COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

Transcription

1 BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION JULY 2017 Personnel AVIATION BONUS (AVB) PROGRAM COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available for downloading or ordering on the e-publishing website at RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication OPR: HQ AF/A1PPR Supersedes: AFI , 12 April 2007 Certified by: SAF/MR (Mr. Daniel R. Sitterly) Pages: 13 In collaboration with the Chief of Air Force Reserve (AF/RE) and Director of the Air National Guard (NGB/CF), the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services (AF/A1) develops personnel policy for the Air Force Aviation Bonus program. This publication may be supplemented at any level; all MAJCOM level supplements must be approved by the Human Resource Management Strategic Board (HSB) prior to certification and approval. Route any publication supplement to the Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) for coordination. This publication implements Air Force Policy Directive 36-30, Military Entitlements, and is in compliance with Department of Defense Instruction , Aviation Incentive Pays and Bonus Program. It applies to all active duty Air Force members, members of Air Force Reserve Command, and members of the Air National Guard. This publication provides eligibility requirements and governs aviation bonus programs for all Regular Air Force (RegAF), Air National Guard (ANG) or Air Force Reserve (AFR) officers as described in 37 United States Code (U.S.C.), 334 Special aviation incentive pay and bonus authorities for officers. Procedural guidance and additional eligibility requirements to accompany this publication is found in annual Personnel Services Delivery Memoranda and implementation communications located on the MyPers website and the Assignment Management System. The authorities to waive wing-/unit-level requirements in this publication are identified with a Tier ( T-0, T-1, T-2, T-3 ) number following the compliance statement. See AFI , Publications and Forms Management, for a description of the authorities associated with the Tier numbers. Submit requests for waivers through the chain of command to the appropriate Tier waiver approval authority, or alternately, to the publication OPR for non-tiered compliance items.

2 2 AFI JULY 2017 This publication requires the collection and/or maintenance of information protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 authorized by 5 U.S.C., 301, Departmental Regulations; 37 U.S.C.; and E.O (SSN), as amended. The applicable Privacy Act System of Record Notice (SORN) T7340, Defense Joint Military Pay System-Active Component is available at (T-0) Vigilance must be taken to protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) when submitting or sending nominations, applications or other documents to DoD agencies through government Internet, software applications, systems, , postal, faxing or scanning. Refer to the following policies for additional guidance: AFI , Air Force Privacy Program, DoD R, Department of Defense Privacy Program. Forms containing PII require Privacy Act Statements (PAS). Ensure that all records created as a result of processes prescribed in this publication are maintained in accordance with Air Force Manual (AFMAN) , Management of Records, and disposed of in accordance with Air Force Records Information Management System (AFRIMS) Records Disposition Schedule (RDS). Refer recommended changes and questions about this publication to the Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) using the AF Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication; route AF Form 847 from the field trough the appropriate functional chain of command to the AFPC Publishing Office, 550 C Street West, Suite 48, Randolph AFB, Texas Refer to Attachment 1 for a glossary of references and supporting information. SUMMARY OF CHANGES This publication is updated to reflect changes in guidance and procedures dealing with the Aviation Bonus program. It has been substantially revised and must be completely reviewed. The major revision in this instruction is to reflect the changes in DoDI , Aviation Incentive Pays and Bonus Program, and the aviation pay nomenclature. IAW DoDI , Aviation Continuation Pay (ACP) is now the Aviation Bonus (AvB); Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP) is now Aviation Incentive Pay (AvIP). (T-0) Additionally, this publication streamlines the previous instruction, updates office symbols throughout the publication, and defers many program specifics to the component-specific AvB implementation communications released each fiscal year by RegAF, ANG, and AFR.

