imbalance of officers in the 2002 and 2003 year groups. Currently there is a surplus of approximately 4,000 active duty junior officers across the Air Force in these two year groups. The board is scheduled to convene in April to select officers to develop as future leaders.

Due to voluntary separations and cross-flows, several Air Force Specialty Codes have been balanced. Since implementation of the process, two career fields in the 2002 year group and six career fields in the 2003 year group have reached their separation quotas and therefore will be excluded from board consideration.

Of those AFSCs that still have separation quotas as of Jan 17, a total of 2,794 officers are board eligible (2,005 for ‘02; 789 for ‘03), to meet a remaining separation quota of 1,188 officers (952 in ‘02; 236 in ‘03). USAFE has 180 officers (142 from ‘02; 38 from ‘03) who are vulnerable to involuntary separation through the FSB.

Across the Air Force, 16 career fields are facing officer cuts. However, in the 2002 year group Scientist and Weather career fields have been balanced. In the 2003 year group, Intelligence, Logistics Readiness, Civil Engineering, Communications/Information, Acquisitions, Contracting and Finance have been balanced.

Despite several career fields that are no longer vulnerable to the board, those still board-eligible are facing tough decisions.

“The command’s number one priority is still taking care of our people,” said Lt. Col. Douglas Haven, HQ USAFE/A1A acting director of assignments. “And we’re doing just that through tailored transition assistance programs.”

Alternatives for those who wish to continue military service include the U.S. Army Blue to Green Program and Palace Chase to Air Force Reserve or National Guard. There are also opportunities on the civilian side of the house.

Each career field has different rates of risk based on projected separation quotas, and each officer’s circumstances are different.

“I would like to see that every officer who chooses to make the Air Force a career has that opportunity. However, that’s just not possible. It’s in each officer’s best interest to be prepared for all possible outcomes,” said Colonel Haven.

According to Air Force Personnel Center officials, the objective of the board is to shape the future force by retaining the officers the Air Force needs to develop as its future leaders. The board will make its determination based on the information contained in the officers’ central selection record and a Retention Recommendation Form.

Eligible officers may continue to apply for voluntary separation until March 1, 2006, using the force shaping initiatives already approved. Separation and retention notification to officers meeting the board will be accomplished no later than June 1.

For the latest statistics of those AFSCs affected by the board, check the official Force Shaping Program Web page at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/retsep/shape.htm or call the Air Force Personnel Contact Center at (800) 616-3775 or DSN 665-5000.