So being a first term airman as a 4 year enlistee, what would be the better if I wanted to stay in the military with downsizing?

SrA Jordan Shreffler — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 02:24:02 -0500

Should i cross train into another afsc at my 3 year mark that is coming up or should i think about switching branches all together and retake my asvab for a better possibility at getting a different job that i may like better?

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 10 at 2014 8:03 PM

SFC James Baber — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 20:03:59 -0500

It mainly depends on exactly what you are looking for and wanting for your career or future, then better advice could be given.

Do you enjoy your current job? Do you like the duty station you are at? Where would you like to PCS to? What are your future aspirations, NCO, Officer, civilian career?

These are considerations you need to think about as well for anyone to give you full spectrum of advice or guidance.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2014 6:39 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 06:39:04 -0500

SrA Shreffler,

What is your AFSC? Take a look at the matrix that AFPC released last month and should be releasing again in the next two weeks. If your AFSC is taking significant cuts, you might want to consider Palace Chase or retraining. But just know that everyone that is on the chopping block is thinking the same thing.

If your AFSC is on a ERB right now, you cannot retrain. If not, then you are likely safe to reenlist and not be in immediate threat of being cut. Likely. No promises. Next year will bring more cuts once we take a look at how we need to restructure based on the cuts made in FY14. So you might be good now just to find out you are not next year. If you want 100% surety, then I would elect to get out. But that only addresses the AF side of it.

The other branches will take cuts too, it just depends on how. The AF decided to lean forward and make the choice to lean down its people in order to save planes and other fighting platforms rather than have Congress make that decision for us. I have not heard if the other branches are taking similar action yet. If I had to guess, the Army would be taking huge manning cuts in the next 2-3 years with Iraq done and Afghan being slowly reduced. Can't say for the Navy and Marines.