USAF Also Seeks Rebalance in Civilian Jobs

In a continuing effort to meet Defense Department funding targets and rebalance the civilian workforce, some Air Force installations will implement civilian reduction in force authorities effective through April 4.

Following a major command needs assessment in early August, more than 1,000 civilian overages were identified across 48 Air Force installations going into fiscal year 2016. Having the RIF authorities will assist in the placement of employees not assigned against funded positions and allow greater flexibilities for employees to be placed at their installations while retaining their grade or pay.

“Voluntary efforts to balance the civilian workforce since fiscal year 2014 have moved us significantly closer to our target manning levels,” said Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, the deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. “We have reduced the number of affected employees through several rounds of voluntary separation and retirement programs as well as reassignments to vacant positions.”

Overage positions have been reduced through pre-RIF placements, hiring controls and several rounds of Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay in fiscal years 2014 and 2015. The Air Force no longer has the ability to carry overages when the position is not funded and will use RIF authorities to help place most of the remaining civilians on funded positions.

The RIF authority allows each location to use additional placement options such as: change to lower grade, retain pay/retain grade protections, and waiver of qualifications to place additional affected employees. The remaining employees will be offered registration in the DOD Priority Placement Program and receive consideration for future vacancies according to their registration.

“Although we have made great strides, we still have a number of affected employees to place into funded vacancies, and RIF authorities will enable us to achieve that goal,” said Debra Warner, the director of civilian force management policy. “The Air Force recognizes and strives to balance the invaluable contributions of our civilian workforce with the fiscal realities under which the DOD and the government as a whole are operating.”

The processes available use RIF procedures to determine employee placement rights into vacancies as well as provide the flexibility to waive qualifications to create more placement options.

“We will take care of our civilian Airmen by using every possible measure to minimize personal financial hardship for our civilian workforce and their families,” Grosso said. “We are committed to assisting each individual through this transition.”

The fiscal 2016 civilian RIF implementation is separate from sequestration actions.

Aerospace Programs at Bates Technical College

Aerospace Programs at Bates Technical College 

Classes start January 4!

Information Sessions*
Friday, November 20, 2015
9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

Friday, December 4, 2015
9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

Friday, December 18, 2015
9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

Bates Technical College
1101 S. Yakima Ave Tacoma, WA 98405
Main Building, 3rd Floor Room 316

*Be prepared to complete CASAS Assessment and bring your 2014 Tax documents to complete your Financial Aid Application.

For more information, please contact Joanne Lee or call 253.680.7203

Camo2Commerce Top 3-Finalist for National Award

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced that Camo2Commerce is one of three finalists for the 5th Annual Hiring Our Heroes Capital One Award for Small Business Veteran and Military Spouse Employment.

Camo2Commerce is among 21 finalists nominated for six awards because of demonstrated efforts to connect veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with meaningful employment opportunities both within the company and throughout the private sector.

“Camo2Commerce has been a true small business leader in the movement to hire and support our nation’s veterans and military spouses,” said Eric Eversole, a vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes.

Camo2Commerce understands the value in hiring the men and women who have served our country and has dedicated extraordinary efforts toward improving the lives of America’s veterans and military spouses.”

The Hiring Our Heroes awards are given in six categories: Veteran and Military Spouse Employment; Post-9/11 Veteran Employment; Wounded Veteran and Military Caregiver Employment; Military Spouse Employment and Mentoring; Small Business Veteran and Military Spouse Employment; and Individual Leadership.


