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NCO Retraining Program

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Damaris Quintiliani
  • 20th Force Support Squadron
The fiscal year 2013 NCO retraining program was released on July 30, 2012. This program has effected more than 1300 Air Force personnel; more than 100 of which are from Shaw.

The personnel on the Master Vulnerability List are Staff Sgts. through Master Sgts., from various Air Force Specialty Codes and have time in service and grade that vary greatly. This article will address some of the most frequently asked questions, and provide a more detailed explanation for those effected, their supervisors and commanders.

FAQ

Q: What if I receive a Selective Reenlistment Bonus for my current AFSC?

A: Paraphrased from an AFPC message dated July 30, 2012 if currently receiving an SRB, one may volunteer to retrain, but must have already served 50 percent of your current enlistment (in SRB AFSC) and apply for an exception to policy. If volunteering, the unearned portion of the bonus will be recouped, and anniversary payments will cease.

If an Airman has not served 50 percent of the current enlistment, he or she is forbidden by Title 37 USC 308: Special pay, to volunteer for retraining--however, an Airman may be selected to retrain into an undermanned AFSC during the involuntary phase of NCORP (Phase II), because of a special provision granted by Congress. As explained in AFI 36-2606, paragraph 4.10.5.2, if an Airman is identified to retrain in Phase II (involuntary), all SRB provisions are waived if selected to retrain into any AFSC, regardless of whether the AFSC has a lower, equal to, or higher SRB.

Q: Where can I find the available AFSCs to retrain into?
A: The Retraining Advisory is a compiled listing of all enlisted AFSCs which currently have a quota to fill. The list is located on myPers (via the Air Force Portal), under "retraining".

Q: Do I have to retake my ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to retrain? What is the AFCT (Armed Forces Classification Test)?

A: If volunteering for an AFSC with higher AFCT requirements, the Air Force Personnel Center may ask for the test to be retaken, but it is not a requirement to retake it just to apply for retraining. If AFPC asks for the AFCT to be taken again, you may check out study guides from the McElveen Library Professional Military Education area to help prepare for the test.

The AFCT is a compilation of several multiple choice tests, quite similar to the ASVAB, and administered to help Airmen improve ASVAB scores for retraining opportunities.
Q: What is the process for applying for retraining?

A: Applying for retraining is a multi-step process, which requires a bit of legwork for the applicant.

Do research:

1. AFSC research can be accomplished through search engines online, or by reviewing the Air Force Enlisted Classification Directory (AFECD) dated Aug. 1, 2012. Ensure that the AFSCs have quotas by also looking at the retraining advisory on myPers.

2. Choose up to five AFSCs, and rank them one through five (one being the ultimate job, five being an okay job). These AFSCs will be entered into the retraining application on vMPF/myPers-once entered, hit "Submit". It may take AFPC up to 10 days to respond (under normal circumstances, during NCORP allow up to 20 days).

Do paperwork:

3. Retrieve email from AFPC and print checklists for each of the "yes" AFSCs. Some items that may need completing before submission of completed package are, AF Form 422 (public health), a typing test (find a free one online and print results), and perhaps an interview with the office of primary responsibility (OPR) . Once all checklist items are complete, the package may be submitted to AFPC for review.

Wait:

4. AFPC reviews retraining packages the third week of the month. Packages will meet the board for an entire quarter if not immediately selected. The retrainee will be notified of selection or non-selection.

5. A class date will be given once approved for retraining, and can be scheduled out several months or as soon as 120 days.

Q: Can I apply for a Base of Preference (BOP) in conjunction with retraining?

A: Yes. IAW AFI 36-2110, Attachment 2, paragraph A2.3., career Airmen can apply for a BOP if the general eligibility criteria are met, and there are no restrictions.

Voluntary applications will be accepted through Oct. 5., however, Airmen in restricted career fields will only be able to apply for specific career fields and will also have a shorter Phase I application window: July 30 through Sept. 3. The involuntary phase (Phase II) begins immediately after the voluntary phase. Airmen should check the MVL for weekly updates on vMPF.

Please direct your Base of Preference or assignment questions to the Military Personnel Section assignments team at 895-1585.

Your Team Shaw career assistance advisor, Master Sgt. Damaris Quintiliani, can help with AFSC specific questions and individual counseling. Please contact Master Sgt Damaris Quintiliani at Damaris.quintiliani@us.af.mil or by phone at 895-4728.