Civilian furloughs reduce services at 477th FG

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Dana Rosso
  • 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Air Force Reserve personnel assigned to the 477th Fighter Group will soon see a reduction in available services during upcoming required furloughs as a result of Congressionally-mandated sequestration cuts.

The 477th Fighter Group has scheduled the furlough dates for Fridays starting with July 12, 2013 through Sept. 20, 2013. However, some positions have been able to reschedule their furlough days in order to meet mission requirements.

"Our team's willingness to adjust their lives in order to minimize mission impacts, despite being furloughed, is a testament to the commitment of our Air Reserve Technician and civilian workforce." said Col. Tyler Otten, 477th Fighter Group commander. "There will be some disruptions and reductions in services. However, we all need to exercise some patience and planning during the furlough period."

All civilian employees assigned to the 477th Fighter Group will be affected by the mandated furlough; including those serving as F-22 aircrew and maintenance, financial management specialists, medical technicians as well as force support personnel.

Unit members, as well as community members requiring assistance or services from the 477th FG, such as ID card replacement or processing of personnel actions are encouraged to call ahead to verify that the services will be available. To verify that services with personnel actions will be available call 907-551-4748, to verify availability of military pay and other finance related services call 907-551-4760.

Sequestration, signed into law as part of the 2011 Budget Control Act, is a package of mandated cuts to the federal budget, totaling some $1.2 trillion over 10 years of which some $85 billion takes effect in fiscal 2013.

Pentagon officials originally planned to furlough employees for up to 22 days, but then reduced that number in March to 11 days following passage of a final 2013 spending bill that provided more spending flexibility.