As a leader, both formal and informal, how do plan on dealing with the force reduction measures that result from sequestration?

2013-12-09T00:17:22-05:00

The Air Force is exploring a reduction of 25,000 airmen in 2014

http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130923/NEWS/309230019/

The Army is looking at cutting 80,000 troops by 2017

http://www.govexec.com/defense/2013/06/army-announces-force-reductions-future-civilian-cuts/65513/

What should leaders do to prepare for these large changes sequestration

Army Announces Force Reductions, Future Civilian Cuts

Service will drop 80,000 troops by fiscal 2017, with ‘commensurate civilian drawdown.’

Welsh: Up to 25,000 airmen, 550 planes would go if sequester continues

The Air Force is bracing to cut up to 25,000 total force airmen nearly 5 percent of the force over the next five years if the current spending cuts known as the sequester continue, Chief of Staf...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 12:20 AM

2013-12-09T00:20:54-05:00

Well I don't have Soldiers anymore but I'm Updating my Resume just in case my number comes up in May.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Dec 9 at 2013 12:52 AM

2013-12-09T00:52:04-05:00

Nathan, I would see this as an opportunity to really take care of your troops. I know from past force shaping boards, the first things that get pulled are records. Make sure you and your folks have everything properly reflected in VMPF (if that's still around) or whatever records management system is in use. This is a great time to mentor younger airmen on how you keep all their PME and records updated. There will be people that are asked to leave...That won't change, but I've always noticed that the units who really take care of their folk's records, tend to come out with less overall losses.

For the daily job front...innovation, innovation, and innovation. Come up with even more ways to do more with less. Heard that before?;)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 8:42 AM

2013-12-09T08:42:26-05:00

I have said this in a few other places then just here. I have been working since the day I got in as if my job was on the line. I have also tried to instill that in my Soldiers. I knew that the days off keeping Soldiers who had multiple ART-15s, and NCOs that had not completed the proper schools was going to end. I didn't want to be the guy racing to catch the group. I tried to stay ahead. I feel pretty confident that I have nothing to worry about and I know for a fact I set up a few of my Soldiers (now NCOs) for success.

I definitely agree with making sure your records are up to date now. Waiting until it is being pulled to be looked at for whatever board you face is just to late.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Dec 9 at 2013 3:22 PM

2013-12-09T15:22:19-05:00

Sir, this is about managing the expectations of our workforce. I have delivered several formal unit wide discussions on manpower shaping tools that are being employed and spent much of my time this last year in one on one sessions with members concerned about what options were available as reduction in force takes place. The focus for us is plainly on eliminating those members with Capt's Mast (Art 15), substandard EERs, lacking current job/position requirements (JQR, PQS, C Schools, etc.) or reaching High Year Tenure benchmarks for their current pay grade. The hope is to force out those who do not meet the standards; are not top performers; have been hovering around the organization with taking on greater responsibilities while finding ways to keep as many of the top performers as possible.

I have also spent a significant amount of time discussing transition out of the military;

what benefits members have earned; how to access their benefits; job search considerations and so much more.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2013 10:07 PM

2013-12-12T22:07:58-05:00

http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/467713/af-announces-additional-force-management-programs-to-reduce-force-size.aspx

Well...its official, the Air Force will be cutting 25,000 Airmen and 900 Civilians.

AF announces additional force management programs to reduce force size > U.S. Air Force > Article Display

Air Force leaders announced force management programs today designed to reduce the force by thousands of Airmen over the next five years as a result of sequestration.Fiscal 2014 force management initi...

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 11:55 PM

2014-01-25T23:55:02-05:00

Its official the Air Force has released it official numbers for cut...They are cutting 1/3 of its younger engineer core. Is industry ready to pick these young officers up?