29 Sep 14 - Comment - Re-building

Comment:  Sir we are "re-building the house."

29 Sep 14 - Brown Bag Lunch Attendees

Question:  Several times in the last several years I have asked to go to these “Brown Bag Lunches” and have been told that I couldn’t because the attendees have already been selected.  What is the purpose of this if management “selects” who they want to go?  If there is nothing to hide then why not open it up to volunteers or those who have an issue?  Also, due to reprisal, some are scared to go.  Can topics and issues discussed, be shared with all in the directorate so those not in attendance can know what is going on?  How do I know this question is being addressed or is it shredded before being discussed at the meeting?

Answer: No one should be selected to attend Brown Bag Lunches.  I hope that everyone who came today did so because they wanted to and wanted to have lunch with me.  All Brown Bag questions are answered and posted on the Team Stewart website under the DA Civilian TAB at the top of the screen.  You can view Q&A’s from any of the previous Brown Bag Lunches.

29 Sep 14 - Promotions

Question:  Is there a freeze on promotions?  GS level not step increases.

Answer:  No there is not a freeze on promotions.  We are competing positions on USA JOBS website every day.  If you are qualified for any vacancy we are competing, I encourage you to apply.

29 Sep 14 - Civilian Job Cuts

Question:  Is there going to be another round of civilian job cuts?  If so, when will it end?

Answer:   Yes.  The Army is looking to downsize to 490k.  If sequestration continues in FY15, there will be a 13% reduction in civilian jobs.  We cannot afford another cut in civilian jobs.  There may be a few cuts from DACP.  The hardest hits are from DPW and DPTMS.  I am trying not to do a RIF.  Pay attention to the elections.  Let your congressmen know your concerns with sequestration.  Continuing Resolution was signed through 11 Dec 14.  In 2011 we had 1526 DA Civilians, in 2014 our authorizations are 929 DA Civilians, in 2015 our authorizations will be 855 DA Civilians, and by 2017 our authorizations will be 775 DA Civilians.

29 Sep 14 - New TDA Enforced for Pay

Question:  When will the new TDA be enforced for pay?

Answer:  IMCOM is using the FY15 TDA right now for staffing purposes and will switch to the approved FY16 TDA sometime around January 2015.  Civilians on-board will continue to get paid every two weeks as long as they are employed.  We will downsize the number of Civilians on-board through voluntary means such as attrition, PCS and VERA/VSIP. 

29 Sep 14 - Will PDs be upgraded?

Question:  DES BMO staff has assumed numerous additional duties due to loss of personnel because of VERA/VSIP.  Will PD’s be upgraded to reflect these duties?

Answer:  Yes it should be.  The problem with VERA/VSIP is that it abolishes the positions.  Your PD should be adjusted and gone over with you during your counseling sessions. 

29 Sep 14 - Civilian Downsizing in DES

Question:  Why are there so many Soldiers at DES now?  There are 2 GS-9’s.  Can they possibly see GS-11 due to the extensive workload and additional duties?

Answer:  DES is working on improving their systems.  Soldiers won’t affect GS positions.  Funding and downsizing affects civilian positions.  A lot of this is your management and how they want to restructure their sections.