Page 14 - Desert Lightning 5-22-15

14 May 21, 2015 Desert Lightning News

Increased mission requirements open doors for continued service

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs The new programs being launched are designed to meet the need for ex-
perienced Airmen in critically undermanned specialties such as nuclear, cy-
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force is introducing several person- ber, intelligence, remotely piloted aircraft and special operations.
nel and manpower initiatives to meet increased mission requirements out-
lined in the fiscal year 2016 President’s Budget. Voluntary HYT extensions are being offered to senior airmen, staff ser-
geants, technical sergeants and master sergeants in targeted specialties;
In order to enhance operational and mission capacity in support of com- however, Airmen will only be approved if recommended for the extension
batant commanders, and to maintain readiness, the Air Force is setting a by their unit commander or civilian leader. The length of the extension can
minimum active-duty force level of 317,000 as established in the fiscal 2016 vary depending on each Airman’s situation. Specific details on the fiscal 2015
President’s Budget submission. The Air Force is undergoing a concerted ef- HYT extension program will be released by AFPC and available via myPers
fort to stabilize and grow the force by fiscal 2017, to include addressing key May 18.
gaps in the nuclear, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and
support career fields. Opportunities to serve an active-duty tour for a period of up to three years
will be offered to members of the Air Reserve Component in targeted Air
The Air Force is using the most direct way to grow the force by increasing Force specialties. The Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty Program al-
the accessions of enlisted Airmen entering basic military training and the lows the Air Force to increase experience in mid-level grades by leveraging
numbers of officers being commissioned. To complement those efforts, the trained Airmen from the Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard. These
Air Force is also offering opportunities to retain key experience and increase Airmen will receive the same benefits as active-duty Airmen, such as quali-
operational manning levels through targeted voluntary high year of tenure fying for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, while serving a tour on active duty. Further
(HYT) extensions, Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty Program afford- information, such as which grades and specialties are eligible, will also be
ing opportunities to members of the Air Reserve Component to serve an available in the coming weeks.
active-duty tour, and Direct Duty Prior Service Enlistment Program opening
doors for prior-service enlisted members to return to active duty. Under the Direct Duty Prior Service Enlistment Program, applicants must
have separated from the active-duty Air Force, or be separated from or cur-
The focus of these programs is to increase the number of experienced Air- rently serving in the ANG or Air Force Reserve in the grade of senior airman
men in undermanned specialties such as nuclear, cyber, intelligence, surveil- through technical sergeant as a fully qualified 5- or 7-level in one of the des-
lance and reconnaissance, and special operations. The Air Force specialties ignated Air Force specialties. Army, Navy or Marine Corps service members
covered under these programs were not eligible to participate in any of the tar- may also be eligible if they served in a career field equivalent to one of the
geted fiscal 2014 voluntary or involuntary force management programs. The specialties targeted in the fiscal 2015 program. Under this program, appli-
one exception was the Quality Force Review Board, where all Airmen with cants are not eligible to receive a reenlistment bonus.
some negative quality factors were considered regardless of their specialty.
Airmen interested in applying for HYT or the Voluntary Limited Period
“While we are working to increase our overall number of Airmen, we par- of Active Duty Program are encouraged to review the additional eligibility
ticularly focused on adding mid-level experienced Airmen in some of our details on myPers. Prior service members interested in Direct Duty Prior
currently undermanned specialties to help meet mission requirements im- Service Enlisted Program can find information at http://www.airforce.com/
mediately,” said Brig. Gen. Brian Kelly, the director of military force manage- contact-us/faq/prior-service/ or contact their local recruiter.
ment policy.

800-45-DUCKS 13 MILLION ACRES… JO ANNE NEAL Celebrating 20 years in business
AND COUNTING The Finest Middle Eastern
A CFC participant - REALTOR, GRI, SSC and Mediterranean Food
provided as a public service For more information,
go to www.ducks.org MILRES -6/$)t%*//&3t$0$,5"*-4
$"5&3*/(t5",&065
7XFVRQ)XUQLWXUH Direct: 703-986-5862
DQG0DWWUHVV2XWOHW Cell: 703-216-1020 4IBXBSNBt)VNNVTt'BMBGFMt(ZSPTt4IJTI,FCBCTt$PVT$PVT
and many specialty dishes and spicy dishes
Come visit us Next to the Game Stop in your Main Exchange Office: 703-986-5700
Fax: 703-583-7655 10% OFF FOR MILITARY
Railway Container WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD
Just Arrived joanne.neal@longandfoster.com 5855 E. Broadway Blvd., Ste. 118

ϱWŝĞĐĞYƵĞĞŶĞĂƵƟĨƵů Serving Military families transferring to the Washington D.C. area Tucson AZ 85711
Hardwood Bedroom Sets
Woodbridge/Prince William Pkwy Office 520.745.5308
$829 13875 Hedgewood Drive, shishkebabhouseaz.com
Woodbridge, VA, 22193
520 514-0595
Gentle Dental Care
Redington Realty
t2VBMJUZ$BSFGPS:PVS
Serving Tucson’s Military Community &OUJSF'BNJMZ

Thank you for your service! t.JMJUBSZ%FOUBM1MBO
t-PDBUFENJOVUFTGSPN
Now let us serve you! %."'# $SBZDSPGUUI

%*4$06/50/
5&&5)8)*5&/*/(
8*5).*-*5"3:*%

Ask about our closing cost assistance "NZ.JOJFS
%%4
1$
up to $500 for active and retired veterans
Amy Minier & Daughters FREE SECOND OPINION
3PC5SVNBO
64/3FU3&"-503r#SFUU4UBMMXPSUI
#SPLFS WITH MENTION OF THIS AD

%.!3FEJOHUPOSFBMUZOFUr
&5)45(t