3 AFI JULY AvB Entry Eligibility: Chapter 1 PROGRAM ELEMENTS To be eligible to enter into an AvB agreement, a rated officer must: Have completed, or be within one year of completing, the service commitment for Undergraduate Flying Training or previously signed AvB contract for the aviation specialty in which the officer is currently qualified and eligible for AvB. No other service commitments affect AvB eligibility. (T-0) Be qualified for operational flying duty IAW AFI , Aviation Management and AFI , Aviation and Parachutist Service, Aeronautical Ratings and Aviation Badges. (T-0) Be entitled to aviation incentive pay (AvIP) under 37 U.S.C., 334 and meet eligibility requirements outlined in DoDI (T-0) Be in a pay grade of O-5 or below at the time of incurring the AvB contractual obligation. (T-0) Have no less than six and no more than 24 years of aviation service (YAS). (T-0) Meet all other eligibility and service commitment criteria specified in current fiscal year s (FY) implementation plan for each component. (T-1) Hold and maintain a valid security clearance (minimum of SECRET). (T-0) In addition, eligibility for those rated officers returning to RegAF component under voluntary return to active duty, Inter-Service Transfer (IST) and Air Reserve Component (ARC) active duty accession programs will be addressed in the annual RegAF AvB program message Service Commitment for AvB (RegAF Only). For RegAF officers, AFPC/DP2SSM will ensure each officer entering an AvB agreement has his/her service commitment updated based on the terms of the individual agreement (see AFI , Active Duty Service Commitments). (T-0) AvB agreement lengths are established in conjunction with each FY's approved AvB program. Specific agreement/service commitment lengths will be addressed in the implementation communications When an officer s AvB is suspended or terminated, service commitments associated with the member s AvB agreement will not be automatically relieved or shortened. An officer whose AvB entitlement/eligibility terminates prior to the completion of the AvB service commitment may request a waiver to that AvB service commitment from SecAF, but only as part of submitting a request for separation or retirement (see AFI , Separating Commissioned Officers, and AFI , Service Retirements) An AvB service commitment does not guarantee a participating officer will be retained. The Air Force retains authority to separate a rated officer before the expiration of an AvB service commitment, IAW AFI , Administrative Discharge Procedures for Commissioned Officers.

4 4 AFI JULY Rated officers twice non-selected for promotion to major or lieutenant colonel who are eligible will be considered for the AvB on a case-by-case basis. For officers twice nonselected for promotion who are offered and accept selective continuation on active duty, and are subsequently either under an AvB agreement or enter an agreement at some future point, may not voluntarily separate or retire sooner than the service commitment associated with the AvB agreement. However, mandatory retirement/separation takes precedence over the AvB service commitment Payment Schedules. AvB rates/payment schedules will be IAW the authorized AvB rates and agreement effective dates as outlined in applicable FY program implementation communications. AvB payments are taxable and subject to withholding of applicable federal and state income taxes. For ANG members, AvB bonus amounts will be paid in arrears. Payments will be accomplished after completion of each annual term, upon validation that the member served in an active status with no break in service. There is no up-front payment option in the ANG AvB program, legacy contracts with up-front payment options will be honored until expired. Payments will be based on full years and months (not days) and are subject to withholding of applicable federal and state taxes Approving AvB Agreements: An AvB agreement, once signed by the member and executed by the respective component IAW applicable policies, procedures, and guidance, becomes legally binding and deemed accepted by the SecAF Terminating, Suspending, or Recouping AvB: AvB payments terminate if a member: Is permanently disqualified from aviation service IAW AFI and/or AFI Separates from component for any reason including retirement, dismissal, or discharge for cause authorized under any provision of law Has their security clearance permanently revoked AvB payments are suspended if a member: Is suspended from aviation service IAW AFI and/or AFI If suspension from aviation service is lifted prior to the AvB service commitment, payments will resume on a pro-rated basis with no change to the annual payment date For any suspension, or lifting of a suspension, from aviation service, servicing aviation management offices will notify their local financial management office for termination or resumption of AvB payments. (T-1) Has a security clearance temporarily suspended or reduced below SECRET. If suspension of valid security clearance (minimum of SECRET) is lifted prior to the AvB service commitment, payments will resume on a pro-rated basis with no change to the annual payment date.

