Noteboom The Law Firm

Air Force RIF Board Dismissed Over 400 Officers

According to an article in the Air Force Times, over 400 soldiers enlisted in the Air Force were notified on October 24 that they were selected to leave the service. About 430 Captains and Majors were told their last day in the Air Force would not be any later than March 1, 2012.

The decision came through a reduction-in-force (RIF) board, which evaluated 8,842 officers. The board previously turned down about 650 officers for their Voluntary Separation Program (VSP), which provides the opportunity to separate from the service earlier than planned for those soldiers in "overmanned year groups and career fields."

In the end, the board cut 69 majors and 367 captains. The Air Force announced earlier in the year the RIF were likely and it would affect approximately 10% of their entire force. This RIF ended up cutting less than 5% of that initial target number. This is largely because many officers who were "RIF-eligible" had already taken advantage of the VSP.

For those that the RIF board selected, full separation pay is provided. They will also be given 2 years of privileges at their base exchange and commissary. Additionally, every soldier and their dependents will be given post-separation medical benefits for 180 days.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.