USAF Communication Waypoint (Winter 2016)

55 Pages·2016·8 MB·English

WINTER 2016
Air Force Public Affairs
FOREWORD
Air Force Communication Waypoints provides a common set of themes, messages and reference
materials designed to provide Airmen the tools needed to effectively “Tell the Air Force Story”
across a wide range of topics. Communication is a leadership responsibility at all levels and every
Airman must be prepared to explain how they, and the Air Force as a whole, contribute to
America’s defense through the unique application of Air, Space and Cyber capabilities. Well-
integrated, synchronized and deliberate communication contributes to morale and readiness, builds
and sustains public trust and support and contributes to global influence and deterrence.
As Airmen, we have a duty to inform and educate decision makers in the executive and legislative
branches of government, leaders across the Department of Defense, our Joint Force and Allied
partners, local officials and community leaders where we live and work, the broader American
public, and thought leaders and advocates in government, academia and industry. We also have an
enduring requirement to communicate with our own Total Force Airmen and to deliberately engage
with the media in a responsive, accurate and transparent manner.
The United States Air Force relies on partnerships, both domestic and abroad, to organize, train,
equip and employ forces in support of national security requirements. Synchronized
communication with key audiences and constituents is absolutely critical to maintaining robust
partnerships and enabling the long-term effectiveness of the Air Force.
Waypoints topics form a substantial portion of the broader Air Force narrative and support
Airpower Advocacy efforts by communicating the critical role of our Airmen and Airpower in the
national security of the United States. This document is aligned with the Air Force’s Strategic
Framework to communicate Who We Are, What We Do and Where We Are Going.
As Airmen, we are committed to ensuring our communication efforts are forthright, accurate and
timely. While Waypoints provides an excellent resource for Airmen, messages are most effectively
communicated to key audiences in formats that allow Airmen to provide important context to the
discussion. Continued coordination with command Public Affairs offices is essential to ensuring
Air Force efforts are synchronized across all levels. Topics within this document will be reviewed
monthly and updated semi-annually by Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs.
The USAF is the World’s Greatest Air Force … Powered by Airmen, Fueled by Innovation.
It’s a story we all must tell!
KKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTHHLLEEEENN AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. CCOOOOKK, BBriig GGen, UUSSAF
Director, Air Force Public Affairs
TELL THE AIR FORCE STORY
h(cid:425)p://www.af.mil/TelltheAFStory.aspx
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Air Force Value for America ............................ 3 WHERE WE ARE GOING ............................... 35
3-5-3: The What, How and Where .................. 4 Air Force Strategic Framework ..................... 36
WHO WE ARE .................................................5 FY17 Air Force Budget .................................. 37
Growing the Force .......................................... 6 Readiness ...................................................... 38
Force of the Future ......................................... 7 Make Every Dollar Count .............................. 39
Blended Re(cid:415)rement System .......................... 8 Capability Development ............................... 40
Women in Service Review .............................. 9 Enterprise Capability Collabora(cid:415)on Team .... 41
Developing the Force .................................... 10 Acquisi(cid:415)on Excellence .................................. 42
Diversity & Inclusion ..................................... 11 Bending the Cost Curve ................................ 43
Air Force Medicine ........................................ 12 Moderniza(cid:415)on .............................................. 44
Comprehensive Airmen Fitness .................... 13 Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) ............... 45
Suicide Preven(cid:415)on ........................................ 14 KC-46A Pegasus ............................................ 46
Fairness and Jus(cid:415)ce in the Air Force ............. 15 F-35 Lightning II ............................................ 47
Sexual Assault Preven(cid:415)on & Response ........ 16 Science and Technology ............................... 48
Family Advocacy Program ............................. 17 Autonomy in the Air Force ........................... 49
Profession of Arms Center of Excellence ...... 18 Energy Assurance ......................................... 50
United States Air Force Academy ................. 19 Airmen Powered by Innova(cid:415)on .................... 51
WHAT WE DO .............................................. 21 Financial Improvement & Audit Readiness .. 52
Air Superiority ............................................... 22 Community Partnership ............................... 53
Nuclear Enterprise ........................................ 23
Space ............................................................. 24
Command & Control ..................................... 25
Informa(cid:415)on Dominance ................................ 26
Cybersecurity ................................................ 27
Cyberspace Force of the Future .................... 28
Remotely Piloted Aircra(cid:332).............................. 29
Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance .. 30
Air Force Special Opera(cid:415)ons ......................... 31
Air Force Security Coopera(cid:415)on ..................... 32
Total Force Integra(cid:415)on ................................. 33
For ques(cid:415)ons please contact SAF/PA
COMM: 703-695-0640 DSN: 225-0640
UU..SS.. AAIIRR FFOORRCCEE CCOOMMMMUUNNIICCAATTIIOONN WWAAYYPPOOIINNTTSS
AIR FORCE VALUE FOR AMERICA
Background: America was born from a spirit of discovery and this spirit is woven into our history and culture resul(cid:415)ng in constant
explora(cid:415)on of new boundaries. Technologies that rely on air and space contribute significantly to our economic prosperity by
providing for world trade, crea(cid:415)ng employment and genera(cid:415)ng wealth. Innova(cid:415)ons resul(cid:415)ng from the explora(cid:415)on of air and space
expand our knowledge and understanding, allow us to live longer and healthier lives, and provide opportuni(cid:415)es and services that
make our lives easier. The air and space domains are becoming increasingly important in preserving our interna(cid:415)onal prominence
and influence, as well as protec(cid:415)ng and ensuring our safety and security.