5 AFI JULY AvB payments terminate and any unearned portions of the aviation bonus will be recouped as of the effective date of the separation, retirement, disqualification, or death for members who fail to complete the required service commitment due to the following circumstances: Permanent disqualification from aviation service IAW AFI and/or AFI For members disqualified from aviation service, servicing aviation management offices will notify their local financial management office for termination and recoupment of AvB payments. (T-1) Separation for any reason including retirement, dismissal, or discharge for cause authorized under any provision of law including, but not limited to, separation under early release programs, separation under the Palace Chase program, and separation or retirement due to Force Management actions Release for training in other competitive categories such as medicine or law Voluntary or involuntary separation due to promotion non-selection whether or not the member was offered continuation Disability retirements or separations unless retired or separated under Title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 61 [injury or illness (through no misconduct of the member) determined to be in the line of duty, while serving in a combat zone designated by the President or Secretary of Defense (or combat-related operation designated by the Secretary of Defense)] If a member dies and it is determined that the death was a result of misconduct by the member If AvB is improperly paid through an administrative/records error If a member fails to maintain a valid security clearance (minimum of SECRET); recouped on a pro-rated basis Any unearned portion of the AvB will not be recouped and any unpaid portion of the AvB will be paid (lump sum) in the member s final pay for the following situations: If a member dies through no misconduct of the member If a member incurs an injury or illness (through no misconduct of the member) determined to be in the line of duty, while serving in a combat zone designated by the President or Secretary of Defense (or combat-related operation designated by the Secretary of Defense), and is separated or retired for disability under 10 U.S.C., Chapter 61. Reference 10 U.S.C., 1413a (e) Combat-Related Disability AFRC/CC may waive or terminate reservist AvB contracts per the needs of the Air Force Reserve.

6 6 AFI JULY 2017 Chapter 2 APPLYING FOR AVB 2.1. Rated Officers Should (RegAF/AFR only) Review this AFI and all applicable implementation communications Check eligibility and review their agreement options If an officer believes he/she is erroneously identified as not eligible for AvB, he/she should consult with their respective military personnel section Apply for AvB between release of component program and Close of Business (COB) on 30 Sep of that fiscal year. COB will be identified in each component s respective implementation communications Ensure their records are current and accurate Ensure they still meet all eligibility requirements at the time they enter into an AvB agreement AvB agreements are only valid when all eligibility requirements are met. In a case where personnel records are inaccurate and an AvB agreement is accepted, the validity of the agreement is determined by the correct personnel data on the effective date of the agreement. If later determined that an agreement is/was invalid, recoupment will be required ANG Members Should (ANG only) Thoroughly read FY policy and agreement prior to meeting with AvB coordinator Advise AvB Coordinator in writing within 30 days of notification of eligibility with decision to accept or decline AvB, failure to do so may result in ineligibility Notify AvB Coordinator in writing, if incorrectly identified as eligible for AvB Notify AvB coordinator in writing, if believed to be eligible for AvB but have not been identified Member change in eligibility or status It is the member s responsibility to notify the AvB Coordinator as soon as possible, but NLT 30 days after they become ineligible for any reason including: change in flying status or any other reasons outlined in paragraph 1.1.; projected separation from AGR Title 10 (T-10)/Title 32 (T-32) (either voluntary or involuntary) for any reason (including retirement); change to orders, curtailment of orders or a change from T-10 to T-32 or vice versa Annual AvB Payment. The member must initiate annual AvB payment through the AvB Coordinator within 30 days of the anniversary of the AvB effective date, IAW para

