Air Force launches new officer voluntary force management programs Published Oct. 19, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Stephani Schafer 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Air Force voluntary officer separations will continue throughout fiscal year 2012 in order to combat the current 17 year-high retention rate and meet congressionally mandated end-strength for FY12. According to the Air Force Personnel Center website, Air Force leaders implemented a tailored, multi-year program in 2010 to reduce the number of active-duty Airmen from about 335,000 to 332,800 by Sept. 1, 2012. "The Air Force didn't have enough people separate last year, which is why it's implementing voluntary separation programs again this year," said Tech. Sgt. Tiwanda Sanford, 52nd Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Section NCO in charge of relocations. The voluntary force management programs being offered in 2012 are the 10-8 Commission Waiver Program and the Limited Active Duty Service Commitment Waiver Program. The 10-8 Commission Waiver Program authorizes eligible Line of the Air Force officers, unless specifically excluded, who have a minimum of 20 years total active federal military service to retire with eight years total active federal commissioned service. "The previous requirement was for officers to have a minimum of 10 years total active federal commissioned military service, but the 10-8 Commission Waiver Program shortens that requirement to eight years," Sanford said. The 10-8 Commission Waiver Program excludes the following Air Force Specialties: Medical Corps, Dental Corps, Nurse Corps, Catholic Chaplains, 11X, 12X, 13D, 13L, 13M, 14N, 21R, 32E, 35P and 64P. Officers who apply for 10-8 Commission Waiver Program must retire no later than Sept. 1, 2012, if chosen. The Limited Active Duty Service Commitment Waiver Program includes Line of the Air Force, Chaplain and Medical Service Corps colonels and colonel-selects. Active Duty Service Commitment waivers are available for commitments incurred due to permanent change of station, tuition assistance, and officer training school, ROTC and U.S. Air Force Academy attendance. "Eligibility for these programs is based on Active Duty Service Commitment and other criteria established by AFPC," said Tech. Sgt. Natasha Cottrell, 52nd FSS Military Personnel Section NCOIC of promotions. "Officers should look into what criteria may exclude them from these programs." For example, the Air Force will not adjust deployment return dates or curtail overseas short tours for officers who choose to apply, she said. Airmen interested in either program should submit applications through their home-station military personnel section. For more information on force management programs, visit the AFPC website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/.