THEMES & MESSAGES
Air Force Enduring Contribu(cid:415)ons + Strategic Environment = USAF—The Best Op(cid:415)on
The Air Force provides three enduring The current and future environments The Air Force provides the best value as the
contribu(cid:415)ons to ensure our na(cid:415)on’s indicate U.S. military responses will only truly global and agile Service;
con(cid:415)nued success, prosperity and security. have to be “everywhere, all the (cid:415)me.” delivering contribu(cid:415)ons that transcend our
These enduring contribu(cid:415)ons are unique to Con(cid:415)nuing fiscal constraints make this Service. More than any other military force,
the USAF, and make us unique in the world. unaffordable and unsustainable. a shor(cid:414)all in Air Force capability has a
Global Vigilance Current Threats Are Expanding dispropor(cid:415)onately nega(cid:415)ve effect on the
success of the joint force.
USAF provides the ability to gain and The current threat environment is
maintain awareness - an unblinking eye - expanding, with exis(cid:415)ng adversaries Global
anywhere in the world. We provide and emerging near-peer compe(cid:415)tors The Air Force provides access to data,
integrated, relevant informa(cid:415)on to all located and opera(cid:415)ng around the informa(cid:415)on and knowledge on any
Services and joint commanders so they world. situa(cid:415)on anywhere in the world. We can
have expanded response op(cid:415)ons. Future Threats Will Be More Frequent deliver weapons, water or warriors to any
Global Reach The future threat environment place on the earth in hours, not days,
weeks or months.
USAF provides the ability to project power, indicates that global dangers will not
influence and assistance responsively with diminish, but rather will happen faster Agile
unrivaled speed and precision to any point and more frequently. The Air Force provides senior leadership
on or above the earth. We have global Con(cid:415)nuing Fiscal Constraints with scalable op(cid:415)ons that allow maximum
presence, without the vulnerability of flexibility for engagement. We project
The current and foreseeable fiscal
needing to be deployed into global power, influence and assistance more
environment will con(cid:415)nue to be
hotspots. rapidly, more responsively and with a
constrained. Not all military
Global Power engagement has the same return on lighter footprint than other military
op(cid:415)ons.
USAF provides the ability to hold any investment in delivering long-term
target at risk, assert any type of influence, peace and stability in the world. The Contribu(cid:415)ons that Transcend
or deliver any required assistance to any na(cid:415)on needs to apply its resources in As a service with joint origins, the Air Force
spot on the planet at a moments no(cid:415)ce areas that have the greatest return on is the founda(cid:415)on for mul(cid:415)-Service,
with as much or as li(cid:425)le presence as investment. The na(cid:415)on needs to interagency and coali(cid:415)on opera(cid:415)ons. We
desired. "stretch" its na(cid:415)onal security dollar. provide the joint team the ability and
freedom to fight in the air, on the ground
and at sea.
AAir Force Mission Facts
“Tomorrow’s Air Force has to be the most
Global Vigilance
agile, credible and affordable total force team
(cid:120) ISR missions are flown 24 hrs/day, 365 day/year in four areas of responsibility
capable of meeting what our Combatant
(cid:120) Over 300,000 RPA hours flown in FY14
Commanders need”
Global Reach
(cid:120) More than 230,000 aeromedical pa(cid:415)ent movements since 9/11 Deborah Lee James
(cid:120) In 2014, tankers offloaded more than 803 million pounds of fuel in support of Secretary of the Air Force
overseas con(cid:415)ngency opera(cid:415)ons
(cid:120) Humanitarian relief: Hurricane Katrina, tsunami relief, Superstorm Sandy, Ebola and
earthquakes in Pakistan and Nepal
“Airpower—without it, you lose.”
