AFPC Spread the Word team to brief Offutt

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Want to know about the latest changes in Air Force policy? What about remote tours, deployments and benefits? Maybe you're considering applying for a civilian position with the Air Force and you're curious about hiring procedures. All of these topics and more will soon be addressed at Offutt.

An Air Force Personnel Center "Spread the Word" briefing team is scheduled to present two briefings here Aug. 24 at the Air Force Weather Agency's auditorium at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. All members of Team Offutt are encouraged to attend.

Team members have briefed thousands of personnel at more than 60 bases in the United States and abroad. Their travels have taken them to Tinker AFB, Okla., Patrick AFB, Fla and Osan Air Base, Korea. Soon they'll be at Offutt, bringing with them the latest updates to Air Force policy.

"One of the Air Force's top priorities is to develop and care for our people, and we want to hear from you about what works and what we can improve. Our AFPC teams look forward to sharing useful information with you and receiving feedback on what's important to you," said Maj. Gen. K.C. McClain, AFPC commander.

55th Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa A. Sirois said personnel are important and everyone who can should attend the briefing.

"It's absolutely vital (people) stay informed, in fact, I consider it their responsibility to do so," Chief Sirois said. "I personally feel all Airmen have a responsibility to stay connected to personnel policies so they and the Airmen they lead do not miss an opportunity."

The chief said she believes Airmen who attend the briefing will leave with an enhanced knowledge of Air Force policy.

"I can almost guarantee those who attend the briefing will learn something, that they can then teach to people they supervise," Chief Sirois said.

The briefings are expected to provide information on personnel issues and delivery transformation, as well as direct, face-to-face contact with AFPC personnel to address concerns and provide feedback.

Specific topics covered in this year's briefings include, among others, 365-day deployment options, the global AEF tempo-banding system, civilian hiring procedures and assignment processes. The teams also include military and civilian assignments experts, as well as deployment experts, who will be available for questions after each briefing session.

Obtaining the most up-to-date information about Air Force policy is beneficial to all Airmen, said Master Sgt. John T. Akerboom, superintendent of career development with the 55th Force Support Squadron.

"An informed Airman has the tools to make the right decision at the right time," Sergeant Akerboom said. "The more you know about your career the better you can make it work for you."

That's exactly why Sergeant Akerboom said he plans on attending the one of the briefings.

"I'm going to the briefing because the information provided is important to all of us young and old," he said. The sergeant also said he hopes to gain a better perspective on Air Force policy from the experts and ensure the 55th FSS Military Personnel Section is on the same page with AFPC.

"Airmen must take an active role in their career growth and development," Sergeant Akerboom added. "If they don't they may be left behind or out of an otherwise lucrative, satisfying career."

The briefing team will present the Offutt community with a great deal of information. However, the Offutt community need not wait for the briefing to brush up on Air Force policy.

Prior to the briefing members of Team Offutt are asked to test their AFPC knowledge by answering the following questions:

1. What is a 1:1 dwell?

2. How soon can a request be made to fill a vacating civilian position?

3. How does AFPC ensure enlisted assignments are fair?

4. What site can you go to for information on deployment locations, cultural awareness, uniform and training requirements?

5. What are two special duty assignments with current openings?

6. What is the number to the Total Force Service Center?

Personnel can submit their answers to stw.workflow@randolph.af.mil and can attend a briefing for the answers.