Air Force officials announce formal officer cross-flow program

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Amaani Lyle
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  In an effort to balance officer skills across the active-duty component, the Air Force will offer cross-flow options for nonrated line officers in specified career fields, officials said here Jan 7.
The nonrated officer cross-flow program is being announced as part of the fiscal 2011 Force Management Program. The application window opens Jan. 10 and closes Jan. 31.

Eligible officers in overmanned career fields will be able to retrain into undermanned career fields, personnel officials said. Officers can identify up to three Air Force specialties for consideration in their application packages.

While officers have been able to voluntarily retrain into different career fields for some time, this particular program involves a formalized procedure to ensure a fair, competitive process, said John Park, the force management division chief, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services.

"The program evens the playing field and allows officers an opportunity to gain a breadth of experience," Mr. Park said. "The FY11 cross-flow cycle will consider volunteers first, but an involuntary selection process may be implemented if the Air Force does not meet its intended target numbers."

This process will then be institutionalized as an enduring, deliberate tool for managing the force in fiscal 2012 and beyond. Officials said its success will level career fields with quality officers to meet sustainment and mission needs.

A panel is set to convene at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas from Feb. 14 to 18 to competitively select officers to cross-train into targeted career fields. The panel will consist of five Air Force officers in the grade of O-6. Panel members will use the whole-person concept, including professional development, when considering officers for cross flow. Training availability is also a consideration in the process.

Officers in select year groups from 2002-2007 in Air Force specialty codes 17D, 21A, 21M, 31P, 38F, 61A/B/C and 65F, and 2000-2001 for 38Fs only, can compete to cross-flow into the 13D/L, 14N, 35P, 62E and 63A career fields.

For more information about cross-flow opportunities, visit the Air Force Personnel Center personnel services website.