I visited the link you provided and responses to consider are provided in bold print:

 

1. One of the things that made the ART program attractive was the fact that a person can still serve their country by working as a technician on a military facility without feeling the obligations of wearing the uniform.

 

A strictly civilian position will afford you that opportunity.  An ART is an Airman first.

2. Some feel this is a breach of contract. Wearing of the uniform was NOT a requirement of employment except during UTA and annual tour.

 

The ART position does not generally include a contract of employment.  It is an “at-will” employment opportunity only afforded to Airmen.  The uniform requirement can be changed as with most civilian employers.  The only difference is some states require an employer to provide the uniform without cost to the employee.

3. The power’s that be (no disrespect)are encouraging and enforcing the Command’s objective of “Total Force Integration.” Well, some of us feel, if it’s going to be Total Force Integration, then we, as ART’s should get the Total Force Package to include:

a. Active duty pay: We have to train, we’re deployable, work and of course pass the “Fit to Fight” program just as our counterparts do. In some cases there will be an active duty member and an ART member who works side by side in the same office, same hours, and same rank in uniform however, they are not being paid the same amount of money for the same amount of work.

 

Traditional Reservists are required to be world-wide qualified, as well.  It is a requirement as an Airman.  The availability requirements for the active duty member are different.  You can not be recalled in a civilian capacity unless it is a condition of employment, which, employment is generally “at-will.”  Overtime is available to civilians; however, not to service members.  ARTs having active duty pay should also include active duty responsibilities, in its entirety, which would conflict with bullet # 1.

 

b. Retirement: When an active duty member retires from the military after 20 years of service, they receive their retirement check the following month. When an ART retires after 20 years of service, the member has to be 60 years old before receiving their retirement. Even though we work in the same office or building, doing the same job, same rank, and same amount of years in service. If we have to wear the uniform, shouldn’t we be entitled to a retirement benefits as the active duty?

 

We run into the same conflict with #1.  Also, many non-ART civilians perform the same functions as their active duty counterparts, as well.  AFSA is working to improve the retired pay program for the reserve component.  Please keep in mind that the ART retirement is different from that of a TR.

c. Health benefits: Will the ART’s be supplemented for medical and dental?

 

ARTs are eligible to participate in the TRS program as TRs.  AFSA is working to improve the benefits offered in the TRS plan.  However, comparing the medical and dental plans of an ART to an active duty Airman conflicts with bullet # 1.

d. Clothing Allowance: An active duty member receives a yearly clothing allowance of at least $300. The civilians will receive a one time “in kind” amount of $150 which will not cover the cost of one whole uniform. If active duty can receive a cost of replacing uniforms on a yearly basis, usually their anniversary month, will civilians receive the same benefit?

 

Remember that ARTs are still reservists and generally reservists receive free uniform replacements; however, active duty Airmen pay for replacements exceeding the amount of their clothing allowance.

We feel that the changing of the policy to the civilians work environment will cause a rift between active duty and civilians. Some also feel ART’s are becoming second class military members, with little chance of fair and equal treatment; in term, benefits & entitlements.

 

Some of these issues are behavioral issues that should be addressed by leadership.  A uniform requirement does not change the contributions and obligations of the ART program to the Total Force.  An ART does not have the same responsibilities as an active duty person; otherwise, the position would be active duty or AGR.  The ART position is unique and stressing the similarities of job responsibilities between an active duty Airman and an ART may, in turn, eliminate the need for the ART position.  Please remember that an active duty Airman does not have the luxury of unions, DOL, OSHA, etc.  They have the UCMJ.

 

 

     Do you think pressing this issue will be beneficial for our ART program, in the future?  The ART position was created in 1958, during a time when the Air Force Reserve was seen as a strategic war fighting asset.  A group would always be ready for mobilization with the skill sets and experience necessary to effectively supplement manpower deficiencies in the AOR.  Our Air Force Reserve Command has transformed into an operational force.  In essence, every reservist now shares that responsibility.  With contractors, civilians, IMAs, AGRs, RMPs, MPAs, and many host bases providing personnel, communications, security, finance, CE, and/or logistical support to tenant reserve units, it has to warrant some concern.  AFSO21, ANG, PBD720, AFI 36-2903 pg. 9 &152, Airman’s Creed, Fit-to-Fight, AFSC merges, etc.  The role of the ART has transitioned from mobilization to mobilization support.  We are evolving into a leaner Total Force and all programs requiring Air Force dollars are not exempt from scrutiny, including the ART program.  You have to weigh the benefits and risks of drawing attention to the issue, and the impact it may have on your program.

 

     Sir, I hope I have given you something more to consider.  Thanks again for your e-mail and have a great weekend!

 

 

Very Respectfully,

Mr. Jamie L. Robinson

Manager, Military & Government Relations

Air Force Sergeants Association

(800) 638-0594 (O)

(301) 899-8136 (F)

www.afsahq.org