The following is a Press release from Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs (Malmstrom AFB to lose 45 civilian positions):

11/7/2011 – BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Air Force Global Strike Command officials announced changes to the civilian workforce in accordance with the Air Force’s required efficiency and force structure posture changes.

“Our command was established two years ago with fiscal constraint and is lean when compared to other commands,” said Val Rimbey-Barnett, Chie,Personnel Programs Branch. “While this is the case, we have still been required to make some very difficult decisions in support of the Air Force’s force shaping measures.”

Towards this end, the Air Force has directed under the authority of the Resource Management Decision (RMD) 703, a reduction of approximately 220 filled and unfilled (vacant) permanent civilian positions/authorizations within Air Force Global Strike Command for fiscal years 2012-13. Approximate numbers are as follows: AFGSC HQ (Barksdale): 20 positions; Barksdale AFB, La.: 30 positions; F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.: 60 positions; Malmstrom AFB. Mont.: 45 positions; Whiteman AFB, Mo.: 30 positions; and Minot AFB, N.D.: 35 positions. Personnel impacted by this action will be notified in early November.

In addition, approximately 250 civilian overhire, term and temporary employees have received or will soon receive notification of separation, said Rimbey-Barnett. Of these, approximately 50 are permanent civilian overhire employees. If they can’t be placed in vacant positions, they will be notified of separation dates in the Spring of 2012.

“We know these decisions affect people and their families, and we’re committed to ensuring the timely release of information and resources to help ease the transition,” Rimbey-Barnett said.

Other initiatives which have been implemented in the command include Voluntary Separation Program options to permanent employees in select functions and career fields. Approximately 40 individuals within the command have applied for and have been approved for separation under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay or Voluntary Early Retirement Authority. They are scheduled to separate no later than Dec. 31.

Continued workforce shaping and reduction measures may be required until the Air Force meets its mandated end strength.