F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- In the interest of providing the F.E. Warren civilian workforce with invaluable information about the civilian appraisal system, education opportunities and where to find information about civilian employment, the 90th Mission Support Group organized an all-call for civilian personnel.
Throughout the all-call, attendees were reminded that they are an essential piece to the Air Force mission. That point was reinforced by a Profession of Arms Center of Excellence video titled ‘Heritage Today – “Teamwork”’.
“You’re here to see how you contribute to the 90th Missile Wing,” said Bart Hedley, 90th MSG deputy director. “We’re doing this to enable you with the information that is key for your defense performance management and appraisal program (DPMAP) containment, for your education opportunity awareness and healthcare benefits, among other things. Ultimately we’re here to spread knowledge about opportunities you might be missing out on.”
Education opportunities for civilians serving in the military are out there. One of those is the civilian tuition assistance program which allows permanent full-time employees to apply for tuition assistance for up to $4,500 in a fiscal year.
“There are many education opportunities offered by the Air Force,” said Ruth Schulerbrooks, 90th Force Support Squadron, employee development manager. “You just have to know where to look and who to ask – and that who is me.”
After Hedley’s opening comments he gave the stage to several base organizations including: Equal Opportunity, Inspector General, Civilian Education, and Tricare.
These organizations talked about ways to communicate and get along better with an ever changing workforce, the updates in Tricare coverage and ways to be a better coworker.
“I’ve been in the Air Force for eight years and I’ve never worn the uniform,” said Luke Survis, 90th Force Support Squadron customer service flight chief. “To see so many agencies from the top all the way down take interest in civilians is fantastic both for our career progression and progression of the Air Force.”
There have always been civilians in the Air Force. They don’t wear the uniform, but they take the oath and they’re here to stay.
“Civilians in the military are a vital part of the mission no matter where they’re stationed,” said Jessica Tafoya, 90th Force Support Squadron civilian personnel officer. “I don’t ever see the need for civilians in the military going away. We help keep the mission going and provide consistency when those in uniform are constantly moving around.”
F.E. Warren plans to hold more civilian all-calls throughout the year. Civilians have always been an integral part of the Air Force and they always will be.