Air Force Materiel Command intends to survey its civilian workforce beginning May 1 to gauge interest in how many employees would be interested in early retirement or voluntary separation. The command is considering a Fiscal 2011-12 voluntary early retirement authority/voluntary separation incentive program as one way to reduce its end strength while maintaining sufficient strength and balance across mission areas. “Given fiscal challenges facing AFMC and the Air Force, it is prudent we take these actions,” said John Steenbock, AFMC’s director of manpower, personnel, and services. Under the proposal, civilians might receive up to $25,000 in incentives for leaving early, depending on various employment factors. If the survey results are positive, AFMC will seek authority to go forward with this program, offering it in September and December, said Steenbock. (AFMC release)
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.