Robins Inviting Up to 300 Buyouts | Military

Robins Air Force Base is looking to reduce its workforce.

The base announced Thursday that it's now accepting applications for early retirements and buyouts.

A base news release says they say they hope to cut as many as 300 jobs, primarily from the Air Logistics Center.

Employees who apply and are accepted could receive as much as $25,000 in incentives and would have to leave those jobs this spring.

Robins says this is not connected to the pending cuts due to sequestration.

It's part of an effort by the Air Force overall to reduce its workforce.

The base statement:

Robins Offers Workforce Incentives

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. - The base will begin accepting applications Monday from select civilian employees, primarily in the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, for voluntary early retirement and separation incentives known as VERA/VSIP.

This action is not related to the current fiscal uncertainty, including the possibility of Sequestration. "It's been in the works for some time," said Debra Singleton, Robins' director of personnel.

"This will help the complex "right size" to its budgeted end strength for FY13," added Donna Frazier, the complex's director of business. "But, it's also an opportunity for us to shape our workforce to meet the requirements of the future."

Applications will be accepted from General Schedule, Wage Grade, Wage Lead and Wage Supervisor workers in a number of specialties. Among those eligible to apply are painters, electricians, and engine mechanics.

The base hopes as many as 300 applicants are approved for the incentives.

Those selected will be offered an incentive up to $25,000 and will have to leave government service sometime in the spring.