7 AFI JULY Release from AvB Agreement. The member must notify the AvB Coordinator to initiate a request for release from their agreement from NGB/A1, via CMS through their commander, at least 90 days prior to termination date Release authority. Release for AvB agreement will only be considered in extraordinary circumstances. The authority to release a member from their AvB agreement resides with NGB/A Member initiated request for release from AvB agreement includes: voluntary separation, including leaving the full time AGR program; voluntary retirement; platform or AFSC change; see directed mission change (para 1.5) Member Initiated Unit Transfer. Members transferring from one full-time AGR position to another within the ANG will be allowed to fulfill their remaining AvB service commitment in the new position with the concurrence of the gaining organization commander. Members must notify the losing/gaining AvB Coordinator at least 90 days prior to transfer date Supervisors. AvB supervisors are the rated officer s primary contact for AvB questions and will: Be responsible for counseling AvB-eligible officers and recommending approval and disapproval of AvB application Review this AFI, applicable implementation message guidance, and any instructions located on AFPC s AvB website (RegAF only) or MyPers (ANG) before counseling eligible rated officers on the AvB program. (T-1) Ensure each eligible rated officer also reviews all applicable information. (T-1) 2.4. Wing Commander or Equivalent. Ensure AvB disapprovals are in the Air Force's best interest. If the wing commander or equivalent overturns the recommendation for disapproval, return the package to the supervisor for processing as an acceptance. (T-1) Otherwise, for RegAF officers, endorse the memorandum recommending disapproval and forward the package to AFPC/DP2SSM for final disposition. AFPC/CC will render a final determination. ANG personnel will forward packages to NGB/A1PF for final disposition and NGB/A1 will render a final disposition. (T-1) 2.5. MAJCOM Director of Personnel (A1). Designate a MAJCOM AvB point of contact and review this AFI, applicable implementation guidance, and any instructions located on AFPC s AvB website (RegAF only) or MyPers (ANG) and forward and forward AvB announcements to the field when notified by AFPC of communications regarding current AvB program policies and procedure changes. (T-1) 2.6. Wing Commander, ANGRC/CC, and 1 AF/CC. Wing Commander, ANGRC/CC, and 1AF/CC, (hereafter referred to as commanders ); should utilize AvB as a force management tool in their personnel decision matrix or process. Appoint a primary and alternate AvB Coordinator and provide an appointment letter to NGB/A1PF no later than (NLT) 1 September each year. Signature authority for AvB agreements: Commanders must ensure that members meet all eligibility requirements IAW para 1.1. Ensure the unit has a retention/force development plan that supports ANG member s period of agreed retention/service commitment.

8 8 AFI JULY Judge Advocate General (JAG) at Wing/ANGRC/1st AF. The JAG is responsible for reviewing and coordinating on each individual AvB agreement NGB/A1. NGB/A1 is the office of primary responsibility (OPR) for the development, implementation and policy of the ANG AvB program and shall: distribute guidance concerning AvB eligibility and program information to each state, serve as the primary point of contact for all AvB-related communication to Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), and receive, review and validate AvB agreements/requests and eligibility documents from states/units. Receive, review and approve requests for withdrawal from the AvB program, or any action affecting AvB eligibility, payment or recoupment. Coordinate and monitor program implementation and actions. Forward all approved agreements to AvB coordinator for payment processing. Clarify any eligibility questions or changes in eligibility criteria not specifically addressed Field Operating Agencies (FOA), Direct Reporting Units (DRU), Joint Staffs, and HHQs. AvB applications for officers at these agencies as well as all personnel outside normal AF reporting channels are available via the AvB web page (RegAF only). For these personnel, the AvB supervisor remains responsible for all requirements of paragraph 2.3 and countersigning the AvB agreements. Exceptions to this will be handled through AFPC/DP2SSM on a case-bycase basis ANG State Headquarters. The Adjutants General (TAG) and Assistant Adjutants General (ATAG) will: retain the authority to manage their rated force. Retention pay is a force management tool; eligibility for AvB does not guarantee entry into the AvB program. Monitor unit program implementation to ensure it is in line with state force management practices/plans Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC). (RegAF only) AFPC/CC (NGB/A1 for ANG) has overall responsibility for implementing and administering the AvB program. AFPC/DP2SSM is the OPR and will: Coordinate and monitor program developments. (T-1) Communicate current AvB program policies and procedures to the field and notify them of AvB policy changes via message and the internet. (T-1) Maintain an accurate database of AvB program information. (T-1) Assist Air Staff in the collection of accurate AvB program statistics. (T-1) Provide a forum for answering questions and resolving implementation issues as they arise. (T-1) Ensure accurate agreement and payment information on each participating officer is provided to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). (T-1) Review records of participating officers as required to determine continued eligibility.(t-1) Retain the capability to manually implement the program. (T-1) Retain source documents until archived. (T-1) The AvB Coordinator (ANG only) Manages and executes the unit AvB program.

