RIF will impact local civilians Published April 19, 2013 By Staff Reports Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala.-- -- Maxwell and Gunter are included in approximately 60 Air Force installations that will implement civilian Reduction in Force authorities effective through about Aug. 23 to assist in the placement of employees not assigned against funded positions (termed "surplus employees"). These actions started in fiscal 2012 and are not related to current sequestration actions. The continuing effort is to meet the Department of Defense funding targets in the FY12 President's Budget and re-balance the civilian workforce. Maxwell's civilian personnel authorities will assist in the placement of affected employees. "We do have surplus encumbered positions identified from across Maxwell and Gunter," said Don Comstock, 42nd ABW civilian personnel officer. "We will continue utilizing all flexibilities to mitigate adverse actions on the civilian workforce by finding other positions for the employees affected. Affected employees will be formally notified on or about June 21 that a RIF will be conducted on Aug 23." To meet the funding targets in the budget, the Air Force was required to reduce more than 16,000 civilian positions. The Air Force was able to successfully reduce about 15,000 positions, minimizing adverse impact to civilian personnel, but now needs to use RIF authorities, which will provide options to help place most of the remaining civilians on unfunded positions. "These are very difficult times facing our workforce," said Col. Trent Edwards, 42nd Air Base Wing commander. "None of us is immune from some of the tough decisions our nation and Air Force must consider and implement. My pledge to the men and women of Maxwell and Gunter is to be open and honest about the events forthcoming. As soon as we are made aware of information, we will inform the workforce." RIF procedures allow greater flexibilities for employees to be placed at their installations and still retain their grade or pay. In addition, the use of RIF procedures allows for eligible employees who cannot immediately be placed in local vacancies to be registered in the Priority Placement Program, or PPP. "Voluntary efforts to balance the civilian workforce in FY12 have gotten us significantly closer to funded levels, but we still have a way to go in placing the number of surplus employees to funded vacancies, and RIF authorities will enable us to achieve that goal," said Brig. Gen. Gina Grosso, the director of force management policy for the Air Force. "The Air Force recognizes and strives to balance the invaluable contributions of our civilian workforce with the fiscal realities under which the Department of Defense and the government as a whole are operating. We continue to focus on minimizing the impact on our current civilian workforce and their families." As the Air Force continues to shape the work force, starting the RIF procedures will provide installations greater flexibilities to further realign and rebalance the civilian force. "Usually, a RIF has negative perception, but the use of RIF procedures will allow many employees to be retained and continue employment with the Air Force," Grosso said. "We want to assure everyone involved with this process that we remain committed to minimizing the impacts during these times of transition." The processes available use reduction in force procedures to determine employee placement rights into vacancies as well as provide the flexibility to waive qualifications to create more placement options. For information about civilian employment, RIF and other personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Service website at https://mypers.af.mil.