Force shaping enters Phase II Published Jan. 11, 2007 By 1st Lt Jason Bishop Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- The U.S. Air Force recently implemented Phase II of its Force Shaping program of trimming 16,000 active-duty personnel by fiscal year 2005. According to a message from the Air Force Personnel Center, the Secretary of the Air Force has authorized the use of numerous force shaping policies to help the Air Force reach the authorized end strength of 359,700 people by the end of September 2005. The Air Force is taking a more "aggressive" stance on reducing the number of active duty personnel to reach authorized numbers, said Linda Pallitto, 71st Mission Support Squadron human resources assistant. According to the message, Phase II features opportunities for personnel to continue serving their country in the total force as well as opportunities to separate. A Palace Chase transfer is one of the several options available for Airmen of all Air Force Specialty Codes who wish to continue service through Phase II of the Force Shaping program, according to the message. This program allows active Air Force members to transfer from active duty to the Air Reserve Component, Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve. Other options available include separating, joining civil service, retraining into a shortage skill or transfer to the Army, according to the message. However, not all of the options and policies in Phase II are left up to the individual servicemember. The career job reservations program is one example. Before, when first-term Airmen went to re-enlist in their career field, it was automatically approved, said SSgt Bobbie White, 71st MSS NCO in charge of special actions. Certain AFSCs are now on a constrained list where approval is no longer automatic. Airmen must meet a board and compete for limited slots, she said. Those who don't make the cut can retrain into a different career field or separate. For more specific information, the following Air Force Personnel Center Websites are recommended: https://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/cst/ https://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/enlskills/Retraining/retraining.htm For any further inquiries, contact Military Personnel Flight customer service at 7500.