4/6/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials announced an application window for targeted early retirements for enlisted Airmen.
Eligible Airmen will have 15-19 years of service in fiscal 2012 and be in the grades of staff sergeant through master sergeant in overmanned career fields.
The Temporary Early Retirement Authority application window will be open April 10-30 in order to shape the force to meet current and future mission requirements. Approvals will occur after the application window is closed.
Approximately 250 Airmen will be approved under TERA based on grade, years of service, eligible Air Force specialty code, and other objective criteria based on the needs of the Air Force. Those who apply and are approved for early retirement will have a Sept. 1 retirement date. Airmen approved for TERA will have their retired pay reduced by 1/12th of 1 percent for each full month by which the number of months of active service are less than 240 as of the date of the member's retirement. The Air Force Personnel Center's fiscal 2012 enlisted TERA program page, located at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/app/answers/detail/a_id/21836, will contain additional information on retirement eligibility.
"As we continue to size and shape our force, we must have the right balance of skills to meet Air Force missions," said Maj. Gen. Sharon Dunbar, the director of Force Management Policy, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U. S. Air Force. "TERA allows us to use a voluntary program to shape the force where we have overages in Air Force specialties."
The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve do not plan on conducting force management actions in fiscal 2012. However, all components are working together to ensure the total force is prepared for manpower reductions in fiscal 2013.
4/13/2012 10:41:46 AM ET Very convenient for those in FY2012 that are rewarded a full fledge retirement due to force shaping versus those who truly earned a retirement and forced out under a medical less 20 yrs. Also covenient they are entitled to CDRP. Look forward to seeing how well these select individuals will be treated by the VA as well. When is Congress going to get on-board with VA and how convoluted it is
Bob, Georgia
4/10/2012 3:03:06 PM ET I was one of the mid-level supervisorTechnical personal that got out in the early 90's because of reduction in forces. I also tried to cross-train into a field that had a shortage and they refused me to cross train. Now as a Vet and out in the work force guess what I am in the field they refused me to cross-train into. Imagine that.
Lynn Schott, Georgia
4/10/2012 7:52:31 AM ET A joke. Nuff said. That's okay - the Generals in DC are sitting pretty. That's all that matters.
Wonder what's happening,
4/9/2012 6:06:22 PM ET Why are all the comments about officer RIFs when the article is about E-5s through E-7s
somewhere, earth
4/9/2012 12:11:34 PM ET I seen a young guy get RIFd and he is doing a survival job now at less pay to survive. Oh yes he could go into the reserves if they had a slot for him but the closest slot is in North Carolina for a load Master. I understand down sizing but when your loading the bottom end with new recruits come on better planning would work if you enlist less Airmen to include Officers retire those who want to retire and drop back to two missed opertunities for the rank of Major as suggested. Someone should be able to balance the work force from both ends with allot less drama. Also fill Government civilian slots with prior service members if there is any I heard they are also being offered early retirements to down size their levels.
SNCO Ret 89, Ohio
4/9/2012 7:25:48 AM ET The article is misleading in that it sounds like the member's retired pay is simply reduced by 112th of 1 percent for each month they retire before 240 months of service. Check the AFPC link for a better example but I believe it it is actually reduced by 2.5 percent per year PLUS the described reduction of 112 of 1 percent per month.
RC, GA
4/7/2012 9:54:10 AM ET One might consider looking at job possibilities in the civilian world prior to applying . . . unless of course one could maintain a robust standard of living from the retirement pay
Gary, Texas
4/7/2012 7:07:50 AM ET Weren't there any lessons learned from when this was offered in the early 90's So many NCOs got out that there was a huge shortage of mid-level supervisors and technical experience. It took a long time to recover and the young troops suffered for it.
Roger Blanchard MSgt Ret, Spring Lake NC
4/6/2012 4:15:57 PM ET So rather than RIF eligible captains and majors or involuntarily separate those majors twice non-selected for Lt Col will there also be a TERA for CGOs and FGOs in the 15-19 year demographic and in certain AFSCs Just curious
