Troops: Loss will be felt when Air Force cuts chaplain corps by 15 percent

[unhappycamper]

Chaplain (Capt.) Steve Fisher sits aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk en route to Baghdad in March. Fisher, the 732nd Expeditionary Group chaplain, visited more than 100 airmen in remote locations in Iraq.


Troops: Loss will be felt when Air Force cuts chaplain corps by 15 percent
By Jennifer H. Svan, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, May 17, 2010

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — The Air Force is reducing its number of chaplains at a time when airmen and family members are seeking their counsel more than ever.

As of this spring, 544 chaplains were on active duty, but as many as 79 positions will be trimmed over the next two years, Air Force officials said.

The reduction of up to 15 percent in the chaplain corps stems from efforts to make certain that the most crucial positions in the Air Force — such as manned and unmanned aircraft pilots — are filled, and ensure that no field has more than the mandated number of personnel, officials said

Personnel cuts phased in about four years ago will leave the Air Force with 465 funded chaplain positions by the end of fiscal 2011. How close the Air Force gets to that goal depends on how many chaplains opt for voluntary separation and how many are given early retirement and involuntary separation, said Air Force spokeswoman Lt. Col. Ann Stefanek.

The cuts are fiscally motivated, an effort to balance competing mission requirements with limited resources, Air Force officials say.



unhappycamper comment: For some reason this reminds me of the current assault on teachers.

[NNN0LHI]

1. Sky Pilot

[Gaedel]

2. Congress establishes end strengths........

Congress as a part of the budget process establishes fiscal year end strength for each of the services. Each of the services has a structure by officer rank and enlisted grade that is established for the service. The air force has a certain officer strength established. The chaplaincy has a percentage of that officer strength. Air Force strength gets cut by X%, Air Force officers get cut X%, and Air Force chaplains get cut X%.

This is why George W. Bush was not involuntarily called to active duty when he failed to meet his service obligation derived from his National Guard service (or lack thereof). "Failure to perform" (and not AWOL or desertion) is punishable by an admin transfer to the reserves and, if service obligations are not satisfied, an involuntary call up to active duty for two years. When GWB was transferred to the reserves, the Air Force was undergoing a cut in officers and did not want to call up an officer to involuntary active duty (and thus have to release another officer who wanted to stay).

[InkAddict]

3. Maybe Sarah can recruit some Lay Leaders for AF B.S.

(that's Bible Study).

The Sermon: http://www.lolcatbible.com/index.php?title=Lamentations_1

The Hymn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQcNiD0Z3MU

AMEN!

[CRK7376]

4. Army Chaplains caused

me more pain and grief over the past 32+ years of service than their non-serving pastorial brethern...Ever since I was a young Soldier, Army Chaplains have not helped me when I sought their advise and assistance. Oh well, plus quit a few of the USAF Chaplains were of the Evangelical persuasion and relentless in following their particular brand of radical Christianity...I say good ridance USAF Chaplains....

[mr clean]

5. I always wondered about all the other Religions and Atheists that needed help.