Force shaping briefing urges thoughtful actions

  • Published
  • By Frank McIntyre
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  "Take your time, discuss the options with your peers and your leaders, gather as much information as you can and then decide how you want to proceed."
Brig. Gen. James Whitmore, commander of the 82nd Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, provided that advice to a audience of junior officers attending a force shaping briefing at the Vance AFB auditorium Tuesday.
The briefing was conducted by General Whitmore and Lt. Col. Jim Weimer, Air Education and Training Command director of assignments, Randolph AFB, Texas.
The Air Force will convene a force shaping board April 2006 to address the surplus of 4,000 junior officers.
The briefing provided detailed information on force shaping policy and procedures. Information concerning the implementation of the force shaping board was also discussed. The FSB will be employed by the Air Force to select officers for future Air Force Service.
The first FSB will convene April 3, 2006, for officers commissioned in 2002 and 2003. The separation and retention notification will be made to officers meeting that FSB no later than June 1, 2006. Those selected for separation will have a separation date of Sept. 29, 2006. Those officers can request an earlier date at any time, with a goal of best assisting them in transitioning to new future employment.
Colonel Weimer said affected officers were eligible now to use transition resources available to them. Most of these resources are available through the family support center and include the Transition Assistance Program. The next TAP is scheduled for Dec. 5 to 7 and registration can be made by calling 6330.
General Whitmore said these resources help provide guidance for any decision and should be used as part of the decision making process.
"You have plenty of time to get the information so you won't make an uninformed decision based on emotions," the general said. "You should be sitting down and talking with your squadron commanders now to help get an idea of what your options may be."
Colonel Weimer said early planning helps because voluntary participation under phase II of force shaping may eliminate some options, such as Palace Chase, for those selected for separation.
More information about force shaping is available on the Air Force Military Personnel Center Web site: https://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/retsep/shape.htm.