Military Assessing Family Events Schedule, Outlines Guidelines for Non-Military Participants
Reevaluation of 'Family Days' in the Air Force Raises Concerns Among Service Members
In a recently issued memo, the Department of the Air Force has expressed the intention to reevaluate the policy surrounding 'Family Days' to ensure they align with warfighter readiness. This potential change has sparked concerns among service members who value these extended weekends, often scheduled around federal holidays.
Typically, commands are responsible for granting 'Family Days,' with each command setting its own schedule. While schedules may vary, they are usually announced well in advance—sometimes up to two years prior. For instance, Air Force Global Strike Command has scheduled 11 'Family Days' for 2025, while Air Education and Training Command plans six such days, starting with a Friday before Memorial Day.
Notably, the memo does not cancel any existing or future 'Family Days,' nor does it rule out additional leave for military personnel. Civilians, however, are not automatically granted extra leave under federal law. The memo emphasizes that civilian employees must either report to work or use their accrued leave on 'Family Days.'
Commanders, directors, and supervisors are encouraged to treat these days as "liberal leave," allowing civilians to use previously earned compensatory time, approved time-off awards, or regular leave as eligible. The memo concludes by stating that over the next few weeks, the Department of the Air Force will evaluate 'Family Days' further.
On social media, Airmen and Guardians expressed their concerns that 'Family Days' might be phased out to prioritize operational needs. In response, the service spokesperson declined to provide further details on potential impacts on service members' 'Family Days.'
Recent policy shifts within the Department of Defense under the new Trump administration have included the move to phase out telework agreements. Facing a shortage of suitable workspaces, the Air Force is reviewing guidance to determine which employees remain eligible for remote work.
Some employees may continue teleworking if they meet specific criteria, such as having reasonable accommodations, lacking suitable office space, or holding an approved deferred resignation status. Approximately 75,000 federal workers have participated in this program as of Feb. 12.
Air Force personnel who relocate due to a service member spouse's assignment or those covered by collective bargaining agreements may also qualify for telework.
Although no current statistics on telework employees were available, over 70,000 civilian employees reported using some form of telework in 2024, representing nearly half of the department's civilian workforce.
The Air Force is still working through its return-to-office plan, and the number of remote work and telework employees is evolving as they seek compliance with all executive orders. The department is finalizing a system for submitting exemption requests, which will be reviewed by the Secretary of Defense.
In recent years, Air Force families have faced challenges in critical family support services, such as child development centers at Air Force bases. Instances like sudden disenrollment from childcare programs due to staff shortages and hiring freezes have added stress to military families. These issues indirectly impact warfighter readiness, as they can increase stress and distraction on service members who depend on dependable childcare and family programs.
The Air Force Military and Family Readiness Centers continue to support family life and resilience through various programs and events, such as deployment readiness and post-deployment reintegration activities. The department also maintains a focus on maintaining operational readiness despite personnel and family support challenges, as shown by updated guidance on military excellence and readiness.
While explicit changes to 'Family Days' have not been outlined, the current staffing shortages and challenges in family support services raise concerns about maintaining family stability and, consequently, warfighter readiness. The Air Force continues to work towards mitigating the impacts on military families to support overall readiness, and public comment on family support policies remains ongoing, potentially influencing future adjustments.
- The reevaluation of 'Family Days' in the Air Force has raised concerns among service members, as they value these extended weekends and fear they might be phased out to prioritize operational needs, similar to the move to phase out telework agreements in the Department of Defense.
- The potential changes to 'Family Days' and recent policy shifts, such as the review of telework agreements, have highlighted concerns about maintaining family stability within the Air Force, which indirectly impacts warfighter readiness.
- The Department of the Air Force is currently faced with challenges in family support services, such as staff shortages and hiring freezes at child development centers, which can increase stress and distraction on service members.
- In light of the concerns raised by service members and the challenges in family support services, the Air Force continues to work towards mitigating the impacts on military families and maintaining overall readiness, while continuing to support family life and resilience through various programs and events. Additionally, the department maintains a focus on maintaining operational readiness amidst personnel and family support challenges, as shown by updated guidance on military excellence and readiness.
