AFDW/CC talks about second round of civilian cuts

Published Jan. 19, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Chyenne A. Adams
AFDW Public Affairs

1/17/2012 - AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON -- The status of Air Force District of Washington civilian positions and the impact of the second round of civilian personnel cuts on the command were addressed directly by AFDW Commander Maj. Gen. Darren McDew during a town hall meeting today.

"The big picture is this - it is not business as usual," said McDew as he opened the meeting. "The Air Force is changing and we have to address that change as honestly as we can. We have to get a handle on what we're spending in the federal government and learn how to use the resources we have in the most effective way possible."

Changes began in May 2011 with the implementation of a series of hiring controls and voluntary separation programs designed to reduce overall manpower costs. But those efficiencies were not enough. As such, across the National Capital Region, 399 Air Force civilian positions were cut, with 157 taken from Joint Base Andrews.

In the second round of cuts announced Jan. 9, AFDW faces 48 further reductions in positions.
"The total National Capital Region impact is 584 positions - the good news is that it's the National Capital Region," said the general.

He went on to say that there's more opportunity to save the experience and knowledge of our civilian force in the NCR by utilizing the considerable resources and positions available across the entire federal government, which provides more opportunities to place people in different positions.

McDew vowed to deliver candid, honest information to AFDW's civilian work force on any updates or future announcements.

"We're doing all we can to avoid involuntary measures to get where we need to be," he said.

McDew addressed the personal impact these cuts make on people's lives, but emphasized the fact that although AFDW took 48 additional cuts this round, 42 of those positions were not occupied.

Manpower and Personnel (A1) officials answered audience questions during the second half of the meeting and shared as much information as possible - including the fact that AFDW has no cuts currently on the horizon for fiscal year 2014.

While noting anything is possible with regard to further reductions, the A1 team sought to reassure the workers at the town hall with open access to information and resources - including upcoming retirement seminars, announcements and information.

To get a question answered directly by the AFDW/A1 Civilian Workforce Restructuring Team, e-mail afdw.restructing@afncr.af.mil or call (240) 612-5868.

For more information, visit the AFDW Civilian Force Restructuring website at http://www.afdw.af.mil/civilian.