9 AFI JULY Verifies Eligibility. Determines what members meet eligibility requirements IAW paragraph Ensures ANG members entering into an AvB agreement have a current order in hand, at the time of application Notification. Notify each member within 30 days of eligibility Policy Dissemination. Ensure the widest possible dissemination of FY AvB policy within 14 days of publication/release Counsels each eligible aviator regarding program details, including obligation for participants to serve in an active status in the ANG in aviation service for the full period stated in the agreement and financial penalties members may be subject to (including recoupment) if the member is unable to satisfy the terms of the agreement Recommends eligibility to Commanders utilizing eligibility roster spreadsheet Agreement timeline. Complete the formal agreement and submit via Case Management System (CMS) within 30 days of member s signature If member elects to decline AvB, have member complete (date and sign) declination section of the AvB agreement AvB Program FY End Date. Ensure all FY AvB agreements are submitted to NGB/A1PF via CMS by 30 September Serves as signature authority for eligibility roster and semi-annual report Maintains all appropriate AvB documentation and agreements Develops, validates and maintains information on the eligibility roster spreadsheet Maintains a copy of each member s CMS case file and agreement documentation IAW AFI Records Management Program Annual AvB Payments The AvB Coordinator is responsible for validating that the member served in an active status with no break in service prior to submitting to DFAS-AC/RC for annual payment AvB Coordinators shall forward documentation via CMS to NGB/A1PF 7-10 days prior to AvB payment date to receive annual AvB payments. Payments will not be processed until CMS case is received Maintenance and Reporting to NGB/A Reports. Semi-annual reports (Eligibility Roster) are due to NGB/A1PF via no later than 31 October and 30 April and must be in Microsoft Excel format. Include all eligible members who are or were assigned to the unit during the applicable timeframe. Reports must include members with current agreements as well as those whose agreements were terminated, not approved or member declined AvB Periodic review. Review records of AvB recipients monthly, to ensure continued eligibility.

10 10 AFI JULY Change in member eligibility or status Change in eligibility. Notify NGB/A1PF using CMS as soon as possible, but NLT 30 days after a change in eligibility occurs. Examples of a change in eligibility may include: Change affecting any criteria listed IAW para 1.1.; member is disqualified for aviation duties due to disciplinary, medical or other reasons, is temporarily or permanently removed from the AVB program; member is awaiting an operational flying disqualification resulting from a Flying Evaluation Board (FEB); member is awaiting involuntary separation under AFI , Separation and Retirement Procedures for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Members, or ANGI , The Active Guard Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Program: member is awaiting or undergoing investigation into military or civil offenses which could result in punitive action or suspension/revocation/permanent disqualification of security clearance Change in status. Coordinate all changes in a member s status with NGB/A1PF via CMS within 30 days. Examples of a change in status may include: unit initiated change in status due to cause; member separates from AGR T-10 or T-32 (either voluntary or involuntary) for any reason (including retirement); changes to a member s orders, primarily a transition from T-10 to T-32 or vice versa Unit Transfer. Members transferring from one full-time AGR position to another within the ANG will be allowed to fulfill their remaining AvB service commitment in the new position with the concurrence of the gaining organization commander. The receiving AvB Coordinator must submit all required documents through CMS to NGB/A1PF to ensure that the agreement is continued, orders are concurrent (i.e., no break in service) and further payments are made Suspending, Terminating, or Recouping AvB. As soon as possible, but NLT 30 days after disqualifying occurrence, the AvB Coordinator will notify NGB/A1PF via CMS, to suspend, terminate or recoup AvB payments Headquarters Air Force (HQ AF). HQ AF/A1 is the SecAF delegated approval authority for the RegAF AvB program. HQ AF/A1PP (Military Force Management Policy) has overall responsibility for development and oversight of the AvB program, including waiver authority. HQ AF/A1PPR (Rated Force Policy) is the OPR and will ensure compliance with DoDI and associated AFIs. (T-1) NGB/CF. The Director, Air National Guard (DANG) is the SecAF delegated proponent for the Air National Guard AvB program. (T-1) Daniel R. Sitterly Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Manpower and Reserve Affairs)

