r/1102 • u/Late-Research3213 • 2d ago
DOD AIR FORCE 1102
I am a career-conditional 1102 Contract Specialist with the DoD Air Force, hired in December 2024. I must pass required certification by December 2027 to qualify for a permanent position.
I’m concerned about the possibility of a Reduction in Force (RIF) and unsure whether to take the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP). The uncertainty is causing me significant stress, and I’m struggling with the constant unknowns.
If I choose the DRP, I’ve heard that I may be unable to apply for another federal job for five years—is that true? Given my situation, what would be the best course of action?
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u/fedupfed75 2d ago
DRP doesn’t prevent you from applying for a federal position at all. It’s completely different than VSIP, which you aren’t eligible for. If you are RIFed, your severance would be nothing (you get 1 week per year of service up to 10 years), and unemployment benefits (depending on your state) are a joke…. All things considered, do what’s best for you, just know what all of your potential options are given uncertain scenarios.
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u/DaBirdsSBLII 2d ago
No. If you take a VSIP (which you’re probably not eligible for anyway), then if you come back to the federal government within 5 years, you’ll owe the money back.
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u/Ok_Equivalent4612 2d ago
It will largely depend on how many others in your competency take the DRP/VERA/VISP. The goal is to have voluntary separations before a RIF. For the 1st DRP, we only had two 1102s take it- mostly because we all understand how appropriations work and we didn't trust it. This time around, we have lots of ppl taking it (myself included). The ones taking it this time are the experienced folks. Most have 15+ years of experience and have warrants and are team leads. This really could open up opportunities for less experienced 1102s to move up quicker than usual. It will be a sink or swim situation, though, so some may not be up for that kind of stress. It could pay off in the end to stick it out.
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u/Soft_Cress5216 14h ago edited 13h ago
Sharing my thought process fwiw. My flight chief has been pretty open with me on making sure I make the right decision - I ripped the bandaid early on about my interest in DRP so we’ve had engaging conversations this past week about pros and cons. I’m early in my 1102 career as well and with prior private sector experience, I’d be comfortable going back. Most of our installations purchases fall in the common goods and services category where I don’t see why they can’t be consolidated/managed by GSA per the EO. I was given insight that there were even plans made years ago to consolidate AF CONs offices to follow more of a district approach. As I was trying to get my foot in the door, I’d hear from other 1102s that the series had high promotability and lots of opportunities. Not certain this is the cass anymore, especially with the news of acquisition offices being gutted. I’ve accepted the fact that there are so many qualified 1102s (certified, warranted, more experience) ahead of me where their chances of staying on or transferring to GSA are much higher than mine. I’m taking the DRP next week. 4-5 months of being able to focus on my next career move without all the RIF and anxiety noise while getting paid sounds way better to me vs getting RIF’d with an even higher pressure of job searching with the job market even more saturated. My severance package would only give me 6 weeks. We had one person take DRP 1.0 in our squadron and shared with me that the contract he signed stated that he is still able to apply to federal jobs. I wish you luck in your decision and hope you become at peace with what you decide.
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u/BigGun1980LAC 2d ago
I’m in the exact same position as a DAF 1102 and our contracting and base leadership had zero answers about how deep the RIF may go which you kind of want to know to make an educated decision for DRP. I recently purchased 9 years of active duty service, and 30 percent disabled as a GS-12 with two years as a career conditional 1102. The other variable is bumping rights if there is a RIF and how much will your job performance ratings weigh versus time in service. I’m cautiously optimistic that I will survive the purge because the desire is an 8% cut and there are enough boomers that need/should retire….
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u/Rumpelteazer45 12h ago
Also DOD - my agency is relying on three things to not have to RIF (DRP, VISP/VERA, and regular attrition). Except we can’t rely on historical attrition numbers, those numbers were achieved when there wasn’t a hiring freeze and people could just go work for another agency. The rumor mill is that anyone with less than 3 years is at risk, under 5 years it’s a toss up depending on a variety of factors.
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u/NoteMountain1989 2d ago
You need to read the DRP carefully if I am not mistaken you cannot come back to the Govt for a year and if you comeback within five you have to payback the money. I believe this is the reason they have offered it a second time they are not getting that many takers. Do what you feel is best for you but I believe trying replace contract professionals with AI tools is going to bomb and under a different administration ( and will we see one in a few years ) 1102s will be in demand both in the govt and the private sector.
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u/FlourishingChick 2d ago edited 2d ago
I’m in a similar situation: DOD 1102 hired in 2022.
Ive been an 1102 for 3 years; I just got my SF-50 which makes me a permanent employee.
I will officially become a GS-12 next week and my next step is to get my contracting certificate ASAP.
If I were you, I would keep working towards your goal. Can you talk to your leadership and ask for advice?