USAF voluntary officer recall (including retirees)
09-26-2009, 09:55 PM
#561
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2009
Posts: 42
SOI and accompanying letter content
Actually your SOI should be no surprise if you know what your Assignment AO rec. was. The board normally is just approving what folks recommend. It spells out the details: What the position is, time commitment, base. It will also give any limfacs if there are.
cficpilot is right. The SOI is nothing more than boilerplate, a blank form. The accompanying letter will give you an umbrella unit, duty location, and if training is applicable in your case, but nothing more. You must have an ongoing conversation with AFPC to nail down RNLT dates, school dates, and an activation date. The actual EAD orders will reflect the reality: the specific unit, correct installation (in my case), and actual tour length.
cficpilot is right. The SOI is nothing more than boilerplate, a blank form. The accompanying letter will give you an umbrella unit, duty location, and if training is applicable in your case, but nothing more. You must have an ongoing conversation with AFPC to nail down RNLT dates, school dates, and an activation date. The actual EAD orders will reflect the reality: the specific unit, correct installation (in my case), and actual tour length.
09-27-2009, 05:58 AM
#562
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jul 2009
Posts: 47
Actually your SOI should be no surprise if you know what your Assignment AO rec. was. The board normally is just approving what folks recommend. It spells out the details: What the position is, time commitment, base. It will also give any limfacs if there are.
cficpilot is right. The SOI is nothing more than boilerplate, a blank form. The accompanying letter will give you an umbrella unit, duty location, and if training is applicable in your case, but nothing more. You must have an ongoing conversation with AFPC to nail down RNLT dates, school dates, and an activation date. The actual EAD orders will reflect the reality: the specific unit, correct installation (in my case), and actual tour length.
cficpilot is right. The SOI is nothing more than boilerplate, a blank form. The accompanying letter will give you an umbrella unit, duty location, and if training is applicable in your case, but nothing more. You must have an ongoing conversation with AFPC to nail down RNLT dates, school dates, and an activation date. The actual EAD orders will reflect the reality: the specific unit, correct installation (in my case), and actual tour length.
09-29-2009, 06:41 AM
#563
New Hire
Joined APC: Sep 2009
Posts: 2
Have you heard anything more about the 8 yr. rule? Did you get a response from your congresswoman? I just faxed my my info on 25 Sept.. I have been out of the cockpit for 12 yrs. Until I ran across this site I hadn't seen anything about the 8 yr rule. This is disappointing. I was looking foward to a chance to get back into the game!
09-29-2009, 10:41 AM
#564
On Reserve
Joined APC: May 2009
Posts: 19
I have received responses from my Senators and Congresswoman in Tennessee, but they all bought the AF story line about no longer than 8 years since out of a military cockpit. I have been out 19 years and met all other program requirements, as well as passing the flight physical. I was offered a non-flying staff job which I promptly turned down as I will not leave my present flying job for a staff position. I am an aviator. I left active duty years ago because I wanted to fly airplanes. I applied for the requall because I honestly believed the AF was short of pilots and needed aviators. There were no such restrictions in the program when I made the application, therefore I consider the changes to be after the fact. I also wrote personal letters to the Sec of Defense, Sec of AF, and AF Chief of Staff informing them about my experience. In my opinion, the policy change which is keeping me out of the flying program is arbitrary and capricious. It is a shame my aviation skills are being casually dismissed when on the cusp of acceptance into the program I was denied an opportunity to serve.
I believe this policy was developed by non-aviators. I have asked for reconsideration and review and have not received a response to my request. I have volunteered for overseas positions flying the Pilatus and King Air and I have volunteered for conus positions in pilot training.
Larry
I believe this policy was developed by non-aviators. I have asked for reconsideration and review and have not received a response to my request. I have volunteered for overseas positions flying the Pilatus and King Air and I have volunteered for conus positions in pilot training.
Larry
09-29-2009, 01:14 PM
#565
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2005
Position: 7ERA
Posts: 696
I got this email from AFPC today...
Release No. 09-07-09
Sept. 29, 2009
Reserve, retired rated officers given active-duty opportunity
by Daniel Elkins
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFRNS) – The secretary of the Air Force has initiated two voluntary recall-to-active-duty programs and expanded the number of eligible Air Force specialties for an existing one to help minimize the service’s critical shortage of rated officers.