11 AFI JULY References Attachment 1 GLOSSARY OF REFERENCES AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION Title 37, U.S.C., 334, Special aviation incentive pay and bonus authorities for officers DoD Instruction , Aviation Incentive Pays and Bonus Program, 20 October 2016 DoD R, Department of Defense Financial Management Regulations (FMRs), April 2016 AFPD 36-30, Military Entitlements, 28 April 2015 AFI , Aviation Management, 10 December 2010 AFI , Aviation and Parachutist Service, Aeronautical Ratings and Aviation Badges, 13 December 2010 AFI , Records Management Program, 4 June 2012 AFMAN , Management of Records, 1 March 2008 AFI , Active Duty Service Commitments, 30 April 2012 AFI , Service Retirements, 18 September 2015 AFI , Administrative Discharge Procedures for Commissioned Officers, 9 June 2004 AFI , Separating Commissioned Officers, 9 July 2004 AFI , Separation and Retirement Procedures for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Members, 14 April 2005 ANGI , Air National Guard Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Program, 3 June 2010 Abbreviations and Acronyms A1 Director of Manpower, Personnel and Services AvB Aviation Bonus (formerly ACP) AvIP Aviation Incentive Pay (formerly Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP)) AFI- Air Force Instruction AFRIMS Air Force Records Information Management System AFPC Air Force Personnel Center AFPD Air Force Policy Directive AFRC Air Force Reserve Command AGR Active Guard Reserve ANG Air National Guard ARC Air Reserve Component CMS Case Management System

12 12 AFI JULY 2017 COB Close of Business DFAS Defense Finance and Accounting Service DoD Department of Defense DOS Date of Separation DRU Direct Reporting Unit FEB Flying Evaluation Board FOA Field Operating Agencies FSO Financial Services Office FSS Force Support Squadron FY Fiscal Year IST - Inter Service Transfer JUMPS Joint Uniform Military Pay System MAJCOM Major Command OPR Office of Primary Responsibility POC Point of Contact RDS Records Disposition Schedule RIF Reduction in Force SecAF Secretary of the Air Force T 10 - Title 10 T 32 Title 32 UCMJ Uniform Code of Military Justice VRAD Voluntary Recall to Active Duty YAS Years Aviation Service Terms AvB agreement The aviator's legal contract for aviation bonus (AvB) once received and approved by component approving authority. AvB Effective Date The date an AvB agreement begins and the date from which pay amounts are computed. AvB Eligibility Date The date an officer is first eligible in a FY to enter into an AvB agreement. AvB Supervisor The individual responsible for counseling AvB-eligible officers and recommending approval/disapproval of AvB application. This is normally the unit commander. For officers assigned to a wing (wing staff, command post, etc.), but outside a squadron, the operations group commander is the AvB supervisor. For officers not in a squadron or wing (for

13 AFI JULY example, MAJCOM headquarters, military schools, or joint and exchange positions), the first USAF field grade officer or USAF civilian equivalent in the officer s chain of command is the AvB supervisor. Aviation Service Date The effective date of the initial aeronautical order to perform aviation service. Unearned Payment The prorated daily amount (computed by DFAS) for any overpayment paid for duty not performed under the AvB Agreement. Years of Aviation Service (YAS) Service computed beginning with the effective date of the initial order to perform aviation service. It may be adjusted for breaks in military service and/or periods of non-permanent disqualification, as defined by the Secretary of the Military Department concerned.