Air Force Cuts 100 Civilian Jobs In Colo.

Colorado will lose more than 100 jobs as the U.S. Air Force restructures its workforce.

The U.S. Air Force is eliminating approximately 9,000 civilian jobs nationwide while adding 5,900 jobs to the Air Force’s top priority positions.

Air Force officials say the restructure is in response to direction from the Secretary of Defense for the Department of Defense to stop civilian growth above fiscal year 2010 levels. They say they want to “increase efficiencies, reduce overhead and eliminate redundancy.”

The Air Force will add approximately 5,900 positions in acquisition, the nuclear enterprise, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The 9,000 lost jobs will be positions in management, staff, and support areas.

Officials in Colorado Springs say they are especially vulnerable to military cuts because 40 percent of the economy is tied to the military.

“We clearly understand the turbulence these and future reductions will cause in the workforce,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. “We are making every effort to use voluntary measures to achieve reductions whenever possible.”

As details become final, Air Force officials will release information on the next set of initiatives.

The Air Force Military Command restructure will be implemented by Oct. 1, 2012.

The Air Force Academy will hold a town meeting Thursday to discuss effects of civilian workforce restructuring on USAFA employees.