Global Power
(cid:120) In 2014 we flew about 250 sor(cid:415)es every day in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, in General Mark A. Welsh III
addi(cid:415)on to about 600 airli(cid:332) sor(cid:415)es worldwide Air Force Chief of Staff
(cid:120) Since 9/11 nearly 65,000 sor(cid:415)es have been flown to protect the homeland
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UU..SS.. AAIIRR FFOORRCCEE CCOOMMMMUUNNIICCAATTIIOONN WWAAYYPPOOIINNTTSS
3-5-3: THE WHAT, HOW AND WHERE
Background: America is a global power that calls on Airmen to protect her ci(cid:415)zens, secure her interests and reassure her allies
everywhere, all the (cid:415)me. Since 1947, Airmen have performed five core missions that underwrite all other American military might.
Those missions guarantee the en(cid:415)re joint and coali(cid:415)on team has the situa(cid:415)onal awareness, coordina(cid:415)on and freedom of ac(cid:415)on to
prevail. And since 1947, Airmen have kept pace to stay on the fron(cid:415)er of technology, standing watch wherever threats may
manifest. Today, only a force that can do all five missions through air, space and cyberspace can provide the Global Vigilance,
Reach and Power that America expects. That’s “3-5-3”: three enduring contribu(cid:415)ons, through five core missions in three domains.
THEMES & MESSAGES
What Airmen Do How We Do It Where It Ma(cid:425)ers
Airmen allow the Na(cid:415)on to see and reach Since the Air Force was charged by the The Airman must be wherever America’s
nearly everywhere, any(cid:415)me and respond na(cid:415)on to apply power in and through the interests and vulnerabili(cid:415)es are—the
with precise effects in a rapidly changing air, these core missions have evolved their physical high-ground of air and space is
security environment. character but not their nature. not enough. Airmen stand ready
wherever technology enables human
(cid:105)(cid:3)Global Vigilance means Airmen allow The core missions allow America to:
ac(cid:415)on.
leaders to observe, orient and direct (cid:105)(cid:3)Gain and maintain control of contested
ac(cid:415)on – o(cid:332)en before emerging threats air and space (cid:105)(cid:3)No regular military force can safely
can do harm. (cid:105)(cid:3)Give policy makers and commanders a operate without securing the skies
(cid:105)(cid:3)Global Reach means Airmen allow the clear picture of the ba(cid:425)lespace above it.
joint and coali(cid:415)on team to deliver and (cid:105)(cid:3)Rapidly transport tailored forces from (cid:105)(cid:3)Space has become congested and
sustain tailored forces anywhere on garrison to the point of crisis contested, and American civil and
the planet within hours. military power as we know it are
(cid:105)(cid:3)Ensure deterrence and control
(cid:105)(cid:3)Global Power means Airmen provide escala(cid:415)on by holding any target at risk reliant on space systems.
the influence and effects that change (cid:105)(cid:3)Cyberspace is the fron(cid:415)er of an
(cid:105)(cid:3)Magnify joint and coali(cid:415)on
the course of events. Whether by ongoing revolu(cid:415)on in cogni(cid:415)on
effec(cid:415)veness and flexibility through
holding targets at risk or by reassuring allowing virtual ac(cid:415)ons to have very
superior coordina(cid:415)on
the threatened, Airmen write history. real effects across land, sea and air.
Air Force Enduring Contribu(cid:415)ons Air Force Core Missions Air Force Key Domains
(cid:120) Global Vigilance (cid:120) Air and Space Superiority (cid:120) Air
(cid:120) Global Reach (cid:120) Intelligence, Surveillance and (cid:120) Space
(cid:120) Global Power Reconnaissance (cid:120) Cyberspace
(cid:120) Rapid Global Mobility
(cid:120) Global Strike
(cid:120) Command and Control
WWhy 3-5-3 Ma(cid:425)ers
3—Three Enduring Contribu(cid:415)ons
The Air Force provides Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. It’s not simply “Since 1947, the core missions of the Air
Vigilance, Reach and Power that ma(cid:425)er. State powers and regional actors possess
Force haven’t fundamentally changed. What
those to varying degrees, but America’s Air Force is the only force in the world that has
has changed is how the Air Force performs
Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. “Global” ma(cid:425)ers.
these missions. Today, we carry out our
5—Five Core Missions
The Air Force has been charged by the Na(cid:415)on with essen(cid:415)ally the same core missions core missions through air, space and
since it was founded in 1947. The missions are that important, and every member of cyberspace. The result – Global Vigilance,
the joint and coali(cid:415)on team knows that the be(cid:425)er we do our core missions the be(cid:425)er
Global Reach and Global Power for
they can do theirs. If we fail at our core missions, they simply cannot do theirs.
America.”
3—Three Domains
The Airman operates seamlessly in and through air space, outer space and cyber space General Mark A. Welsh III
Air Force Chief of Staff
to protect America’s people, interests and allies. America cannot afford to have us
leave vulnerabili(cid:415)es anywhere in domains that surround us everywhere.
