ACC leaders explain force management to Team Holloman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Air Combat Command leadership spoke to Holloman Airmen at the Desert Sands Enlisted Club April 8, 2010, about the recent force management program designed to bring Air Force end strength numbers within the congressionally-mandated limit.

Col. Bob LaBrutta, ACC directorate for Manpower, Personnel and Services, explained the force management program in detail and said that it was a difficult, but necessary, decision for the United States Air Force.

"Our job is to make sure that we provide you with the information that you need to be able to make good decision for yourselves and for your family members," he said in the briefing. "If you are impacted by this program, then our job is to make sure that we are taking care of you and your families in the best way that we possibly can."

According to the briefing, the congressionally-mandated end strength for active duty Airmen at any given time is 332,800. Today, the Air Force exceeds those numbers by 4,376 enlisted Airmen and 1,373 officers.

The colonel went on to explain the two problems the excess manning brings to the Air Force, which brought about the need for the force management program.
"We've got two problems here. One, we're over this end strength number and two, we can't shape the force that we need to have to be able to fight today's fight and then also to be prepared for whatever is in the future for the United States Air Force," said Colonel LaBrutta.

After explaining why the force management program was initiated, Colonel LaBrutta outlined who will be affected by it and the different options those affected will have. He then introduced Col. Jeffrey Yocum, Chief of Services Division, ACC Directorate of Manpower, Personnel and Services, who spoke about the assistance that will be provided to Airmen and their families who are affected by the program.

"The good news is that the United States Air Force has excellence transition assistance programs. This is an established infrastructure, something that your Airman and Family Readiness folks do as one of their core competencies," said Colonel Yocum. "They've got great programs here that are postured and ready to support across the board."

The ACC leadership encouraged anyone who is concerned to visit the base Airman and Family Readiness Center to receive individual and personalized support.

The A&FRC has set up three Force Management Program seminars designed to provide more information to Airmen and their families about the services available them. They will be held April 9, from 8 to 11 a.m., May 7, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and June 4, from 8 to 11 a.m. For more information, contact the A&FRC at 575-572-7754.

For more information on the Force Management Program, see the following ACC publications or visit the Air Force Pesonnel Center Web site.

Letter to Airmen on force management
ACC leaders explain force management
AF leaders expand force management options