This year’s finalists are:

• Capital One Award for Small Business Veteran and Military Spouse Employment, for demonstrated leadership by a small business or organization (less than 500 employees) in hiring veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses: Afterburner Inc.; Camo2Commerce; Greencastle Associates Consulting
• Lee Anderson Veteran and Military Spouse Employment Award, for overall excellence in hiring and retaining veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses: Comcast NBCUniversal; Hospital Corporation of America (HCA); Union Pacific Railroad
• Steve Robinson Post-9/11 Veteran Employment Award, for effective and sustained efforts to enhance the ability of post-9/11 veterans and transitioning service members to find meaningful employment: Hilton Worldwide; J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.; PNC Bank; Roush Enterprises; Starbucks
• Don Weber Wounded Veteran and Military Caregiver Employment Award, for demonstrated leadership in addressing the unique challenges and demands for wounded, ill, and injured veterans as well as military caregivers in their search for meaningful employment: APi Group Inc.; Ryder Systems; SunTrust Bank
• Military Spouse Employment and Mentoring Award, for demonstrated hiring, mentorship, and support of military spouses in their search for meaningful employment: First Command Financial Services; Prudential Financial; United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
• Colonel Michael Endres Leadership Award for Individual Excellence in Veteran Employment, for an individual who has gone above and beyond to make a difference in employment opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses: Mike Kelly, Assistant Vice President for Military Advocacy, USAA; Keith Nattrass, GM Military & Veteran Affairs, Global Diversity, General Motors; Blayne Smith, Executive Director, Team Red, White & Blue; Kris Urbauer, Program Manager for Military Recruiting, General Electric.

The Hiring Our Heroes Awards Committee will select the winners, which will be announced on November 10, 2015.

Since Hiring Our Heroes began in March 2011, more than 1,500 companies have hired 27,200 veterans and military spouses as a result of 900 hiring events. In March 2012, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Capital One launched Hiring 500,000 Heroes, a national campaign to engage the business community in committing to hire half a million veterans and military spouses by the end of 2014. This milestone was achieved in June 2015 when more than 500,000 veteran and military spouse hires were confirmed.

WA Ranks 7th in Defense Receipts

A two-volume DoD report on 2014 military spending reveals Fairfax County, VA, is the top recipient for defense dollars, raking in $19.1 billion on contracts and money earned by uniformed and civilian workers. Rounding out the top five are San Diego County, CA; Tarrant County, TX; Los Angeles County, CA, and Santa Clara County, CA.

The report shows why states fight so hard for military bases and business. On average, states received $8.2 billion in defense spending. Virginia received $54.7 billion, making up 11.8 percent of the state’s gross domestic product.

Read the report: Part 1 and Part 2 .

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WA Service Member for Life Two

Washington State Service Member for Life Transition Summit

Tuesday, September 22, 2015 - 9:00am to Thursday, September 24, 2015 - 4:00pm
Hiring Our Heroes
Joint Base Lewis-McChord,
WA 98433 United States

See map: Google Maps

Join us at the Washington State Service Member for Life Transition Summit at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

This three-day summit brings together key federal and state agencies, influential military leaders, innovators in the business and employer community, and local community leaders with transitioning service members, veterans, and their families.

This summit features participation by and speakers from the Washington State government including the Washington State Department of Commerce, The Office of Governor Jay Inslee, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Labor' Veteran Employment and Training Service, the Joint Services Support-Washington National Guard, the U.S. Army's Soldier for Life and Installation Management Command, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Camo 2 Commerce, the U.S. Department of Defense's Transition to Veterans Program Office, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, the Washington State Military Transition Council, and local chambers of commerce, as well as the launch of the Onward to Opportunity program.

The three-day transition summit will feature seminars, roundtables, panel events, recruiter training, and facilitated discussions focused on improving competitive employment for service members, veterans, and military spouses in addition to networking opportunities for all involved.

• Day 1 is for senior leaders including companies and employers, senior military leaders (O-3/E-6 or above), local support organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development groups, CEOs and regional support organizations.
• Day 2 will focus on Transitioning Service Members, Family Members, National Guard and Reserve Members and Veterans looking for employment.
• Day 3 will bring together job seekers, employers, and other leaders and culminate in a hiring fair, college and apprenticeship fair, and small business fair.

This summit is held with support from Starbucks, Capital One, First Data, and Camo2Commerce.
Employers: Learn how to make the most of these Transition Summits here.

