NCO retraining application window open through Oct. 9

  • Published
  • By Debbie Gildea
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) --  Eligible NCOs have through Oct. 9 to apply for retraining under Phase I of the fiscal year 2016 NCO Retraining Program, implemented Aug. 31.

The two-phase program is used to balance and sustain the enlisted force, said Master Sgt. Christine Ward, the Air Force Personnel Center Enlisted Skills Management Branch superintendent. Phase I allows eligible Airmen to volunteer for another career field.

During Phase I, Ward said that hundreds of eligible staff sergeant-selects through master sergeants in identified fields will be able to voluntarily apply for retraining into one of approximately 24 open fields this year. The list, available in the myPers enlisted retraining advisory, is updated in real time. The advisory identifies fields that people can train out of and fields that Airmen can train into. For more information see the "Type" column in the advisory.

If retraining objectives are not met through the voluntary phase then Phase II, a mandatory retraining phase, may become necessary. Phase II is scheduled for Oct. 12-Nov. 13. Airmen who may be considered for mandatory retraining and who meet retraining eligibility criteria will be notified.

To apply for NCO Retraining Program, Airmen must be on their second or subsequent enlistment, be a staff sergeant or staff sergeant-select through master sergeant. They must also have a minimum 5-skill level in their control Air Force specialty code, or a 3-skill level, for AFSCs where a 5-level does not exist. In addition, staff sergeants must have fewer than 12 years of active service as of Sept. 30, and technical and master sergeants may have no more than 16 years of active service by Sept. 30.

Retraining applicants must have or be able to obtain at least 24 months of retainability upon completion of their new career field technical school, Ward said.

Retraining information is available on the myPers retraining page. In addition, a live chat feature is available for Airmen on the NCO Retraining Program page. To chat live with a Total Force Service Center representative, go to the page and allow about 30 to 60 seconds to enable a representative to come online.

For more information about Air Force personnel programs go to the myPers website. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions on the Air Force Retirees Services website.