News

Select workers offered early retirement at Robins

  • Published
  • By Holly Birchfield
  • 78 ABW/PA
Robins Air Force Base is giving some civilians a shot at early retirement.

The opportunity comes through the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program, two programs that will work together to provide up to 225 individuals who are eligible for retirement the opportunity to leave federal service with up to $25,000 in their pockets as they exit federal service.

Robert Williams, deputy director of personnel, said VERA is the legal authority that enables federal agencies, like the Air Force, to offer incentive to solicit individuals to apply for early retirement and separate early from federal service rather than wait for normal retirement based on age or length of service.

Robins is linking the VERA/VSIP authorities for the separation incentive opportunity. The application window is Aug. 20-31, and those who are accepted must leave federal service by Nov. 2.

Mr. Williams said the initiative comes as budget constraints tighten the base's financial belt for the coming fiscal year.

"As we look ahead to fiscal 2008, our expectation is that it will be a very tight fiscal environment, particularly in our operation and maintenance funding account," he said. "So, in recognition of that very constrained resource environment, we're taking the proactive step in a very deliberative, prudent process to ensure that our manning level is within the fiscal and funding parameters that are expected."

Mr. Williams said he expects that the fiscal year ahead will be a challenging one resource-wise and Robins must ensure it stays within the expected funding levels.

"Obviously, as we deal with this near term challenge, without question the outlook for the (Warner Robins Air Logistics) Center is a very positive outlook," he said. "We continue to focus on the capability that we provide the war fighter, and also recognize that we have an aging workforce. We continue to maintain, even through challenges we face in the near term, to ensure that we have the partnerships and the processes in place to refresh and replenish the workforce."

Applications will be accepted from employees located at Robins and those serviced by the base personnel office. In addition, employees aligned to Robins who are assigned at geographically separated units, can apply.

While the offer may be tempting to many, Mr. Williams said everyone can't take advantage of the offer.

"Wage grades, wage leaders, wage supervisors, engineers, firefighters, medical, contracting and intelligence specialty employees, as well as those on a special salary rate, are excluded from this offering because of mission needs," he said.

Robins officials believe attrition and the VSIP will prevent the need for more severe measures such as furlough or reduction in force.

Applications for the buyouts will be based upon retirement, early retirement, and incentive payment of up to a maximum of $25,000 before taxes. The incentive amount depends upon whether the employee is currently eligible for optional or early retirement.

Once the applications are gathered and reviewed, employees who will be offered the separation incentive will be directly contacted by the Personnel Directorate and will have seven days from the date of receiving the offer to accept or decline, Mr. Williams said.

"A significant percentage of our workforce is eligible for optional retirement," Mr. Williams said. "So we feel the majority of the incentives will go to the employees in that category."

Chari Spivey, program manager for the VERA/VSIP in the Personnel Directorate, said the VERA/VSIP offer provides a "soft landing" for employees while avoiding perceivably harsh measures to meet budget needs.

Ms. Spivey said it opens the door for those eligible and ready to retire and gives Robins the chance to replenish the workforce for future support of the warfighter.