Officers have time to weigh options before force-shaping board

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Mills
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Non-rated Air Force officers at their three-year point of service have until March 1 to submit a voluntary separation package.
After March 1, officers commissioned in 2002 and 2003 will be evaluated at a force-shaping board at the Air Force Personnel Center April 10.
The force shaping board was created to right-size and right-shape officers in each year group, according to the Air Force Personnel Center. Future boards will be held each year - the 2004 year group will be assessed in 2007, and so on - until the goal strength is reached.
"The process also mirrors major promotion boards," said 2nd Lt. Jennifer Greig, 71st Mission Support Squadron chief of relocations and employment. "If retained, this helps prepare officers for that process."
Because some career fields have recently balanced, they have been removed from board consideration. These fields include scientist (61S) for 2002 and intel (14N), logistics readiness (21R), civil engineering (32E), communications and information (33S), acquisitions (63A), contracting (64P) and finance (65F) for 2003.
A few Vance officers are still scheduled for evaluation and have begun weighing their options. Second Lt. Sarah Dauer, 71st Operations Group commander support staff, has decided to take an educational opportunity.
"When I first heard about the boards, I knew it would hit the personnelist career field hard, so I started searching for a Plan B," she said. "As I researched and decided to go back to school for a law degree, I got more excited about my future. My goal is to study law then come back into the Air Force in the legal career field."
Other options include the U.S. Army - Blue to Green program or Palace Chase into the Guard or Reserve.
"This process is purely an individual decision," said Master Sgt. Mary Cole, 71st MSS superintendent of relocations and employment. "Do what's best for you, find your options and do all the research to make your best choice."
Although Lieutenant Dauer has submitted a package for school, she has no guarantees.
"I'm hoping to stay in any way I possibly can, if not in the legal career field," she said. "It would break my heart not to be able to put my uniform on each day. I just don't see the family and camaraderie we have here, on the outside. I want to be part of our 'club.' I've worked hard for this but I stay motivated and I know it would be what's best for the Air Force."
To fellow officers vulnerable to force shaping, "come up with your 'Plan B' and get motivated," Lieutenant Dauer said.
To see more updates to the list of balanced career fields or for more force shaping information, visit www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/retsep/shape.htm. People may also call Lieutenant Greig or Sergeant Cole at 7748 or 7560.