Goodfellow prepares for belt-tightening Published April 23, 2013 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sequestration forced the Air Force to implement immediate actions to mitigate the impact of fiscal year 2013's top-line reduction of more than $10 billion. These actions include reducing flying hours and weapon system sustainment, civilian workforce furlough, reducing F-35 multi-role fighter aircraft buys, delaying over 20 military construction projects, and deferring critical mission facility requirements and repairs. In addition to a reduced operating budget, Goodfellow's cuts are projected to come from civilian workforce furlough and deferred military projects. While the option of a workforce furlough is still on the table, the Department of Defense has not finalized implementation plans or dates. The potential of 14 furlough days for 170,000 Air Force civil service members can be expected if the furlough takes place. The 14 days is a reduction from the previously planned 22 days, but the furlough would still mean a 20 percent civilian manning loss for 14 weeks. To the individual, it would mean a loss of two workdays per pay period for seven pay periods equating to 14 days without pay. For Goodfellow, the furlough would affect 625 civil service members and not affect the approximate 280 non-appropriated fund employees. "Goodfellow has a long history of training world-class warriors. That training has been provided by a stellar workforce made up of military and civilian personnel alike," said Col. Mark Damiano, 17th Training Wing commander. "We are actively preparing for this challenge and we are all working together to minimize the potential effects on our training mission." In its continuing effort to meet the DoD funding targets outlined in the President's budget and to re-balance the civilian workforce, approximately 60 Air Force installations will also implement civilian Reduction in Force (RIF) authorities effective through August 23. The RIF will provide options to assist in the placement of employees not assigned to funded positions. These actions started in fiscal year 2012 and are not related to the current sequestration actions. The decision to conduct a civilian RIF and the degree of personnel affected by a RIF will vary from installation to installation. This RIF is projected to have very minimal impact to Goodfellow. "Usually a reduction in force has negative perception, but the use of RIF procedures will allow many employees to be retained and continue employment with the Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Gina Grosso, Director of Force Management Policy for the Air Force. "We want to assure everyone involved with this process that we remain committed to minimizing the impacts during these times of transition."
