D-M civilian workforce restructuring announced Published Nov. 3, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Sarah D.A. Godfrey 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Approximately 60 positions from the civilian workforce will be removed from D-M in fiscal year 2012. The measures are being taken to stop civilian growth above fiscal year 2010 levels following Department of Defense mandated efficiencies. Air Force officials conducted a comprehensive strategic review to assess civilian workforce alignment that revealed a need for reorganizing personnel in an effort to best utilize scarce resources. Hiring controls and voluntary separation programs were implemented in May 2011 to reduce overall manpower costs but additional measures are required. "Many challenges are ahead of us as we move towards a more fiscally constrained Air Force," said Col. John Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing commander. "We should expect continued workforce shaping measures affecting military, civilian, and contractors. This will require strategic implementation at the installation level to think creatively and efficiently to meet Air Force priorities." Positions, not necessarily people, are being eliminated with the goal to avoid any non-voluntary measures and are expected to take place across all grade levels of our civilian workforce. These reductions will include currently unfilled positions. D-M leaders will share the results of the civilian manpower adjustments with their workforces over the next several weeks. Civilian unions will be made aware of job specific authorizations being abolished before employee notification. "Our goal is to meet civilian reduction requirements through voluntary measures first. The first step in voluntary measure will begin with Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Program notifications to eligible employees in the next several days," said Maj Ernest Mata, 355th Force Support Squadron commander. "Uncertainty and confusion will likely occur over the next few months and we are going to make every effort to share information so our civilian employees are informed." A second round of VERA/VSIP notifications is currently being considered by higher headquarters if the first round does not meet end-strength goals. The Priority Placement Program, Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program and the Reemployment Priority list are other programs in place to assist transitioning civilians. Involuntary separation has not been determined to be necessary at this time by Air Force officials. If the Air Force does decide to conduct a Reduction in Force, affected civilian employees will be notified as soon as the decisions are made. "The Air Force is more than just our Active-duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard forces. The civilian workforce is a vital part of our family. Tough decisions were made in affecting our valued team members here and throughout the Air Force," Cherrey said. "I foresee a leaner Air Force focused on its core missions, but adjusting to the changes in manning." For more information on this process please contact Vyna Lindsay at 228-3488 or Jackie Clinesmith at 228-3015. For specific information on retirement please click here (CAC access required). For specific information on VERA/VSIP please click here (CAC access required).