Some civilian employees get early retirement, separation opportunity Published Nov. 20, 2009 By Sandra Pishner 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash., -- Some civilian employees of the 446th Airlift Wing are eligible for the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program or the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority due to manning reductions in the wing. Applications for wither the VSIP or the VERA will be accepted through Dec. 6. This is a firm deadline and there will be no exceptions. To get an application, go to the SharePoint Web site for the 62nd Force Support Squadron's Civilian Personnel Flight and click on "VSIP/VERA Application." Employees approved for this program could receive a lump sum incentive payment of up to $25,000, before taxes, as part of their early departure. VERA is designed to help reshape or reduce the workforce. It creates vacancies for placement of current employees who my be subject to involuntary separation by a later reduction in force. For some employees, taking the VERA means their government retirement annuity may be reduced. "To be clear, this opportunity is only available to fulltime employees (both civilian employees and air reserve technicians)," said Capt. Vanessa Balint, 446th Mission Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight commander. "Additionally, officers are not eligible for either program because of the standing mobility agreement with Air Force Reserve Command." While other employees can also apply and possibly be accepted for this program, this offering of the VERA/VISP targets employees in the following series and grade positions: GS-0301-09 GS-0343-09 GS-2101-09 GS-2185-09 GS-2185-10 WG-8268-10 WG-8602-10 WG-2604-11 WG-2610-12 "While this program is being offered specifically for some grades and series, other employees working in the 446th can also apply and possibly be accepted for eligible participation if they can save an individual working in the targeted grades and series," said Captain Balint. "Their participation would be limited and contingent on the placement of a qualified employee into their vacant position. These will be looked at on a case-by-case basis." The 62nd Force Support Squadrons Civilian Personnel Flight will compile applications, and identify and approve candidates between Dec. 7-18. The employee notification process and acceptance or rejection of the offers will take place between Dec. 19, 2009 and March 31, 2010. Those employees approved for VSIP/VERA will be off the employment rolls no later than March 21, 2010. For details about the VSIP/VERA, see the DoD Web site: http://www.cpms.osd.mil/care/vsipvera.aspx For questions, contact the 62nd FSS Civilian Personnel Flight at 982-3277, 982-5685, or 982-5684.