More than 900 noncommissioned officers in overmanned career fields will need to cross train or risk being forced out of the service. Airmen in overmanned career fields can volunteer to switch jobs from now until July 7, but if the force does not balance itself out officials with the Air Force Personnel Center will begin selecting the most qualified airmen for mandatory cross training, states a June 7 release. During the second phase of the initiative, AFPC will select staff sergeants through master sergeants who meet specific criteria and move them to a different career field, said MSgt. April Little, 355th Force Support Squadron career advisor at Davis Monthan AFB, Ariz., in the release. “NCOs who have been in the career field for a shorter period of time and have just put on staff, tech, or master will be the most vulnerable as long as they meet all other requirements.”
Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd III met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines to discuss bolstering defense ties on May 2. The discussion included plans for joint F-35 exercises with Japan and Australia in the coming years.