REGISTRATION
? Job Seekers, Employers, and Service Organizations: Click here to register.

Why register? Job seekers can upload their resumes to be viewed by employers ahead of the event.

For general questions about Hiring Our Heroes, please visit our FAQ page or email us.

OEA Announces Job in WA

This JOB ANNOUNCEMENT for the open OEA Grant position that provides technical support to the over 1900 defense businesses in WA as they look to continue contracting with DOD or diversify into other sectors and markets.

This position is an integral part of the current DOD OEA grant that you all supported last year and will play an important role in advancing this effort in the state over the next year, including supporting the roll out of the defense supply chain mapping data.

This position is based in Seattle and intended to work closely with PTAC, PNDC and NDIA, as well as the sector lead program and our ADO network, in their efforts to support the military and defense sector businesses in WA.This will include efforts in the proposed Trade & Export grant amendment effort.

If you know of anyone who may be interested or are willing to send this out to your networks, it would be greatly appreciated.

The position closes next Thursday, 20 AUGUST.

Pierce County Talks JBLM's Forces Reduction

Pierce County Talks is PCTV's talk/discussion program that explores topical issues with the people on the front lines.

Thousands of JBLM personnel got the news that the Army will not reduce their numbers by 11,000 but some troops and civilians will still have to go.

Host Erich Ebel speaks with Pierce County Councilmember Doug Richardson and South Sound Military and Communities Partnership’s Tiffany Speir about what this means for the future of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Watch now HERE.

Boeing OK Start Up

Boeing today broke ground in Oklahoma City on a new 290,000 square-foot facility with space for approximately 800 employees.

Aircraft Modernization and Sustainment provides support and modernization services for U.S. and coalition lift, executive transport, airborne refueling, airborne command and control, and global strike capabilities. This includes commercial derivative aircraft, airborne early warning and control platforms, C-17 Globemaster III maintenance, tanker maintenance and support, and bomber/weapons modernization and logistics.

During the groundbreaking ceremony Global Services & Support (GS&S) President Leanne Caret announced that headquarters for GS&S’ Aircraft Modernization and Sustainment (AM&S) division would move to Oklahoma City in the months ahead. This decision transfers approximately a dozen senior management positions to Oklahoma City and reflects the site’s importance to the company.

The new structure, the third in Boeing’s existing campus, will open in summer 2016 and house employees working in engineering, research and development laboratories, and some support staff.
 “We see a bright horizon for the aircraft sustainment business because of the highly trained and motivated workforce we have in Oklahoma City,” said Caret. “Expanding our presence and bringing AM&S headquarters here continues a trend of combining Oklahoma’s home-grown talent with the best of the enterprise to support some of our customers’ most critical missions.”

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin participated in the event and described its importance. “Business growth is critical for both Oklahoma and Boeing. Your decision to place key leadership positions here underscores the long-term nature of our partnership. Today's announcement will help solidify our position as a premiere destination for the aerospace industry,” said Gov. Fallin.

VA Launches Campaign to Increase Veterans’ Economic Potential

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald, with leaders from national and local Veterans service organizations, corporate employers and government agencies, announced the launch of the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, an effort focused in a total of 50 U.S. cities to promote economic success for Veterans.

The initiative is part of MyVA, which is dedicated to making Veterans the center of all we do. “The best way to get things done for Veterans is to involve partners from both the public and private sectors – national to local,” said McDonald.  “If history has shown us anything, it’s that all you have to do is give Veterans an opportunity and they will go beyond anything you could ever envision.  Community leaders understand the purpose of MyVA and will find innovative ways to support it.”

The goal of the VECI is to increase education and employment opportunities for America’s Veterans by bringing together local and national employers to coordinate services for Veterans, service members and military families.

With the sacred commitment of making customer service for Veterans the focal point, VA will look to communities around the country to help make the VA the best federal agency. “MyVA will work State by state, community by community, person by person,” said McDonald.  “We want to expand our reach and collaboration in communities where Veterans live.”

