Retraining program demands timeliness Published Aug. 4, 2006 By Dylan Laurie 16th SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The 2007 non commissioned officer retraining program began July 26 as the Air Force seeks to fill more than 1,100 shortage career field and special-duty positions. Thirty-seven NCOs here were notified of their vulnerability to retrain and must submit their shortage career field choices or apply for a special-duty assignment identifier no later than Sept. 18. Master Sgt. Dorothea Singleton, 16th Comptroller Squadron, was notified of her susceptibility to retrain out of finance. Her list only has six jobs to choose from. "I wouldn't mind something like contracting, where I could use what I already know, but it's not available to me," Sergeant Singleton said. "I'm just looking at what my options are right now before I make a decision." According to Sergeant Singleton, the Hurlburt Field career assistance advisors are very helpful at offering avenues to explore in situations like hers. Master Sgt. Mayra Casanova, 16th Mission Support Squadron career assistance advisor, explained to Sergeant Singleton the possibility of retraining for a special-duty assignment, such as recruiting, postal duty, military training instructor or professional military education instructor. "A special-duty assignment will get her out of that Air Force specialty code for two to three years, maybe more, depending upon where she decides to go," said Sergeant Casanova. "That will take her out of the fire and put her in a totally different slot three or four years from now." There are more than 50 positions on the special-duty list; however, special-duty positions will be reserved for the cream of the crop, said Sergeant Casanova. "Most special duties fall into that category," said Sergeant Casanova. "They are going to look at their records, letters of recommendation, and, if they qualify, physicals, EPRs, and medical records." Vulnerability listings by grade and AFSC are posted on the Virtual Military Personnel Flight website at ww-w.ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/. By clicking on their grade or projected grade, NCOs may view their ranking on the vulnerability list and apply for retraining through Virtual MPF. Once on Virtual MPF, Sergeant Casanova stresses the importance of looking at the 2007 "Objective In" category under the retraining advisory for the correct availabilities. "During the voluntary phase, members have the opportunity to set the course of their future as Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Christine Williams, chief of the Air Force Personnel Center enlisted skills management branch. "Many Airmen failed to act during the voluntary phase in 2006, and ultimately, 36 of those Airmen were separated under the involuntary NCORP phase." Sergeant Casanova urges NCOs to turn in their choices for retraining as quickly as possible if they hope to get the career choice they want. "It's whoever submits the paperwork first - first come, first served," Sergeant Casa-nova said. "It's like a chess game. Come Sept. 18, the Air Force will put those who haven't (chosen a career field) in checkmate." If voluntary measures are unsuccessful, the Air Staff will implement Phase II, in-voluntary retraining. In Phase II, individuals identified as vulnerable in AFSCs not meeting retraining-out objectives and without approved retraining or assignment to a special duty identifier by Sept. 18, will be involuntarily retrained. The Air Force will be looking at getting about 70 percent of those notified to retrain on their own accord before they resort to involuntary retraining, according to Sergeant Casanova. "It's important for all Airmen to understand once they are identified for retraining in Phase I, they will continue to be vulnerable in Phase II unless they are retrained, released or separated from military service," said Master Sgt. Greg McClain, AFPC enlisted skills management branch superintendent. For more information, Airmen should contact their Commander's Support Staff, the base career assistance advisor or the Air Force Contact Center at (800) 665-5000. (Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs contributed to this article.)