The White Falcon - 26.02.1993, Síða 2

The Navy looks ahead as drawdowns continue
From RADM Michael D. Haskins
Commander, Iceland Defense Force
I am certainly aware that every member of our military family is very
concerned with the current personnel changes. I would like to share the
latest information which I recently received in a PERSONAL FOR
Message for all Atlantic Fleet Flag Officers from Admiral Mauz, the Com-
mander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Each item is intended to be a
snapshot of the state of Navy’s current manpower and personnel pro-
grams, and to provide a sense of what to expect as the drawdown
continues.
1. END STRENGTH - The drawdown is on a glideslope with enlisted
inventory tracking. Having a tougher time keeping officer numbers
coming down. Current strategy is to protect mid-career sailors and
officers from reduction in force. For these junior officer’s and enlisted, the
message is that the Navy still offers a rewarding career for those who serve
well and obtain qualifications.
2. VSI/SSB.
A. OFFICERS - No further offerings planned in FrY93. Plan to
continue program through FrY94/95. Trying to expand eligibility to those
on active duty for at least six years, irrespective of commencement date.
B. ENLISTED - No further offerings planned in FY93. Plan to
continue program through FY95/95. Reshaping each offering to exclude
Ratings/NEC’s experiencing fleet/pipeline shortages.
3. FY93 ENLISTED EARLY OUT PROGRAM - Promulgated
January 27, 1993, authorized CO’s to grant up to six months early
separation for sailors with EAOS before September 30, 1993.
4. SDAP/Selected RenlLstment Bonus - Funding is adequate for both
programs and neither is in jeopardy.
5. SELECTIVE EARLY RETIREMENT (SER).
A. OFFICERS - A change in the law allows for submission of
retirement requests by SER eligible officers two years in advance.
B. ENLISTED - A need for FY94 SER to occur in FY93 exists but
it is too early to project numbers at this point.
6. ESERB/HYT FLEET RESERVE DATES - SER selected enlisted
are required to submit requests for Fleet Reserve date NLT June 30,1993.
Without an approved Fleet Reserve date, members are separated from
active duty without retired/retainer pay. Members may recoup the retainer
through the BCNR process, but that process can take as many as six to
eight months. Submit requests early!
7. INVOLUNTARY RELEASE FROM ACTIVE DUTY (IRAD) -
The quality and number of USNR Officers released, particularly in naval
aviation, have steadily increased over the last year.
8. DISCHARGE OF REGULAR PROBATIONARY OFFICERS
(LESS THAN FIVE YEARS) - The first group being considered
includes regular LTJG’s who have failed once for selection to LT.
9. AVIATION OFFICERS - Aviation Continuation Pay (ACP) is
offered to pilots in all TACAIR and VQ communities. VSI/SSB on the
other hand, will only be offered to pilots and NFO’ s who are not on an ACP
obligation or who are not in bonus-eligible communities.
10. WOMEN IN COMBAT AVIATION - If current restrictions are
lifted, an initial cadre of up to 18 pilots and 13 NFO’s could join fleet
squadrons within 9 months. An additional group of 16 pilots and 6 NFO’s
could join within 18 months. With the goal being at least 2 women
assigned to each designated squadron.
11. OFRF/OVERSEAS DETAILING - Goal is to identify reliefs
overseas billets at least six months prior to the required fill date. Must fl
to detailers six to nine months prior to PRD.
12. WOMEN IN SHIPS - Approximately 85 percent of the female billets
at sea are filled. Vacancies exist in the non-technical ratings (e.g. BM, BT,
DC, EM, EN, HT, IC, MM and OS). Currently working to help boost the
fill rate in these areas.
13. RETENTION - Recent decline in first, second and third term
retention indicates losses from downsizing. Still need to retain the best and
brightest sailors.
14. RECRUITING - Continuing to enjoy successful recruiting.
15. JOINT DUTY FOR SERVICE IN OPERATION DESERT
STORM - Only 50-60 approvals can be expected with over 220 active
duty officers filing requests. Board met February 5, 1993.
16. DEPENDENT CARE CERTIFICATE - 1992 Pregnancy survey
showed 38 percent enlisted and officer single parents and dual military
couples with dependents have yet to complete their dependent care
certificate. Get them in now!
17. NIGHT DETAILING - Night detailing continues each second and
fourth Wednesday. Make use of it to ensure it will remain.
18. BUPERS ACCESS - The following initiatives are underway:
a. Automated Enlisted/Officer duty preference cards
b. Reduction of the cost of overseas as access
c. Creation of a command career counselor database
d. Orders transmission (including accounting data)
e. On-line 1306/7 Enlisted personnel action requests
19. BREAST INSIGNIA - A working group is taking a hard look in
response to recent requests to add more to the current collection.
20. ACTIVE E-8/9 SELECTION BOARD-Convenes March 8,1993,
Approximately five percent of board eligible CFO’s have late or miss
evaluations. Check your records!
21. NEW DEPENDENT DENTAL PLAN - Will be implementeo'
April 1,1993. New plan adds endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics,
oral surgery, and orthodontic treatment. More details forthcoming in a
NAVOP.
22. DON SEXUAL HARASSMENT TOLL-FREE LINE - Opera-
tional since December 1, 1992, the number is 1-800-253-0931.
23. WORLDWIDE ALCOHOL ABUSE STUDY UNDERWAY BY
nen
BUPERS - Objectives are to assess local alcohol abuse problems,
evaluate existing prevention/treatment programs, and prioritize funding.
24. QUALITY OF LIFE.
A. TRANSITION ASSISTANCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
(TAMP) - Skills verification documents assist in resume and job search
and application preparation.
B. QUALITY OF LIFE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYS-
TEM -Testing is currently underway at several continental United States
and overseas sites with the assistance of Family Service Center’s in
program management and data collection.
Well, things certainly are moving rapidly here in Iceland. Like the
winter weather we are enjoying these days, things are constantly changing
in the Navy, and I will endeavor to do my best to keep you all posted on
any new developments and proposed initiatives in the Navy as information
on them becomes available to me.
3-
Wl
Commander, Iceland Defense Force
RADM Michael D. Haskins
Public Affairs Officer
LT Joseph L. Quimby
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Fridthdr Kr. Eydal
Chief Petty Officer la Charge
JOC Terry J. Bamthouse
Draftsman
DM2 Danielle J. Kim
Editor
J02 Colleen “Ghostwriter" Casper
Journalists
J02 Carlos Bongioanni
103 (SW) Andreas Walter
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