Posted on Feb 10, 2014
So being a first term airman as a 4 year enlistee, what would be the better if I wanted to stay in the military with downsizing?
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Should i cross train into another afsc at my 3 year mark that is coming up or should i think about switching branches all together and retake my asvab for a better possibility at getting a different job that i may like better?
Air Force
Downsizing
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 2
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SrA Shreffler,
What is your AFSC? Take a look at the matrix that AFPC released last month and should be releasing again in the next two weeks. If your AFSC is taking significant cuts, you might want to consider Palace Chase or retraining. But just know that everyone that is on the chopping block is thinking the same thing.
If your AFSC is on a ERB right now, you cannot retrain. If not, then you are likely safe to reenlist and not be in immediate threat of being cut. Likely. No promises. Next year will bring more cuts once we take a look at how we need to restructure based on the cuts made in FY14. So you might be good now just to find out you are not next year. If you want 100% surety, then I would elect to get out. But that only addresses the AF side of it.
The other branches will take cuts too, it just depends on how. The AF decided to lean forward and make the choice to lean down its people in order to save planes and other fighting platforms rather than have Congress make that decision for us. I have not heard if the other branches are taking similar action yet. If I had to guess, the Army would be taking huge manning cuts in the next 2-3 years with Iraq done and Afghan being slowly reduced. Can't say for the Navy and Marines.
What is your AFSC? Take a look at the matrix that AFPC released last month and should be releasing again in the next two weeks. If your AFSC is taking significant cuts, you might want to consider Palace Chase or retraining. But just know that everyone that is on the chopping block is thinking the same thing.
If your AFSC is on a ERB right now, you cannot retrain. If not, then you are likely safe to reenlist and not be in immediate threat of being cut. Likely. No promises. Next year will bring more cuts once we take a look at how we need to restructure based on the cuts made in FY14. So you might be good now just to find out you are not next year. If you want 100% surety, then I would elect to get out. But that only addresses the AF side of it.
The other branches will take cuts too, it just depends on how. The AF decided to lean forward and make the choice to lean down its people in order to save planes and other fighting platforms rather than have Congress make that decision for us. I have not heard if the other branches are taking similar action yet. If I had to guess, the Army would be taking huge manning cuts in the next 2-3 years with Iraq done and Afghan being slowly reduced. Can't say for the Navy and Marines.
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SrA Jordan Shreffler
Thank you sir. Right now my AFSC is taking one of the biggest cuts. So hearing that I'm just going to finish off my enlistment since i only have a year and a half left. Even if i were to be on the ERB next year id be getting out either on time or a month or two early.
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MSgt (Join to see)
Ok, i'm SFS too, but a First Sgt now. I would talk to your Chief and see what is going on with the career field, he will have heard more directly than I have.
If you have your 5's, your PT is solid, an no issues, you have a fighting chance. Not a lot of cops have all that. They will be cut first. Do you have any schooling done? Have you worked the Armory or stepped up for Desk, Patrolman, something like that? Go join your ACE/Rising 6/First 4 council and be visible. Those kinds of things will keep you competitive and Strated higher than the average Joe along with earning your commanders "retain" vote on the ERRF.
It's all kind of scary, but we've been through this before as an AF. We still need people. We will keep quality Airmen., but a few good Airmen will get cut though by mistake or simple numbers game. When your retrain window comes open, take it. Do your research and see what career fields need manning even with the cuts.
If you want more certainty than that, I'm sorry but the next 2-3 years are anything but certain. Getting out though and looking for any other job though is no more certain than this is.
No matter what, stay sharp and you will do well for yourself whatever you decide your future should be.
-Shirt
"I would rather die of thirst than drink from the cup of mediocrity." --_______
If you have your 5's, your PT is solid, an no issues, you have a fighting chance. Not a lot of cops have all that. They will be cut first. Do you have any schooling done? Have you worked the Armory or stepped up for Desk, Patrolman, something like that? Go join your ACE/Rising 6/First 4 council and be visible. Those kinds of things will keep you competitive and Strated higher than the average Joe along with earning your commanders "retain" vote on the ERRF.
It's all kind of scary, but we've been through this before as an AF. We still need people. We will keep quality Airmen., but a few good Airmen will get cut though by mistake or simple numbers game. When your retrain window comes open, take it. Do your research and see what career fields need manning even with the cuts.
If you want more certainty than that, I'm sorry but the next 2-3 years are anything but certain. Getting out though and looking for any other job though is no more certain than this is.
No matter what, stay sharp and you will do well for yourself whatever you decide your future should be.
-Shirt
"I would rather die of thirst than drink from the cup of mediocrity." --_______
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It mainly depends on exactly what you are looking for and wanting for your career or future, then better advice could be given.
Do you enjoy your current job? Do you like the duty station you are at? Where would you like to PCS to? What are your future aspirations, NCO, Officer, civilian career?
These are considerations you need to think about as well for anyone to give you full spectrum of advice or guidance.
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