Priority placement program serves employee, DoD needs Published Dec. 12, 2011 By Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Civilian employees adversely affected by such actions as transfer of function or base realignment and closure may be eligible for assistance through the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. "The priority placement program sometimes conjures concern when mentioned, but it is one of the most positive programs available, and benefits employees, the Air Force and the Department of Defense," said Ray Gonzales, Air Force Personnel Center workforce transition branch chief. Depending on the situation, the program provides mandatory placement, matching eligible well-qualified employees to vacant positions throughout the Defense Department. "That helps us maintain a relatively stable workforce," said Gonzales, "and enables us to meet force management objectives as well." The DoD is working to bring civilian employment levels back to fiscal year 2010 levels, which involves eliminating some positions and restructuring others, Gonzales explained, adding that priority placement enables leaders to restructure while taking advantage of an existing skilled, motivated workforce. But PPP is not just for use during government-initiated actions, he explained. It is also a useful tool for unexpected situations. "The program helped us place employees and family members displaced by natural disasters, like Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina and Rita," Gonzales explained. The intent of the program - during any displacement event - is to place qualified registrants in order to maintain a stable, trained, experienced workforce, said Gonzales. For a PPP placement to occur, the registrant matched against a job vacancy must be well qualified for the position, certified by the current supervisor, he added. "PPP doesn't just benefit employees. It's a smart tool that will enable leaders to continue to accomplish their mission following displacement events, and it's a money-saving tool allowing leaders to take advantage of available, educated, trained and skilled employees," Gonzales said. For more information about the priority placement program and other personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil, or the Office of Personnel Management website at www.opm.gov.