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Civilian Restructure, Round Two
Posted 1/12/2012 Updated 1/11/2012
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Release Number: 010112
1/12/2012 - WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- The base will see no gain or loss in the latest round of restructuring, which reduces the Air Force civilian workforce by 7,600 positions worldwide.
During the November civilian restructure announcement, Westover gained one position.
The 439th Airlift Wing at Westover is operated by a full-time civilian workforce of about 900, along with some 2,600 reservists, for a combined economic impact in Fiscal Year 2011 of about $238 million.
"The fact that Westover saw a net gain at a time when many Air Force bases took a hit speaks highly of the vital, cost-effective role we play in national security," said Col. Steven Vautrain, 439th AW commander.
Air Force News Service reported Jan. 11 that 4,500 additional positions will be slated for elimination as a continuation of its FY 2012 Civilian Workforce Restructure. This reduction builds on the realignments announced in November, including the elimination of 9,000 positions and the addition of 5,900 positions against the Air Force's top priorities.
These reductions respond to the Secretary of Defense's direction to target civilian funding at FY 2010 levels.
"The Air Force Reserve Command essentially 'paid our bill' up front by making adjustments beginning in 2009 to our manning structure, so we will see no impact from this round II of the Civilian Force Restructuring," said an AFRC spokesperson.
In an effort to encourage voluntary separations and retirements, the Air Force is offering its second round of voluntary separation incentive pay and voluntary early retirement authority programs. Civilian employees received VERA/VSIP eligibility surveys from their personnel managers earlier this month and the applications are due no later than Feb. 3. Approved applications will result in separations or retirements that take effect by April 30.
Because Westover saw a net gain, it will not be affected by VERA/VSIP at this point.
Air Force officials are still evaluating the need for a Reduction in Force of its civilian workforce.
"We are surveying the workforce for a second round of VERA/VSIP and are in the midst of management reassignments resulting from the first round of the restructure," said Brig. Gen. Gina Grosso, Director of Manpower, Organization, and Resources. "Once we exhaust all voluntary force management measures, a determination will be made whether or not a RIF is necessary. We hope to have more information in the spring."
This announcement marks the end of civilian reductions associated with the Air Force's FY 2012 civilian workforce restructure.
For more information, call the 439th AW Public Affairs office at 413-557-2020.
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