USAF Eligible Career Fields for VSP & Early Retirement

2014-01-13T20:31:04-05:00

See the attached Air Force Times article. As you might know, the USAF is preparing to cut as many as 25,000 airmen over the next five years. How is this impacting your decision to go career or take the VSP? Also, what are your thoughts on the list of eligible vs ineligible VSP & early retirement career fields?

VSP eligible career fields: Airfield Operation, Weather, Cyberspace Ops, Aircraft MX, Munitions and Missile MX, Logistics Readiness, Security Forces, PA, Personnel, Chemist/Biologist, Contracting and Financial Management/Cost Analysis career fields, as well as JAGs and Nurses.

Lists show who's eligible and ineligible for early retirement

Fighter, rescue or remotely piloted aircraft pilots hoping for an opportunity to retire early or take other voluntary separation measures in the coming drawdown are going to be disappointed.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 13 at 2014 9:34 PM

2014-01-13T21:34:20-05:00

Sir, Am curious is the same way that some of the other branches are planning their down-sizing tactics, or is this just an AF option if you know.

I know the Army did something similar back in early to mid-90s when Clinton order RIF then as well.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Jan 13 at 2014 11:02 PM

2014-01-13T23:02:45-05:00

I am eligible, and I am very much tempted to take the early retirement option. At the very least, I will participate in the RRF mock boards in order to get an idea of where I am racked and stacked.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2014 11:18 AM

2014-01-15T11:18:03-05:00

I was having this discussion at work and it sounds like another Force Shaping phase. Some of our guys are considering the early out/retirement, especially since the Munitions and Missile Career Field is one of the areas affected. Even one of our TSgts might be eligible to retire after 15 years. Not sure what I think about this issue.