The 2006 Force Shaping Board has identified 843 junior officers who must leave the service by Sept. 29. According to officials at Air Force Personnel Center, the officers will receive personal notification of their retention status by May 10. The board started its review on April 10, comparing the records of 2,083 junior officers in the 2002 and 2003 years groups. Officials say the officers still remain eligible to apply for the Blue to Green (Air Force to Army) or Palace Chase (active to reserves) programs.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.