NCO Retraining Program

The 2008 Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program began Aug. 7 as the Air Force seeks to fill approximately 900 shortage career field and special duty positions.

NCOs notified of their vulnerability to retrain must submit the shortage career field choices they would most like to retrain into or apply for a special duty assignment identifier no later than Sept. 21.

"During the voluntary phase, members have the opportunity to set the course of their future as Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Christine Williams, chief of the Air Force Personnel Center enlisted skills management branch here. "Many Airmen fail to act during the voluntary phase and ultimately find themselves in the involuntary NCORP phase. Should an Airman not submit the mandatory package in Phase II, the Airman will be separated, so there is a consequence for not applying for retraining."

Vulnerability listings by grade and Air Force Specialty Code will be posted on the virtual Military Personnel Flight Aug. 7. vMPF is accessible from the AFPC home page. By clicking on their grade or projected grade, NCOs may view their ranking on the vulnerability list and apply for retraining through the vMPF as needed.

Command support staff personnel will manage the retraining program and notify members if they are eligible. Additionally, they will suggest special duty identifiers such as recruiting, postal duty, military training instructor or professional military education instructor.

If voluntary measures are unsuccessful, Air Staff officials will implement Phase II, involuntary retraining. In Phase II, individuals identified as vulnerable in AFSCs not meeting retraining-out objectives, and without approved retraining or assignment to a special duty identifier by Sept. 21, will be involuntarily retrained.

"It's important for all Airmen to understand once they are identified for retraining in Phase I, they will continue to be vulnerable in Phase II unless they are retrained, released or separated from military service," said Chief Williams.

For more information, Airmen should contact their CSS personnel, their base career assistance advisor or the Air Force Contact Center at (800) 616-3775.

Author: AFNS