DoD proposes to cut 17 positions at Westover

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  • By 2nd Lt. Andre Bowser
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WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  Air Force officials announced March 6 a proposal to cut 13 full-time civilian and 4 part time Reserve positions at the 439th Airlift Wing in fiscal year 2013 as a result of Pentagon budget cuts.

"It is important to remember that this is a proposal," said Col. Steven Vautrain, 439th AW commander. "The 439th Airlift Wing and Westover will remain an essential part of our national defense and an indispensable part of the local community."

In early February, Air Force officials announced that eight C-5s are proposed to be transferred from Westover in 2016. Currently, the 439th Airlift Wing flies 16 C-5B models. Officials added that the fleet is scheduled to be upgraded by 2016 to the re-engined M-models, and that Westover would retain eight of the refurbished C-5Ms.

Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., chief of Air Force Reserve Command, stated that the expectation is to lower a majority of manning numbers through normal attrition and reduced recruiting accessions. Furthermore, AFRC would look to shift its people into missions that are expected to endure or to be areas of growth in the future.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said balancing the Total Force is key to the Air Force's future plans.

"Working with our Guard and Reserve leaders, we used a balanced approach to adjust our Total Force end strength while maintaining the ability to execute strategic guidance," said Gen. Schwartz. "We made a deliberate decision to avoid a 'hollow force' by prioritizing readiness over force structure."

To that end, Air Force leadership announced manpower changes resulting from the reduction of 227 aircraft as well as additional adjustments not tied to aircraft, according to an Air Force release. "The changes primarily include the inactivation of a combat communications group and several air control squadrons, as well as right-sizing Air Force bands," according to the release.

"Achieving the right active reserve forces mix is critical for meeting our forward presence, rapid response, and high rotational demands with a smaller force," Gen. Schwartz said. "A smaller, ready force is preferable to a larger force that is ill-prepared because it lacks adequate resources."

To view the Air Force overview listing all of the planned changes, see page 5 or visit www.af.mil.