Some Air Reserve Technicians are balking at the recent rule change that means they would have to don Air Force uniforms—and embrace all that goes with that—to go to work every day. The Delaware State News reports that ARTs at Dover AFB, Del., where they are employed in full-time civilian jobs, believe the Air Force has gone to far. The recent rule change means they would have to wear their uniforms while working in their civilian status instead of just during their actual Reserve duty. The Air Force sees the move as extending its effort to make the active and reserve components more “seamless.” However, the Delaware newspaper indicates there could be union concerns and that the change has sparked Congressional interest.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.