Retraining: Better yourself, better the Force

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., --  As the stories most commonly go, "I didn't pick this job," "My recruiter lied to me," or "I was expecting something different..."

Whatever the reason may be that you were "forced" into your job, or that you need a new adventure--just know, being savvy on the following programs may open up the doors you've been longing for: the CAREERS Retraining Program or the Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program (NCORP).

· The CAREERS Retraining program is designed to retrain first term Airmen in conjunction with a reenlistment, into skills where shortages exist, and additionally allows a limited number of Airmen the opportunity to pursue other career paths in the Air Force.

· Much like the CAREERS Retraining Program, NCORP gives Airmen a way to cross-train where shortages exist, allowing a limited number the opportunity to pursue other career paths in the Air Force

Although the programs may seem unpretentious, a few common mistakes and misunderstandings are what often disqualifies or slows down the applicants.

"Using the on-line application when ineligible and applying for Air Force specialty codes that lack quotas are the most common mistakes," said Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Walters, MacDill Air Force Base's career assistance advisor. "If you are unsure what you are doing, read the MyPers retraining information and contact your base career assistance advisor."

When Walters was asked if she had any advice for those interested in retraining, she commented, "Do your research, verify your eligibility, and read everything that the Air Force Personnel Center sends you....then read it again. Retraining is always dictated by what is on the Retraining Advisory."

Once each criterion has been met and you have been selected for retraining, the hardest part is over and the fun begins--again.

"I was always interested in the Equal Opportunity career field and when I saw that my current job was on the overage list, I jumped at the opportunity to retrain." said Tech. Sgt. Michael Nelson, 6th Air Mobility Wing EO specialist. "Retraining gave me an opportunity to learn another skill, which made me a better NCO and further enhanced my marketability."

Although the programs may seem like a tantalizing way to rejuvenate yourself--as mentioned, there are a few prerequisites and criteria checks that must be accomplished.

FTA (CAREERS)
· CONUS assigned Airmen may apply no earlier than the 1st duty day of the month during which they complete 35 months of their current enlistment (59 months for 6-year enlistees), but no later than the last duty day of the 43rd month of their current enlistment (67 months for 6-year enlistees).

· OCONUS (Overseas) assigned Airmen may apply for retraining 9 to 15 months prior to DEROS if serving any portion of the normal FTA window (35th month for 4-year enlistees or 59th month for 6-year enlistees) on or before DEROS. Airmen with an indefinite DEROS must complete the original tour length before departing for training.

NCORP
· Be on their second or subsequent enlistment.

· Have a current or projected grade of SSgt through MSgt. Therefore, if already projected for promotion, Airmen must apply for AFSC(s) with shortages in the projected grade. NOTE: Airmen will NOT be released from NCORP if promoted.

· Be in the grade of SSgt or projected grade of SSgt and must have less than 12 years of total active federal military service as 30 Sep 14. TSgts and MSgts must have less than 16 years of total active federal military service as 30 Sep 14.

· Possess a 5-skill level or above in their Control AFSC.


For additional information on retraining visit your local career advisor, reference AFI 36-2626 (Airman Retraining Program), the Retraining Personnel Services Deliver (PSD) Guide, and the Air Force Enlisted Classification Directory (AFECD) found on the MyPers website or call the Total Force Service Center at 1-800-525-0102 DSN 665-5000.