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GROWING THE FORCE
Background: At the beginning of 2015, the Air Force had expected to draw down combat Forces in Afghanistan and have an opportunity
to reset and recons(cid:415)tute our forces. We had completed the majority of the FY14/15 Force Management programs bringing us down to
an end-strength of approximately 313,000. However, a changing geopoli(cid:415)cal situa(cid:415)on (ISIS, Crimea, Ukraine), force structure decisions
(A-10 and other weapon systems retained) and a need to reinvigorate the nuclear enterprise led to a decision that we must have more
Airmen for required force structure levels to support EUCOM, CENTCOM and other Air Force opera(cid:415)ons. In response to these changes,
the FY16 President’s Budget resized ac(cid:415)ve duty end-strength from 313,000 to 317,000 to address key capability gaps in the nuclear,
maintenance, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and support career fields. To support these increases in authoriza(cid:415)ons,
the Air Force has a deliberate plan to reach 317,000 personnel by the end of FY16.
THEMES & MESSAGES
SSmallest, Busiest Force Authoriza(cid:415)on Growth Force Management Ini(cid:415)a(cid:415)ves
The Air Force is the smallest it has ever been, Our strategy-driven FY17 President’s Budget The Air Force introduced several personnel
even while the demand for airpower con(cid:415)nues submission is consistent with the FY16 budget and manpower ini(cid:415)a(cid:415)ves in FY15 to meet
to climb. There is no excess; no “bench”… and offers the best balance for America’s current increased mission requirements. The plan
everything is commi(cid:425)ed. To ensure and future requirements at Bipar(cid:415)san Budget to grow the force is deliberate—addressing
opera(cid:415)onal and mission capacity in support of Act-level funding. mission and readiness demands and shaping
Combatant Commanders and to maintain (cid:105)(cid:3) Our FY17 request seeks a total military force the workforce to meet current and future
readiness, the Air Force is growing the force. of approximately 491,000—including roughly mission and skill requirements.
(cid:105)(cid:3) A changing geopoli(cid:415)cal situa(cid:415)on (ISIS, 317,000 ac(cid:415)ve duty, 105,000 Air Na(cid:415)onal (cid:105)(cid:3)We are using the most direct way of
Crimea, Ukraine), force structure decisions Guard and 69,000 Air Force Reserve Airmen. growing the force—increasing accession
(A-10 and other weapon systems retained) (cid:105)(cid:3) The Air Force will con(cid:415)nue to posture for of enlisted Airmen entering Basic
and a need to reinvigorate the nuclear future manpower increases to address Military Training and the numbers of
enterprise led to a decision that we needed aircra(cid:332) maintenance capacity shor(cid:414)alls, officers being commissioned.
more Airmen for required force structure expanded training capacity requirements and (cid:105)(cid:3)We are retaining experience through
levels to support EUCOM, CENTCOM and
systemic unit under manning. robust and expanded special and
other Air Force opera(cid:415)ons. (cid:105)(cid:3) To fill these addi(cid:415)onal authoriza(cid:415)ons, our incen(cid:415)ve pays; bringing on prior service
(cid:105)(cid:3) The Air Force must con(cid:415)nue to grow Force Management programs will focus on accessions; u(cid:415)lizing Reserve ac(cid:415)ve duty
inventory to address key capability gaps in increasing the number of experienced tour opportuni(cid:415)es; and implemen(cid:415)ng
the nuclear, maintenance, cyber, Airmen in undermanned special(cid:415)es and High Year of Tenure extensions and
intelligence, surveillance and retaining the experience of our professional selec(cid:415)ve con(cid:415)nua(cid:415)on in cri(cid:415)cal career
reconnaissance and support career fields. Airmen currently in the fight. fields.
Facts
(cid:120)(cid:3) Use of Special and Incen(cid:415)ve Pays, High Year (cid:120)(cid:3) VLPAD: Opportuni(cid:415)es to serve an ac(cid:415)ve
Tenure Extensions, Prior Service Accessions duty tour for a period of up to 3 years “Demand for our services is way, way up.
and Voluntary Limited Period of Ac(cid:415)ve Duty will be offered to members of the Air But we are meeting those demands today
(VLPAD) programs are complimentary to Reserve Component in targeted Air Force
with the smallest Air Force in our history.
increasing enlisted accessions and helping special(cid:415)es.
When you couple that smaller force against
the Air Force quickly acquire and retain (cid:120)(cid:3) We are focused on adding/retaining mid-
experience for the force. level, experienced Airmen in some of our the backdrop of austere budgets, and with
(cid:120)(cid:3) In FY16, the Air Force is bringing in currently undermanned special(cid:415)es to the huge demand, what we have is a Total
approximately 4,400 more enlisted help meet mission requirements. Force that is under significant
accessions than we did in FY15. strain...Fortunately, we have very dedicated
Ques(cid:415)ons & Answers and professional people who have been
getting the job done despite all of these
Q1: Could the Air Force have avoided these measures if you didn’t choose to cut so deep
through the Force Management (FM) programs in FY14? pressures....”
