NCO retraining programs begin Published April 24, 2003 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Air Force recently began the voluntary phase of its fiscal 2003 and 2004 noncommissioned officer retaining programs. The program is designed to help the Air Force balance its enlisted force by moving NCOs in specialties with surpluses to those with shortages, personnel officials said. It consists of two phases -- voluntary and involuntary. "We begin this program with the clear recognition that people are our most valuable resource," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray. "Retraining will allow us to alleviate stress from those airmen in undermanned specialties, while still giving our people options and choices in the process." The voluntary phase of the program is scheduled to run through June 6. The involuntary phase, if needed, is scheduled to run June 20 through Aug. 15. While every effort is made to attract volunteers, some airmen may be selected for involuntary retraining if the number of volunteers falls short, officials said. "Airmen in eligible career fields should look to their supervisors and leadership to help them make informed choices," Murray said. This year, officials seek to move approximately 1,400 midlevel NCOs into shortage specialties. The fiscal 2004 program will target approximately 2,000 to 2,500. The imbalances in the midlevel NCO grades have occurred because of personnel force structure changes, differing retention trends among specialties and the equality of promotions across all skills, officials said. The retraining program seeks to carefully balance member expectations with the needs of the Air Force, officials said. "Ultimately, we need to balance our enlisted force to better meet today's mission requirements and those in the future," Murray said. "The retraining program will help us do that." Several new features have been added to the program this year to make implementation smoother. The selection criterion is no longer based solely upon seniority. Selections are now made across all eligible year groups mirroring assignment eligibility. For example, once all ineligible NCOs have been removed from consideration, everyone left will be sorted by the date they arrived on station. Those with the most time will appear at the top of the list for involuntary retraining. Wing commanders may recommend assignment curtailments of up to six months, except at remote tour locations or those requiring 100-percent manning. The total active federal military service date requirement was extended by six months to increase the pool of eligible NCOs. In addition, military personnel flights will provide local commanders, first sergeants, career assistance advisers and supervisors with a comprehensive briefing regarding the program, officials said. Vulnerability listings by grade and Air Force specialty code will be updated weekly. Airmen "at risk" for involuntary retraining may access their relative standing on the Air Force Personnel Center's Web site at https://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/enlskills/Retraining/retraining.htm. Personnel officials encourage all eligible NCOs to consider a special duty assignment such as the recruiting field, military training instructor, first sergeant duty or professional military education instructor. Anyone interested in more details about the program can contact his or her local MPF.