Col. Elton addresses civilian employees on cuts Published Nov. 3, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Stephanie Strine 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Col. Buck Elton, 27th Special Operations Wing commander, addressed more than 300 civilian employees and answered questions Nov. 3 regarding the Air Force's planned adjustments to the civilian workforce. He also stressed the importance of the civilian component of the military and noted that the decision was not made at the wing level. "The civilian workforce is an integral part of our Air Force's capabilities, and we cannot do our nation's most important business without you," he said. On Nov. 2 the Air Force announced the adjustments as part of a DoD-wide effort to increase efficiencies, reduce costs and eliminate redundancies. At this time, 49 positions will be eliminated at Cannon, but that doesn't directly translate into job losses. 18 of the eliminated positions are currently vacant, and the Civilian Personnel office will work to place individuals in the remaining eliminated positions in other vacant positions here to minimize impacts. Civilian employees may also apply for early retirement or voluntary separation. "Every voluntary opportunity will be exhausted before we initiate involuntary actions," Col. Elton said. Civilian employees should contact their supervisor and/or squadron commander if they think they may be affected. For general inquiries they should call Civilian Personnel at 784-4848. Despite these cuts, overall growth at Cannon continues as projected. Currently, approximately 5,500 military and civilian personnel are employed at Cannon, and that number is projected to increase to around 6,200 over the next several years. "Our nation is going through significant budgetary constraints right now," Col. Elton said. "Maintaining the close relationship between the military and civilian components of our workforce is essential to strategically aligning our people against our most critical priorities." The Air Force remains over fiscal year 2010 manpower levels and must make further reductions, but it is not yet known how this will affect Cannon. Please visit www.cannon.af.mil or follow us on Facebook for additional information on the civilian force restructuring and additional force shaping measures as soon as it is available.