A1: The FY14/15 FM programs were necessary at the (cid:415)me to draw down the Air Force to Deborah Lee James
approximately 313,000 due to the Budget Control Act and Sequestra(cid:415)on. These programs were Secretary of the Air Force
necessary to shape the service to meet DoD strategic guidance for a leaner force. The new
requirements, changing geo-poli(cid:415)cal situa(cid:415)on and force structure decisions could not have been
forecasted when the FY14 programs were approved and executed. The current FM programs
are designed to meet the need for experienced Airmen in cri(cid:415)cally undermanned special(cid:415)es
such as nuclear, maintenance, cyber, intelligence, RPA and support career fields.
Q2. What is the Direct Duty Prior Service Enlistment Program?
“Your Air Force is the finest in the world,
A2. The Direct Duty Prior Service Enlistment Program allows a select number of separated
and we need to keep it that way...We must
individuals to return to ac(cid:415)ve duty. The program is open to certain former members of military
maintain the proper balance across all our
branches, as well as those currently serving in the Reserve and Guard.
mission areas, because that’s what the
Q3. What are “Must-Do’s” by the Air Force to ensure success of the growth plan?
combatant commanders expect from us.”
A3. The Air Force is working aggressively to secure funding for increased outreach for our
recrui(cid:415)ng teams and addi(cid:415)onal resourcing in both manpower and dollars to ensure increased General Mark A. Welsh III
capacity of the Air Educa(cid:415)on and Training Command accession and ini(cid:415)al skills training facili(cid:415)es. Air Force Chief of Staff
Addi(cid:415)onally, reten(cid:415)on programs such as bonuses and incen(cid:415)ve pays and high year of tenure
extension programs were implemented with expanded eligibility in FY16.
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FORCE OF THE FUTURE
Background: On his first day in office, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter announced his goal to build the Force of the Future for
the Department of Defense to maintain the compe(cid:415)(cid:415)ve edge in a(cid:425)rac(cid:415)ng and recrui(cid:415)ng top talent to serve the na(cid:415)on. In March
of 2015, Secretary Carter directed a comprehensive review of the Department’s civilian and military personnel systems. The
review generated a principal level working group which recommended an ini(cid:415)al tranche of over 20 reform ini(cid:415)a(cid:415)ves focused on
permeability, recruitment, and reten(cid:415)on. The Air Force implementa(cid:415)on of Force of the Future ini(cid:415)a(cid:415)ves is focused on ensuring a
force able to shape the future and win the fight.
THEMES & MESSAGES
Agile Airmen and Organiza(cid:415)ons Maximizing Talent and Capability A Ready, Resilient Force
The Air Force will increase agility by Our na(cid:415)on has the best Air Force in the The ul(cid:415)mate source of Air and Space
strengthening our culture of world and it is fundamental for us to combat capability resides in the men and
adaptability and innova(cid:415)on. con(cid:415)nue to maximize talent and capability women of the U.S. Air Force. We owe it
(cid:105)(cid:3) Elimina(cid:415)ng barriers ensures we are with a force of agile and inclusive Airmen. to ourselves, our Airmen and our Na(cid:415)on,
fully leveraging our skilled and (cid:105)(cid:3)Without a more crea(cid:415)ve and flexible to ensure a ready and resilient force.
innova(cid:415)ve Airmen and supports concept for service, we may find (cid:105)(cid:3)Our people are incredible. They are
retaining ready, resilient Airmen and ourselves out of step and face more technically savvy, commi(cid:425)ed to the
families. This op(cid:415)mizes our difficulty retaining the crea(cid:415)vity and mission and clever about how they
opera(cid:415)onal response abili(cid:415)es. innova(cid:415)on needed in leadership. accomplish it. When you combine
(cid:105)(cid:3)The more opportuni(cid:415)es Airmen have (cid:105)(cid:3)The Air Force must commit to a career these superstars with supervisors and
to broaden their skillsets, the more development model that provides a more commanders who support them and
capabili(cid:415)es they bring to the fight. sophis(cid:415)cated, tailored approach to families who enable them, you create
(cid:105)(cid:3) Fostering the spirit of innova(cid:415)on recruitment and reten(cid:415)on for highly- an incredible force of nature.
and inclusivity allows us to deliver desired skillsets. (cid:105)(cid:3)Ensuring the comprehensive wellness
global capability and maintain (cid:105)(cid:3)We con(cid:415)nuously review opportuni(cid:415)es to and resilience of our Airmen and
America’s advantage over strengthen the force. While some families supports the reten(cid:415)on and
adversaries. ini(cid:415)a(cid:415)ves are force-wide, others are readiness of our force.
