Space available travelers disembark from a KC-135 Stratotanker June 24, 2014, on RAF Mildenhall, England. The flight arrived from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Micaiah Anthony)
By: FEDweek StaffSome airmen who are anticipating PCS (permanent change of station) moves will likely face delays in getting their orders approved. Faced with higher-than-expected personnel costs, the Air Force has taken steps to ensure the service has enough funding on hand to carry it through to Sept. 30, when fiscal year 2023 ends. As such, only airmen with projected departure dates in July will be approved for PCS moves. All other orders are being reviewed and approved on a priority basis.
The service also announced it is suspending the selective reenlistment bonus (SRB) program for this year, as of July 11. Airmen who would have been eligible after this deadline can still extend their current enlistment into fiscal year 2024, which begins Oct. 1. Most, then, would be able to get an SRB under this fiscal year’s rules until the FY ’24 program takes effect.
“Airmen who reach their maximum extensions by law on their enlistment also can be accommodated through constructive re-enlistment,” the Air Force said in a press release announcing the changes. Airmen who could fall under this umbrella are being advised to check Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) messaging for any further guidance. They should work with their MPF (military personnel flight) as well.
The Aviation Bonus program that took effect June 6 is also being paused, while the Air Force restructures it to ensure that it can continue to offer bonuses to fliers. The restructured aviation bonus should be unveiled sometime later this month. Officers who had not already signed an aviation-bonus contract will have the opportunity to do so, as long as there is still money in the coffers to allow them to do so.
The Assignment Incentive Pay, too, is going on hiatus – probably until the beginning of the new fiscal year. This affects airmen who sign contracts or initiate new pay at non-contract locations. Airmen already receiving the pay will continue to get it.
Airmen who are anticipating an end to long overseas tours may have to wait a bit longer before they can return to the States. Those with a DEROS (date of estimated return from overseas) between October and December of this year will see the return date moved to the right, into next January through March. Mandatory moves will still be considered, as will exceptions, on a case-by-case basis.
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