“The rapid expansion of unmanned aircraft systems as well as other emerging missions and rated requirements that directly support contingency operations created a demand for experienced, rated officers that exceeds current Air Force levels,” said Col. William Foote, the Air Force Personnel Center director of personnel services.
The Voluntary Retired Rated Officer Recall Program allows the secretary of the Air Force to order retired Air Force rated officers to active duty. The Voluntary Limited Period Recall Program and Voluntary Permanent Rated Officer Recall Program allow Reserve officers the opportunity to apply for recall to extended active duty. Rated officers include pilots, combat systems officers and air battle managers.
These programs are designed to put experienced and motivated officers back into the Air Force ranks, said Adriana Bazan, chief of voluntary officer recall operations.
“There has been a tremendous response to these programs with more than 500 rated officers selected for recall to active duty,” Ms. Bazan said. “Applications remain steady, averaging 70 per month.”
The success of these programs was lauded by Maj. Gen. Marke Gibson during a recent visit to AFPC. General Gibson, the Air Force director of operations, praised the results of the programs and underscored the operational impact of these critical positions in today’s fight.
“These officers possess the knowledge and training to effectively contribute to our success in the joint fight,” General Gibson said. “Their role is crucial as the Air Force boosts its unmanned aerial systems capabilities and leverage our latest technologies across all warfighting domains.”
Officers returning thus far have been assigned to the full spectrum of the Air Force's rated billets. They come from backgrounds as diverse as those retiring later this year to F-111 Aardvark pilots who last flew in Desert Storm, said Lt. Col. Deborah Landry, AFPC operations staff assignments branch chief.
“Each officer brings unique expertise and wisdom to the Air Force mission,” said Colonel Landry.
In the fall 2009 assignment cycle, 149 recalled officers were matched to rated staffs, filling critical billets that would have otherwise remained vacant because of the shortage of active-duty officers available to move out of operational flying assignments. In addition, many of those recalled officers who are current and qualified in an Air Force aircraft or are eligible for local training are being used in flying assignments.
“Unfortunately, there is not enough training available to return every rated officer to an active flying assignment,” she said. “But, every qualified applicant is being offered an assignment and will be a valuable asset to the rated force.”
More than 225 officers have already received orders and are returning to active duty.
Information about the rated recall programs, including detailed eligibility criteria and application requirements, can be found on the Air Force Personnel Center’s “ASK” Web site at AFPC - Air Force Personnel Center. Click on “Voluntary Officer Return to Active Duty” under the Military Quick Links section to learn more. Interested officers may also call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.
Release No. 09-07-09
Sept. 29, 2009
Reserve, retired rated officers given active-duty opportunity
by Daniel Elkins
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFRNS) – The secretary of the Air Force has initiated two voluntary recall-to-active-duty programs and expanded the number of eligible Air Force specialties for an existing one to help minimize the service’s critical shortage of rated officers.
“The rapid expansion of unmanned aircraft systems as well as other emerging missions and rated requirements that directly support contingency operations created a demand for experienced, rated officers that exceeds current Air Force levels,” said Col. William Foote, the Air Force Personnel Center director of personnel services.
The Voluntary Retired Rated Officer Recall Program allows the secretary of the Air Force to order retired Air Force rated officers to active duty. The Voluntary Limited Period Recall Program and Voluntary Permanent Rated Officer Recall Program allow Reserve officers the opportunity to apply for recall to extended active duty. Rated officers include pilots, combat systems officers and air battle managers.
These programs are designed to put experienced and motivated officers back into the Air Force ranks, said Adriana Bazan, chief of voluntary officer recall operations.
“There has been a tremendous response to these programs with more than 500 rated officers selected for recall to active duty,” Ms. Bazan said. “Applications remain steady, averaging 70 per month.”
The success of these programs was lauded by Maj. Gen. Marke Gibson during a recent visit to AFPC. General Gibson, the Air Force director of operations, praised the results of the programs and underscored the operational impact of these critical positions in today’s fight.
“These officers possess the knowledge and training to effectively contribute to our success in the joint fight,” General Gibson said. “Their role is crucial as the Air Force boosts its unmanned aerial systems capabilities and leverage our latest technologies across all warfighting domains.”
Officers returning thus far have been assigned to the full spectrum of the Air Force's rated billets. They come from backgrounds as diverse as those retiring later this year to F-111 Aardvark pilots who last flew in Desert Storm, said Lt. Col. Deborah Landry, AFPC operations staff assignments branch chief.
