AF announces 2012 aviator continuation pay program Published March 27, 2012 By Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- Air Force officials released the details of fiscal 2012 Aviator Continuation Pay program this week, with continuing focus on retaining highly-qualified manned and remotely piloted aircraft rated crew members. The ACP program gives some pilots and combat systems officers the opportunity for a financial bonus in exchange for an active duty service commitment agreement, said Lt. Col. Gerard Ryan, the Rated Force Policy Branch chief. "ACP is one of the programs we use to retain skill sets in the rated community," said Ryan. "Our focus is more than today or a year from today; we're working to develop the right experience and skills to support future Air Force and joint warfighter mission requirements." There are five ACP options for eligible Airmen, ranging from a five-year agreement for initial-eligible pilots to a three-, four- or five-year agreement for uncommitted-eligible combat system officers trained as RPA pilots, he explained. Each option offers different payment amounts and installment terms, which are fully-explained in the ACP program announcement available on the Air Force Personnel Services website. "Our goal this year is to influence retention in very specific mission areas based on forecasted shortages," Ryan said. "While the program is open to all initial eligible pilots, this year's program further incentivizes our critical shortages in RPA and fighter pilots with a 50-percent-upfront payment option. Uncommitted pilots with fewer than 13 years service and fighter (combat systems officers) who will complete their active duty service commitment this fiscal year are also eligible for this program." The fiscal 2012 ACP program was developed with an eye on future requirements resulting from the recently announced force structure changes, said Col. Ken Sersun, the Military Force Policy Division chief. It is one of many force management tools that enable leaders to develop balanced, trained and experienced forces composed of professionals in critical war-fighting career fields, said Sersun. "It takes time and a significant monetary investment to train and develop our rated aircrew," the colonel explained. "Consequently, ACP is a program aimed at retaining critical warfighting experience." For more information about the ACP program or other personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.