Hate to burst your bubble. We predicted this crap back in 2006 when the first VSP (during my career) happened.

We predicted that they're going to pay folks 120K to walk, while paying other folks 25K to stay in. Then, they're going to recall folks because they kicked too many / too much experience out. Then we all laughed and said, yeah and those folks will come back and they'll end up offering another round of VSP.

Good grief the USAF can't plan manpower for ****.

 

I had a KC10 bubba call me this week discussing airline stuff and he was worried about leadership reprisal as well. I recommended that he stay in the service because he doesn't meet the bare minimums (1000 PIC) to get hired at the airlines.

I suspect a lot of folks are going to try and bail only to realize that they're either not prepared to go to the airlines or they don't meet the minimums.

My commander, although very disappointed, was very helpful and respectful of my decision to bail. He wrote me the best letter of rec I could have ever imagined (we're not talking OPR crap either).

You know your commander(s) better than we do. If you feel comfortable with letting them know about your intentions, do it. They may have some good advice or suggestions.

 

I was eligible in 2006 and didn't go for it for exactly this reason. Ended up costing me about $100K, a deployment, seniority, and a furlough. With a do-over I'd sign up immediately. I think the AF has changed a little from the 90s, but there's always risk involved in all decisions!

And the cycle continues with manpower...

 

Per email from VSP/RIF POC at AFPC:

Q: Your slides make it pretty clear that all AFSCs are eligible for the VSP and RIF, even those that are woefully undermanned and not eligible for other programs like the ADSC waivers. A pilot in the 2005 year group will still have an ADSC from pilot training. But he’s not eligible for the ADSC waiver, so can he even apply for VSP?

Answer: If you are eligible for RIF, you are eligible to apply for VSP. If a pilot in the 2005 year group wants to apply for VSP, he can, because he’s eligible for and will meet the CY11 RIF board.

Q: Do you expect that the Master Eligibility Listing on 22 Apr will include all AFSCs, or will certain career fields be exempted from the RIF at that point?

Answer: The MEL will include the entire competitive category in the specified year groups. No AFSCs will be left out. The RIF board will conduct a quality cut and take up to 10% in each competitive category, year group and grade.

 

I submitted my paperwork. I am an 11F. Now the wait begins...

Anybody wanna wager on whether I get approved/denied? I've got $50 on denied.

 

can you provide more data on your airframe and yr gp? did your cc look at you funny when you told him? part of me thinks that there is no way they let 11f's go, but then again we are technically eligible i guess. based on that timeline, anybody who submits for vsp at my wing would be immediately grounded i'm sure.

 

A-10 (with T-38IP time) in the 2003 year group.

I did it for the fact that 1.) they are putting us all up in from of a RIF board in the Fall, then 2.) I go up in front of a Promotion Board this winter. I've been told numerous times to watch out since I don't have a Master's Degree. It seems like double jeopardy to me...but the Air Force can do what they want I reckon.

My boss was awesome about it. Said he would support me 100% whatever my decision. Also said if it didn't get approved, he would not change how I am treated for the upcoming assignment cycle in a year. I'll take his word.

 

Darin...in a similar boat here. 2000 guy, already a Major, but no Masters. I'm betting that this will be a major descriminator for the RIF (therefore, shoes with lots of spare time will have an advantage over rated imo). Seems better to take the money and run vs. take chances with the RIF.

 

I agree - very few people will have OPRs that spell out that they're "bottom 10%." So the AF will likely use things like PT scores, PME completion and Masters Degrees as discriminators and attempt to "equalize" things across all AFSCs.

 

I find it hard to believe that people who didn't go above and beyond are going to be kicked out. Let's face it, getting your AAD, isn't written anywhere, it's just preached everywhere. I had a WG/CC at an O-Call say he thought CGO's shouldn't be getting AAD's (too bad the rest of the AF doesn't see it this way!) If we kick out all the people who are too busy (hacking the mission) to plan holiday parties and get useless masters degrees, who's gonna perform the mission?

On a different note, it's known that you have to do PME, and you have to pass your PT test. I don't see anything wrong with thinning the herd of people who aren't earning their paycheck.

I'm eligible for this, but it doesn't seem like the AF is really serious about enticing people to leave this time (as opposed to 2007ish). My formula comes up to about $56,000 bucks (after taxes about $37,000). Maybe I'm just too cautious or I'm too institutionalized under the wing of mother AF, but it just doesn't add up for me.

Lot's of my bros who are eligible like to talk a big line how they'll take the 40 or so grand, walk right to SWA, name their salary, and buy a ferarri. I don't think pilots in the AF realize how competitive it really will be to get the 100 or so jobs that are coming available in the very near future (9-23 Mar to be exact). If you've got 2000 or so PIC turbine, ATP, 737 type, sure go for it, but I seriously doubt many, if any at all, except a few in the the 2000 commission year group come even close to these qualifications.

To those rolling the dice, good luck! Those of you who think they're compiling a list of volunteers so they can deny VSP, then subsequently RIF; stop kidding yourself! Anyone eligible for this VSP has been around long enough to see how poorly the AF manages its people. For crying out loud, how long can the cycle of spending MILLIONS to train someone, then pay them to leave, then come back, then leave continue?