Limited retirement and separation incentives offered to Reserve Command civilians Published May 2, 2012 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Air Force Reserve Command is participating in the third round of the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Program. However, command personnel officials said they are anticipating a relatively low number of offers. AFRC personnel officials expect few offers because the command absorbed most of the position cuts without impacting the workforce. The command did not take part in the first and second rounds of the VERA/VSIP, according to Rob Cruz, AFRC human resource specialist. "This round of VERA/VSIP gives AFRC flexibility not available in previous rounds," said Cruz, citing the ability to apply separation incentives across activities and not limiting them by installation. The offers are made once all placement actions have been exhausted, he added. People eligible for VERA/VSIP were to receive a survey May 1 and will have until May 14 to reply if they are interested in participation. "Once all placement options are exhausted at the local civilian personnel office, we will survey the population for interest in VERA/VSIP. Once that survey is complete, we'll know how many offers will be made. We don't anticipate many offers because the command doesn't have many reductions this round," Cruz said. If a person's application is approved, the person will retire or separate by Aug. 31. "In simplest form, this means someone at one base who applies for and is approved to receive VSIP could do so, opening a billet that can be filled by someone at another location whose position is being impacted by a reduction or restructuring program," Cruz said The command issued the following basic guidelines for VERA/VSIP participation: -Air reserve technician officers are not authorized to apply for VERA/VSIP. -VERA/VSIP must be tied to a position reduction or restructuring effort. -If an employee who separates with a VERA/VSIP before the date of the position loss, backfills of that position will not be permitted. -Force structure announcement reductions will not likely coincide with VERA/VSIP round 3. -Civilian personnel sections must follow Air Force Personnel Center guidance and established timelines. -VERA/VSIP includes exceptions to the Priority Placement Program across activity lines. Cruz said round 3 will not be the command's last opportunity to use VERA/VSIP to minimize the negative impacts on the civilian workforce. More information is available by calling the VERA/VSIP hotline at 478-327-1324 or DSN 497-1324.