OCR Text |
Show Page 38 HILL TOP TIMES November Retention has been a major Air Force concern over the past two years. In 1978 dramatic increases in pilot losses highlighted, the problem and, since then, unfavorable loss rates developed in other officer and airman career areas. After an initial flurry of activity to determine the reasons why personnel were leaving the Air Force, numerous initiatives were explored and many implemented to help ease the concerns identified. A major effort to work the retention issues has continued. At the senior staff levels (first tier), legislative proposals to improve basic pay and certain entitlements have received strong attention. The Chief of Staff and other members of the Air Staff have aggressively and publicly voiced the need for increases in basic pay and allowances and other areas that support the "quality of Air Force life." These efforts resulted, most visibly, in an increase in the pay raise for FY80 from 5.5 percent to 7 percent. In addition, lump sum bonus payments and junior enlisted travel entitlements to overseas areas have been authorized Other legislative proposals with comparably significant benefits are now being considered by the Congress and have generated substantial support. Among these are: future pay raises that would restore comparability with the civilian sector; increased bonus authority, variable housing 26, 1980 allowances and travel allowances; improved educational benefits; and per diem equity for enlisted people At the second tier, the Air Staff, Air Force Military Personnel Center and major commands have made many policy changes to counter the effects of increased losses and distortions in the force structure caused by low officer and enlisted accessions during the 8 period. Major commands were given authority to approve, selectively, two-yecontinuation waivers. In addition, extensions of up to 23 months for personal reasons were approved for first and second term airmen, and second term and career airmen were permitted to reenlist one year priot to ETS. Other changes lowered decision making levels, simplified administrative procedures to permit career advisors to focus more attention on actual advising, and reduced artificial barriers to career development. Some examples are: consolidated base personnel office chiefs were given waiver authority for Transaction Reporting and Control; the CAREERS waiting list was eliminated; and the requirement for issuing a DD Form 214 was abolished when an individual separates to reenlist. The third tier involves actions by base level 1974-197- ar authorites commanders, supervisors, career advisors, and others in a position to influence career decisions. It is at this level that the intengible and too often underestimated personal contact occurs. It is at this level where constructive training is provided and personnel are to take advantage of encouraged educational and other programs to enhance career progression. It is at this level that people in a position of MOT-US-E direct influence can provide accurate information and dispel misconceptions. This includes saying "Let's find out" when you don't know the answer. It is at this level that the rationale for personnel programs and policies are explained with the "needs of the Air Force" given appropriate consideration. It is at this level where the positive aspects service and the determined efforts to improve the quality of Air Force life can best be pointed out as counters to some of the negative factors that may exist. And it is at this level that career planning is where personalized and made meaningful and in others commanders, supervisors, needs authority can say, "The Air Force of military you." This three-tiere- d effort, when aggressively and intelligently pursued, has enormous potential to improve retention. We all have a vital investment in the Air Force. Let's protect it! (Career Advisory News) 01 3 DAYS ONLY I FM.-SAT.-MO- N. MiCOWAVtOVEN ... the Another Amana first Exclusive ROTAWAVEitmi Cooking System! Now Only Model F1H-7- o 3.S57 3bAua 1HE FURNITURE Subject to merchandise in stock 22 SOUTH MAIN-CLEARFIEL- 825-162- PEOPLE -- D 6 2 OSS' I n iX 1 If LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP IN OUR VIDEO DISCOUNT CLUB YIITII THE PURCHASE OF AIIY RECORDER OR CAFAERA FROFA WIS AD. AS A CLUB MEMBER YOU CAN SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS Oil MOVIE RENTAL ' -- , PANASONIC 0 PORTABLE VIDEO RECORDER "fZtti r Super light weight mifh larirnnir tuner, timer and built-i- n charger. Battery or AC. Record un t 10 6 nr- - sun irame. sio-m- o and remote pause. JVC 1 ,099 2 U VIDSTAR VIDEO RECORDER hr6 hr, 7 day6 program, electronic tuning, ipin piiy. lQ95 VJE NOV HAVE BETA MOVIES Blank VHS Tapes 13.95 0 Irame. 0 PANASONIC DELUXE COLOR CAMERA New, lightweight, with 1 power-zoolens,' c iris, telescopic mike. Any Club Membership purchased between now and Dec. 14 is a lifetime membership. NO ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE. shop Is 799 360 South Stato, Cloarfiold HOURS: Mon-Fri- 128 - sat. lu-- B 0H a V 0 Av ) X |