(cid:105)(cid:3) Agility and inclusiveness prepares more targeted, but all have the same (cid:105)(cid:3)We remain commi(cid:425)ed to our Airmen
our force for the challenges of objec(cid:415)ve. Taken together, these will and their families. Where we can, we
tomorrow—not just the reali(cid:415)es of strengthen our compe(cid:415)(cid:415)ve posi(cid:415)on in will ease burdens and remove barriers.
today. the ba(cid:425)le for top talent.
Strengthening Comprehensive Family Benefits
“I’ve made a commitment to the men and
(cid:120) Establish a DoD-wide standard for (cid:120) Modify or install mothers’ rooms women in uniform, to President Obama and
paid maternity leave of 12 weeks (cid:120) Examine addi(cid:415)onal op(cid:415)ons for to the American people that as Secretary of
(cid:120) Seek authori(cid:415)es to expand paternity childcare services Defense, I will drive change to build what I
leave to 14 Days (cid:120) Seek authori(cid:415)es to allow service call the force of the future: the military and
(cid:120) Seek authori(cid:415)es to expand adop(cid:415)on members to remain at a sta(cid:415)on of the broader Defense Department that we
leave choice for family reasons need to serve and defend our country in
(cid:120) Extend childcare development center (cid:120) Provide egg and sperm years to come.”
hours to a 14-hour minimum cryopreserva(cid:415)on
Ashton B. Carter
Secretary of Defense
QQues(cid:415)ons & Answers
Q1: How will these changes affect readiness?
A1: These changes, like many others we’ve made, help ensure our high-performing
“This is the right thing to do. This
Airmen can con(cid:415)nue to serve. We are confident these programs will support a more
groundbreaking policy carefully balances our
ready and resilient force of the future.
priority focus on mission effectiveness with
Q2: How will these ini(cid:415)a(cid:415)ves help Airmen and their families?
ongoing efforts to attract and retain talent in
A2: We want our people to be able to balance two of the most solemn commitments
they can ever make: a commitment to serve their country and a commitment to start a changing workforce.”
and support a family. These ini(cid:415)a(cid:415)ves provide one more reason for Airmen to stay on
Deborah Lee James
board. We show them that suppor(cid:415)ng a family and serving our country are by no
Secretary of the Air Force
means incompa(cid:415)ble goals. These benefits provide the force greater confidence about
their future and they allow greater flexibility for families.
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BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Background: The Fiscal Year 2016 Na(cid:415)onal Defense Authoriza(cid:415)on Act included a blended military re(cid:415)rement system for all
military services. The change to a blended re(cid:415)rement system is a Department of Defense (DoD) led program and is a key step in
modernizing our ability to recruit, retain and maintain the talent we require of our Future Force. Furthermore, these changes
provide addi(cid:415)onal op(cid:415)ons to a(cid:425)ract and manage a military force that requires ever-increasing diverse and technical skill sets in an
evolving global economy. The current defined-benefit military re(cid:415)rement system is a significant incen(cid:415)ve in retaining a career
military force and has served us well for decades. Changes to the military re(cid:415)rement system will be perceived as a momentous
change to a tried and true system. For the first (cid:415)me, service members will automa(cid:415)cally contribute to their re(cid:415)rement plan from
their current compensa(cid:415)on. This change will ensure that more military members leave the service with re(cid:415)rement savings.
THEMES & MESSAGES
Who Will Be Impacted? Impacts to the All Volunteer Force Financial Educa(cid:415)on
Only service members who enter military The blended system preserves a nearly Financial educa(cid:415)on to the field is of utmost
service on or a(cid:332)er 1 January 2018 will equivalent or be(cid:425)er re(cid:415)rement benefit when importance as this change pertains to service
automa(cid:415)cally be covered by the blended service members reach the IRS re(cid:415)rement members’ financial future.
re(cid:415)rement system (BRS). age (currently 59 1/2 years). (cid:105)(cid:3) Deliberate financial educa(cid:415)on is
(cid:105)(cid:3) Everyone who is currently serving—as (cid:105)(cid:3) The essen(cid:415)al elements of the new paramount for those who must choose
well as those who enter the force on or blended re(cid:415)rement system are the same between the current and blended
before 31 December 2017—is for both the ac(cid:415)ve and the reserve re(cid:415)rement systems because op(cid:415)ng-in or
grandfathered under the current military component member. remaining in the current High-3 system is
re(cid:415)rement system. (cid:105)(cid:3) The new system is a blend of a 20-year an irrevocable decision.
(cid:105)(cid:3) Any member who has fewer than 12 cliff-vested defined benefit annuity with a (cid:105)(cid:3) DoD is currently dra(cid:332)ing a detailed
years of service on 31 December 2017 defined contribu(cid:415)on plan that allows financial educa(cid:415)on strategy that will
may elect to remain under the current service members to contribute to a Thri(cid:332) include training on the new re(cid:415)rement
military re(cid:415)rement system or choose to Savings Plan (TSP) account that is system tailored to both Ac(cid:415)ve and
opt into the new blended system. transferable a(cid:332)er separa(cid:415)on from the Reserve Component forces.
