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.
Adriana Bazan, the chief of voluntary officer recall operations, said these programs are designed to put experienced and motivated officers back into the Air Force ranks.
"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 (aircraft) systems capabilities and leverage our latest technologies across all warfighting domains."
Lt. Col. Deborah Landry, AFPC operations staff assignments branch chief, said officers returning thus far have been assigned to the full spectrum of the Air Force's rated billets and come from backgrounds as diverse as those retiring later this year to F-111 Aardvark pilots who last flew in Desert Storm.
"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 due to 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 utilized 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.
Daniel Elkins (AFNS)
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