Force management and you

  • Published
  • By Gen. Frank Gorenc
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Commander
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The Chief of Staff's announcement concerning force management programs should have caught your attention because it could affect your status in next year's Air Force.

The Air Force will become smaller, and that means some of you reading this will have important decisions to make very soon. That is why both voluntary and involuntary programs have been announced at the same time, in order to give you and your families as much time as possible to think deeply and decide wisely about your next steps.

I can tell you with certainty the Air Force will keep its high performing Airmen, which means your job performance matters. The wise Airman will review records and make progress in military and civilian education opportunities.

I have seen 34 years of constant change in the Air Force, and these reductions come as no surprise. We are no longer in Iraq and are winding down in Afghanistan. The Nation is going through fiscal uncertainty, and the Department of Defense will be part of the solution. That solution means a leaner force, which brings us to this point in your career.

As we implement the force management initiatives in 2014, consult with your leadership, discuss with your family, review your professional and personal goals, and expand your knowledge on how these programs will affect you. Then, develop and implement your path into your future.

Despite these uncertain times we must continue our path towards the most capable Air Force possible. Our nation depends on the Air Force...always has and always will!