The Air Force announced last week that it will eliminate another 4,500 civilian positions, marking the end of its Fiscal 2012 civilian workforce restructure. The reduction follows the realignment, first announced in November, that cut 9,000 positions, but added 5,900 other jobs to address the Air Force’s top priorities. “We value our talented and experienced workforce and are trying to do everything possible to manage these reductions with as little impact to our people as possible,” said Air Force Secretary Michael Donley. To reach the new goal, officials are encouraging civilian employees to take advantage of voluntary separations and retirements. “Once we exhaust all voluntary force management measures, a determination will be made whether or not a [reduction in force] is necessary,” said Brig. Gen. Gina Grosso, the Air Staff’s director of manpower, organization, and resources. “We hope to have more information in the spring.” (SAF/PA report by Ann Stefanek)
A new White House policy calls for the Pentagon to craft plans for additional space launch facilities to support a projected increase in launch demand that could see the U.S. supporting as many as 1,000 launches by 2030, more than a fivefold increase from 2025.