The Veterans Economic Communities Initiative launch event was hosted in Dallas. Secretary McDonald and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings provided remarks, during the event. Campaign partners also participated in panel discussions on public-private partnerships.  Representatives from major corporations such as Hilton and TriWest joined Secretary McDonald in pledging their commitment to furthering Veteran economic opportunities.

The Veterans Economic Communities Initiative includes a VA Economic Liaison in each community who will expand and encourage collaboration among private and public organizations that offer resources related to education, training and employment. Through strategic partnerships, and by offering Veterans innovative forms of learning and employment opportunities, these communities will help Veterans gain competitive career skills and knowledge in locally in-demand fields.

Campaign partners include the departments of Defense and Labor, the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in addition to regional and national nonprofits, businesses and educators. The first 25 communities were chosen based on local Veteran unemployment rates, Veteran population and the projected increase in Veteran population.

Communities participating in the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative include:

• Atlanta, Georgia; 
• El Paso, Texas; 
• Las Vegas, Nevada; 
• New York, New York; 
• San Antonio, Texas; 
• Chicago, Illinois; 
• Honolulu, Hawaii; 
• Los Angeles, California; 
• Norfolk, Virginia; 
• San Diego, California; 
• Cincinnati, Ohio; 
• Houston, Texas; 
• Louisville, Kentucky; 
• Phoenix, Arizona; 
• Seattle-Tacoma, Washington; 
• Colorado Springs, Colorado; 
• Jacksonville, Florida; 
• Miami, Florida; 
• Richmond, Virginia; 
• St. Louis, Missouri; 
• Dallas, Texas; 
• Kansas City, Missouri; 
• Nashville, Tennessee; 
• Riverside, California; 
• Washington, DC

Under the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, communities will develop scalable, sustainable models over the next two years that include:

• Resources and education for employers on hiring and supporting Veterans.
• Employment summits to connect talented job seekers with local employers who have immediate hiring needs.
• Policy academies where experts generate ideas, form partnerships and make policy recommendations that will help lower the unemployment rate and increase economic opportunities among Veterans and their families.
• Learning or resource hubs to help connect Veterans to economic opportunities including entrepreneurship, credentialing and skills building.

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Veterans Career Fair Next Month

Boots2Work Comes Back

Australia Buys More C-17s

The Commonwealth Government has decided to acquire two additional Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft to bolster the Royal Australian Air Force’s existing fleet of six strategic lift aircraft.

The acquisition of the two additional C-17s – and associated equipment and facilities – represents an investment of $1 billion in Australia’s security and the ability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to respond to a range of contingencies.

This project will also provide significant work opportunities for local industry.

$300 million of the investment will be spent on upgraded facilities at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, including a dedicated maintenance hangar and increased apron and taxi-way space to cater for heavy aircraft including the KC-30 Aerial Re-Fuelling Tankers as well as the C-17 fleet.

The two additional C-17s will provide vital heavy airlift support to a range of regional and global coalition operations and greatly increase Australia’s capacity to provide rapid and effective disaster rescue and relief and humanitarian aid.

Since they were first acquired at the initiative of the Howard Government, C-17 aircraft have transformed the ADF’s capacity to transport large loads over long distances and to deploy its vehicles, helicopters and heavy equipment within Australia and overseas.

C-17s have been integral to recent ADF operations, including:
• delivery of equipment, personnel and more than 175 pallets of aid as part of Operation Pacific Assist in Vanuatu;
• the provision of much-needed humanitarian aid and materiel in Iraq;
• the recovery of MH17 victims from Eastern Ukraine; and
• relief assistance to those affected by the Japanese tsunami, the Christchurch earthquake and the Queensland floods.

Australia has worked closely with the United States Air Force to acquire the first aircraft within six months of the initial order and the second aircraft within ten months of the delivery of the first. This will mean that the ADF will gain additional operating capability within a short time-frame.

