Airman to Airman

Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh intends to release a monthly video message—dubbed “Airman to Airman”—in an effort to explain some of the tough choices senior leaders will have to make as budgets tighten. In his most recent message, posted on the Air Force website Dec. 4, Welsh acknowledges frustration and confusion across the force over the recent government shutdown, furloughs, and sequestration. He says the Air Force is going to have to get smaller, though it’s not yet clear exactly how small. “But, as we downsize our Air Force, the cuts are not going to affect all of you,” said Welsh. “In fact, they are going to affect a relatively small percentage of you.” He said service leaders “are spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to do this the right way.” He advocated for voluntary reduction in force measures, though he said nonvoluntary measures will be necessary in some cases. “I just want you to know that we are thinking about the impact this has on you, on your family, and on your income,” said Welsh. “We’re trying to structure these incentives so you have all the information you need as soon as possible.”?