“Each officer brings unique expertise and wisdom to the Air Force mission,” said Colonel Landry.
In the fall 2009 assignment cycle, 149 recalled officers were matched to rated staffs, filling critical billets that would have otherwise remained vacant because of the shortage of active-duty officers available to move out of operational flying assignments. In addition, many of those recalled officers who are current and qualified in an Air Force aircraft or are eligible for local training are being used in flying assignments.
“Unfortunately, there is not enough training available to return every rated officer to an active flying assignment,” she said. “But, every qualified applicant is being offered an assignment and will be a valuable asset to the rated force.”
More than 225 officers have already received orders and are returning to active duty.
Information about the rated recall programs, including detailed eligibility criteria and application requirements, can be found on the Air Force Personnel Center’s “ASK” Web site at AFPC - Air Force Personnel Center. Click on “Voluntary Officer Return to Active Duty” under the Military Quick Links section to learn more. Interested officers may also call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.
09-29-2009, 02:01 PM
#566
New Hire
Joined APC: Sep 2009
Posts: 2
I have received responses from my Senators and Congresswoman in Tennessee, but they all bought the AF story line about no longer than 8 years since out of a military cockpit. I have been out 19 years and met all other program requirements, as well as passing the flight physical. I was offered a non-flying staff job which I promptly turned down as I will not leave my present flying job for a staff position. I am an aviator. I left active duty years ago because I wanted to fly airplanes. I applied for the requall because I honestly believed the AF was short of pilots and needed aviators. There were no such restrictions in the program when I made the application, therefore I consider the changes to be after the fact. I also wrote personal letters to the Sec of Defense, Sec of AF, and AF Chief of Staff informing them about my experience. In my opinion, the policy change which is keeping me out of the flying program is arbitrary and capricious. It is a shame my aviation skills are being casually dismissed when on the cusp of acceptance into the program I was denied an opportunity to serve.
I believe this policy was developed by non-aviators. I have asked for reconsideration and review and have not received a response to my request. I have volunteered for overseas positions flying the Pilatus and King Air and I have volunteered for conus positions in pilot training.
Larry
I believe this policy was developed by non-aviators. I have asked for reconsideration and review and have not received a response to my request. I have volunteered for overseas positions flying the Pilatus and King Air and I have volunteered for conus positions in pilot training.
Larry
09-29-2009, 03:18 PM
#567
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jul 2009
Posts: 47
I have received responses from my Senators and Congresswoman in Tennessee, but they all bought the AF story line about no longer than 8 years since out of a military cockpit. I have been out 19 years and met all other program requirements, as well as passing the flight physical. I was offered a non-flying staff job which I promptly turned down as I will not leave my present flying job for a staff position. I am an aviator. I left active duty years ago because I wanted to fly airplanes. I applied for the requall because I honestly believed the AF was short of pilots and needed aviators. There were no such restrictions in the program when I made the application, therefore I consider the changes to be after the fact. I also wrote personal letters to the Sec of Defense, Sec of AF, and AF Chief of Staff informing them about my experience. In my opinion, the policy change which is keeping me out of the flying program is arbitrary and capricious. It is a shame my aviation skills are being casually dismissed when on the cusp of acceptance into the program I was denied an opportunity to serve.
I believe this policy was developed by non-aviators. I have asked for reconsideration and review and have not received a response to my request. I have volunteered for overseas positions flying the Pilatus and King Air and I have volunteered for conus positions in pilot training.
Larry
I believe this policy was developed by non-aviators. I have asked for reconsideration and review and have not received a response to my request. I have volunteered for overseas positions flying the Pilatus and King Air and I have volunteered for conus positions in pilot training.
Larry
09-29-2009, 07:28 PM
#568
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2009
Posts: 42
SOI - Report date - EAD orders in hand???
What has been people's experiences as far as: How far in advance of the report date are people finding out that the report date will be and when do you typically have orders in hand?
My timeline:
16 July - Receive SOI and accompanying letter by E-mail.
29 July - EAD orders created by AFPC.
31 July - Receive EAD orders via E-mail effective 3 August.
3 Aug - First day back on active duty/first travel day to duty station.
Bear in mind I had no complications. No training enroute, no family to move with me, a CONUS assignment, and a non-flying one. I had no sponsor as I was not even expected/anticipated by the receiving unit because I wanted to get back to active duty ASAP. I completed all my ancillary and other training squares today, 29 September.