The Coalition Government is committed to building a strong, capable and sustainable Australian Defense Force.

Chamber Spotlighted for Military Support

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber was spotlighted in the Association of Defense Communities 2014 Annual Report/2015 Strategic Plan.

Specific mention was made of the Servicemember for Life Transition Fair, which the Chamber co-sponsored and the several traffic and transportation projects completed or underway now that serve JBLM and ease the congestion of other users along the I-5 Corridor.

BBB Offers Field Guide to Civilian Employment

The “Field Guide to Civilian Employment: 25 Must-Knows for the Service Member and Family” webinar is now available for public viewing. By following the link below, you will be able to watch and review the information provided.

25 Must-Knows for the Service Member and Family

Fellowship for Opportunity & Success

Local companies are welcoming heroes of the Heroes Corporate Fellowship program, a partnership between Joint Base Lewis-McCord (JBLM) and Hiring Our Heroes (HOH)/U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The Corporate Fellows program is a result of the Transition Summit held at JBLM in October 2014. The Veteran & Business Service via the Chamber partnership with WorkForce Central, was deeply involved in the planning and implementation of the Summit through supporting the collaborative employment initiatives (one being the Corporate Fellows Program) which have resulted from the energy of the Summit.

The Corporate Fellows program provides separating service members who already have a degree and some years of military experience opportunities to connect with a corporate sponsor, become more familiar with the civilian work place, step into the vernacular of civilian society, and build key relationships that will lead to a meaningful civilian career and successful transition.

The Corporate Fellows program participants are soon-to-separate service members enrolled in the Camo2Commerce Program, vetted through a competitive interview event and do a 3-month project for a corporate sponsor. The participating service members continue to receive their military salary and are released from military activities to pursue the fellowship. Many of the participants will have an opportunity to interview for a position with the corporate sponsor for whom they have completed the 3-month project. It is a win-win for everyone involved and provides a critical “leg up” for separating service members as they transition to civilian life.

The individuals chosen by the Chamber will be doing projects aimed at evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the Veteran & Business Service activity and supporting various general development activities of the Chamber.

Veteran Networking Event

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Army Opens Listening Session for Local Say

Army opens Listening Session for local citizens to have their say about the impacts of an additional potential 11,000 civilian and soldier job cuts at JBLM.

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Background Info:  http://www.army.mil/article/138306/Army_completes_environmental_study_for_possible_force_reductions/

Two Opportunities Focused on Spouses

Here's two complementary hiring events - a free networking reception and a military spouse hiring fair coming up next month.

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DAV/Recruit Military Hiring Event at Safeco

A Free Hiring Event

Crowdfunding Campaign Starts for Veteran & Business Service

The Chamber's Veteran & Business Service promotes to businesses the Veteran Advantage for transitioning and separating service veterans to entrepreneurship, professional careers and apprenticeship opportunities.

The US Department of Labor has reduced funding to our funding sources, the local workforce development councils, so they see a reduction from what they received last year, because the whole state was allocated $3.7 million less in the Workforce Investment Act in 2014-15.

With the reductions in force currently underway at JBLM, nearly 400 service members monthly desiring to have jobs in our community, will have less help doing so. The proposed reduction of up to 16,000 civilian (many vets) and military jobs at JBLM over the next five years will put increasing pressure on the local ability to help these service members.

Our Veteran & Business Service has been honored as a “Chamber of Valor” (three stars, the highest level), by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Our service providers, Greg Mowat and Terrence Hodge, who you will learn more of in the video and at our website (see above URL) are qualified, skilled and passionate about their service.

Our program last year was a huge success. Our funding partners have enthusiastically communicated their satisfaction with our services. But they have already done all they can to support our budget.

We’ve pared back our expenses by 53%. But we cannot sustain our services at that level. For $166/day, we can sustain our service levels having both our staff service providers doing their great job promoting the Veteran Advantage.

Visit our campaign at RepayVets.com to donate and help spread the word!