JBER questions receive answers Published Sept. 1, 2009 ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- This is the sixth segment in a series dedicated to answering basic questions about the ongoing merger of Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson into Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. These questions were called into the Joint Base Enterprise line: 384-JBER (5237). When calling the Joint Base Enterprise line with a question, people should include full contact information so they can be reached if additional clarification of the question is needed. Q: As an Army non-appropriated funds employee, will I lose my job? A: There are no plans for reduction in forces or involuntary reductions. All services currently provided to the Army will continue, as will the store fronts currently providing those services. Changes in positions are always based on mission needs. Mission needs will dictate future requirements JBER merges and NAF activities and functions. Q: As an Army NAF employee, will I retain my pay and seniority? A: There will be no change in pay upon transfer to the Air Force. Employees will transfer in their current position and be paid at their current pay grade and salary. The transfer to the Air Force will not create a "break in service"; thus service computation dates for longevity won't change. Q: As an Army NAF employee, will I have to physically move to the Air Force side of the base? A: The majority of Army NAF positions will remain on Fort Richardson. Current service store fronts will remain in place to continue providing services to Soldiers and their families. Some staff functions may consolidate for efficiency of service (accounting, marketing, information technology and human resources). Some positions in these activities may move to a more centralized location. Q: Will I receive cost-of-living allowance when I become an Air Force NAF employee? A: Air Force NAF employees, with the exception of child and youth pay plan employees, don't receive COLA. If you are an Army NAF employee currently receiving COLA, you will receive the current COLA percentage as part of your gross pay. If you elect to change positions, you will be subject to the AF COLA policy. Q: Will my NAF benefits transfer? A: Before the transfer, the NAF Human Resources Office will meet with each employee individually and review their specific situations with them. This will ensure they fully understand their options and entitlements. (Information provided by the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Enterprise team)