(cid:105)(cid:3) Reserve Component members’ military. (cid:105)(cid:3) In addi(cid:415)on to financial educa(cid:415)on, DoD
“re(cid:415)rement points” and re(cid:415)rement (cid:105)(cid:3) The new system adds a variable cash will provide both an Ac(cid:415)ve and Reserve
eligibility for the defined benefit are the incen(cid:415)ve or con(cid:415)nua(cid:415)on pay, in exchange Component calculator to assist eligible
same under the blended system as for 4 years of obligated service, and service members in making a decision to
under the current Final Pay and High-3 op(cid:415)ons for lump sum payments. Details either opt-in to the new blended system
re(cid:415)rement systems. for implemen(cid:415)ng these op(cid:415)ons are s(cid:415)ll in or remain in the current system.
development.
Milestones Cost Savings
(cid:120) Jan 16 — DoD website ac(cid:415)vated (cid:120) The blended re(cid:415)rement system will “The new blended retirement system will
offer the opportunity for our Airmen who
(cid:120) Summer 16 — DoD plans to start Total achieve real tangible savings to the
serve less than 20 years to earn retirement
Force online BRS training DoD over 10 years:
benefits. Previously, roughly 81% of our
(cid:120) 1 Jan 18—New blended military
(cid:13)(cid:3) Approximately $4.8B from FY17-26
Airmen left the Air Force with no retirement
re(cid:415)rement system goes into effect
(cid:13)(cid:3) Annual DoD budget savings in benefits. Now they can leave the service
(cid:120) 31 Dec 18 — Deadline for Service
steady state (through the year with a transferable retirement fund, and they
members with less than 12 years of
service to opt in to the new system 2048) are projected to be $1B deserve it. We'll have to continue to monitor
its impact on retention in the future, but
QQues(cid:415)ons & Answers
we're confident this will be as good and
Q1: Why the change in re(cid:415)rement systems for military service members?
could be better for some Airmen who serve
A1: Currently, approximately 81% of all military members leave with no re(cid:415)rement
a full career and retire, and no question
benefit. Under the blended military re(cid:415)rement system, approximately 85% of those
much better for our Airmen who choose to
who join will receive a re(cid:415)rement benefit, even if they leave before qualifying for full
serve for an enlistment or two.”
re(cid:415)rement.
Q2: How many people would receive some type of re(cid:415)rement with this plan? CMSAF James A. Cody
A2: Ves(cid:415)ng occurs upon the beginning of 3 years of service. This would ensure that Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
approximately 85 percent of service members would receive some measure of
re(cid:415)rement benefit. About 15 percent of service members separate before comple(cid:415)ng
2 years of service.
Q3: How will the TSP matching work for service members under the new system? For current informa(cid:415)on and FAQs
A3: Upon entry, Service members will be automa(cid:415)cally enrolled into a Tradi(cid:415)onal TSP on the Blended Re(cid:415)rement
account with 3% of their basic pay going into their account. DoD will contribute 1%
System from the Office of the
once a service member has completed 60 days of service. A(cid:332)er comple(cid:415)ng 2 years of
Secretary of Defense, visit
service, DoD will match service member contribu(cid:415)ons up to 4% of their basic pay (plus
militarypay.defense.gov.
the 1% automa(cid:415)c contribu(cid:415)on). DoD matching will con(cid:415)nue un(cid:415)l the member
separates, re(cid:415)res, or reaches 26 years of service, whichever occurs first.
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WOMEN IN SERVICE REVIEW: PHASE III
Background: In January 2013, DOD leaders rescinded the 1994 Direct Combat Defini(cid:415)on and Assignment Rule. As part of the
Women in Service Review, the SECDEF directed the services and USSOCOM to develop plans consistent with their guiding principles
for recommenda(cid:415)ons (or excep(cid:415)on to policy) to open occupa(cid:415)ons and posi(cid:415)ons to women and to validate occupa(cid:415)onal standards
by Sept. 30, 2015. On Dec.3, 2015, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced the opening of all occupa(cid:415)ons to men and women in
the U.S. military. On Jan. 4, 2016, the Air Force began execu(cid:415)ng the final Implementa(cid:415)on Plan for Full Integra(cid:415)on of Women in the
Air Force and began recrui(cid:415)ng women into previously-closed career fields and posi(cid:415)ons.