My timeline:
16 July - Receive SOI and accompanying letter by E-mail.
29 July - EAD orders created by AFPC.
31 July - Receive EAD orders via E-mail effective 3 August.
3 Aug - First day back on active duty/first travel day to duty station.
Bear in mind I had no complications. No training enroute, no family to move with me, a CONUS assignment, and a non-flying one. I had no sponsor as I was not even expected/anticipated by the receiving unit because I wanted to get back to active duty ASAP. I completed all my ancillary and other training squares today, 29 September.
09-29-2009, 07:29 PM
#569
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2009
Posts: 42
SOI - Report date - EAD orders in hand???
What has been people's experiences as far as: How far in advance of the report date are people finding out that the report date will be and when do you typically have orders in hand?
My timeline:
16 July - Receive SOI and accompanying letter by E-mail.
29 July - EAD orders created by AFPC.
31 July - Receive EAD orders via E-mail effective 3 August.
3 Aug - First day back on active duty/first travel day to duty station.
Bear in mind I had no complications. No training enroute, no family to move with me, a CONUS assignment, and a non-flying one. I had no sponsor as I was not even expected/anticipated by the receiving unit because I wanted to get back to active duty ASAP. I finally completed all my ancillary and other training squares today, 29 September.
My timeline:
16 July - Receive SOI and accompanying letter by E-mail.
29 July - EAD orders created by AFPC.
31 July - Receive EAD orders via E-mail effective 3 August.
3 Aug - First day back on active duty/first travel day to duty station.
Bear in mind I had no complications. No training enroute, no family to move with me, a CONUS assignment, and a non-flying one. I had no sponsor as I was not even expected/anticipated by the receiving unit because I wanted to get back to active duty ASAP. I finally completed all my ancillary and other training squares today, 29 September.
09-29-2009, 08:05 PM
#570
On Reserve
Joined APC: May 2009
Posts: 19
You are correct, it is not about me.
I made an application for an advertised position, met all of the requirements, passed the physical and was talking to an assignment officer about placement in a flying position as an instructor pilot or aircraft commander in an operational assignment. I made it very clear I was a volunteer for an overseas flying position. I have been to the factory school for the type of aircraft and I have time in the equipment. An hour later, because a non-rated officer changed the rules, I was no longer qualified for the assignment. I was offered a non-flying staff position as an alternative.
I was told there might be a problem with my passing a checkride. I do not think this would be a problem. I found it interesting the U.S. Army offered me a position, in spite of my being out of a military cockpit for 19 years, in a similiar aircraft. My service of preference was and still is the Air Force. I will not go into the number of years I have been actively flying, my ratings/qualifications, or total flight hours.
If I would have known about this restriction on the front end of my application, then I would not have wasted either the Air Force's time or my time applying.
I would make a terrible staff officer and have no desire to serve as a staff officer. I do have a strong desire to serve my country again as an aviator and believe these are my strongest skills.
It would appear the Air Force had more applicants than they anticipated and was able to change the requirements to pick the folks who required the least expensive training.
Larry
I made an application for an advertised position, met all of the requirements, passed the physical and was talking to an assignment officer about placement in a flying position as an instructor pilot or aircraft commander in an operational assignment. I made it very clear I was a volunteer for an overseas flying position. I have been to the factory school for the type of aircraft and I have time in the equipment. An hour later, because a non-rated officer changed the rules, I was no longer qualified for the assignment. I was offered a non-flying staff position as an alternative.
I was told there might be a problem with my passing a checkride. I do not think this would be a problem. I found it interesting the U.S. Army offered me a position, in spite of my being out of a military cockpit for 19 years, in a similiar aircraft. My service of preference was and still is the Air Force. I will not go into the number of years I have been actively flying, my ratings/qualifications, or total flight hours.
If I would have known about this restriction on the front end of my application, then I would not have wasted either the Air Force's time or my time applying.
I would make a terrible staff officer and have no desire to serve as a staff officer. I do have a strong desire to serve my country again as an aviator and believe these are my strongest skills.
It would appear the Air Force had more applicants than they anticipated and was able to change the requirements to pick the folks who required the least expensive training.
Larry
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