THEMES & MESSAGES
Removing Barriers Maximizing Talent and Capability Training Ready, Resilient Airmen
The decision to open all career fields to Today’s Air Force is globally engaged and Ul(cid:415)mately we exist to deter and defend, and
women is, by itself, not sufficient for full responsive despite being at its smallest to fight and win America’s wars.
integra(cid:415)on. This decision is the size in history. We con(cid:415)nue to focus our (cid:105)(cid:3)The Air Force is commi(cid:425)ed to successful
con(cid:415)nua(cid:415)on of a deliberate, efforts on readiness across the full integra(cid:415)on. We will not sacrifice mission
performance, unit readiness, cohesion or
methodical, evidenced-based, and spectrum of opera(cid:415)ons. This means we
quality of the All-Volunteer Force.
itera(cid:415)ve process that ensures combat must maximize our talent and capability.
(cid:105)(cid:3)Air Force tests and standards have not
effec(cid:415)veness and protects the welfare (cid:105)(cid:3) With women comprising 19 percent
changed based on the decision to open all
of the force. of the Air Force, the highest of any
career fields to women.
(cid:105)(cid:3) The bo(cid:425)om line is to ensure all service, we want to be sure to
(cid:105)(cid:3)When we opened our Ba(cid:425)lefield Airman
qualified Airmen are given viable maximize the talents of all our
career fields on Jan. 4, 2016, the
career paths and the opportunity to personnel. standards in place were the same
succeed. (cid:105)(cid:3) The ability to recruit from a larger standards used previously.
(cid:105)(cid:3) Equal opportunity does not available pool of skilled and qualified (cid:105)(cid:3)The Air Force will, as it always has, review
guarantee equal par(cid:415)cipa(cid:415)on by individuals maximizes our military new data and con(cid:415)nuously look for
men and women in all special(cid:415)es. capability by ensuring no segment of poten(cid:415)al ways to improve our
assessments and training processes.
There will be no quotas. the popula(cid:415)on is excluded from this
(cid:105)(cid:3) The six Air Force career fields opportunity. (cid:105)(cid:3)The Air Force completed an in-depth
study to scien(cid:415)fically measure Ba(cid:425)lefield
recently opened to women are: (cid:105)(cid:3) The key is to seek out and recruit
Airmen occupa(cid:415)onal physical standards
Combat Rescue Officers, Special those who have the drive, desire and
by directly observing, measuring, and
Tac(cid:415)cs Officers, Pararescue, Combat ability to qualify and educate all who quan(cid:415)fying opera(cid:415)onal mission tasks and
Control, Tac(cid:415)cal Air Control Party, are interested on the available requirements.
and Special Opera(cid:415)ons Weather. opportuni(cid:415)es to serve.
QQues(cid:415)ons & Answers
“This decision means that we will be able
Q1: Did the Air Force submit any excep(cid:415)ons to policy? What would jus(cid:415)fy an
to maximize our military effectiveness
excep(cid:415)on?
because we’ll be able to draw from a larger
A1: The Air Force did not submit any excep(cid:415)ons to policy. As laid out in the Jan. pool of skilled and qualified individuals. The
24, 2013 rescission memo, excep(cid:415)ons must be narrowly tailored and based on a bottom line is to ensure the force’s future
rigorous analysis of factual data regarding the knowledge, skills and abili(cid:415)es success based on validated, gender neutral
needed for the posi(cid:415)on. standards.”
Q2: Have physical standards changed for the special opera(cid:415)ons posi(cid:415)ons? Deborah Lee James
Secretary of the Air Force
A2: Our physical standards have not changed, and will not change based on
career fields opening to women. Our current Ba(cid:425)lefield Airmen physical fitness
standards have also been validated to (cid:415)e to Ba(cid:425)lefield Airmen physical
“Our Air Force is more effective when
occupa(cid:415)onal standards. When we opened our Ba(cid:425)lefield Airman career fields on
success is based on ability, qualifications, and
Jan. 4, 2016, the standards in place were the same standards used previously.
mission performance. While not everyone
Those same will be used to assess all members. The Air Force will, as it always aspires to be a Battlefield Airman, those who
has, review new data and con(cid:415)nuously look for poten(cid:415)al ways to improve our have the desire and are qualified will be
assessments and training processes. afforded an opportunity to serve in those
Q3: How will the Air Force recruit women in these fields? specialties in our Air Force. As with any new
policy, implementation will take time and will
A3: The Air Force does not recruit by gender. The recrui(cid:415)ng process currently
be done in a deliberate and responsible
used to recruit males in the Ba(cid:425)lefield Airmen occupa(cid:415)ons will also be used in
manner.”
recrui(cid:415)ng females. Recruiters may focus on a(cid:425)ending high propensity spor(cid:415)ng
General Mark A. Welsh III
events that demonstrate athle(cid:415)c and mental toughness needed in our Ba(cid:425)lefield
Air Force Chief of Staff
Airmen, such as a(cid:425)ending water polo, wrestling, etc.
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