SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --
The stories of two Mobility Air Force Airmen are not impossible dreams, but a showcase of the reality of a command that welcomes all who volunteer to serve.
Janette Fields, Air Mobility Command Directorate of Strategic Plans, Requirements and Programs management assistant, and Joseph Kramlinger, AMC Directorate of Studies, Analyses, Assessments and Lessons Learned operations research analyst, were hired through the Schedule A hiring authority at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
The Schedule-A hiring authority is one of the many programs that supports the hiring and accommodation of those with disabilities. This program mutually benefits those with disabilities seeking employment and hiring managers seeking employees, by streamlining the hiring process for filling vacancies across the enterprise.
Once hired through the Schedule A hiring authority, the Air Force may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified disabled individuals. Applicants must provide proof of disability certified by a qualified medical, state, or federal agency.
General reasonable accommodations include making existing facilities readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. They also include modifying equipment or devices, adjusting examination, training materials, and policies.
Both Fields and Kramlinger were eligible due to hearing impairments to which AMC provides reasonable accommodations such as video phones.
With over 30 years of service, Fields continues to experience stability and development in one of the Air Force’s largest major commands.
“Time went by so quickly,” Fields said. “I feel that working for the command has provided me a wealth of knowledge about AMC’s capabilities.”
Before working for AMC, Fields was on a challenging pursuit of opportunity.
“Prior to my federal employment, it was not easy finding either part-time or full-time employment. So I held summer-hire positions and did volunteer work,” said Fields.
Finally, the stars aligned when she discovered the Schedule A hiring authority and applied. Shortly after applying, she received a letter from AMC Headquarters offering her a position.
Fields added, “I was shocked and elated at the same time.”
Kramlinger similarly joined the AMC team in January looking for growth and experience.
He stated that the Civilian Leadership Development Program and software educational opportunities have been particularly beneficial.
“I moved here from Texas because AMC was a great fit for continued career opportunities, such as expanding my software skills with newer Big Data tools, working closely on data analysis with program leaders, plus hands-on interaction in global military operations,” said Kramlinger.
According to Patricia McDonald, AMC Personnel Branch, Directorate of Manpower, Personnel, and Services chief, 1,283 AMC employees have disabilities, and many of those are veterans.
“Our disabled employees are an essential part of our workforce and have demonstrated excellence in executive, administrative, managerial, and technical fields,” McDonald said.
AMC sustains readiness because of the diverse skillsets from all Airmen. To develop a ready force, the programs in place support and grow members with disabilities, as they remain a key component to the command’s overall success.
Hiring managers who are looking to fill vacant positons across the enterprise should consider taking advantage of the Schedule A hiring authority. This expedited service appointing authority reduces the traditional hiring process by 40 to 50 days.
The Air Force Civilian Service hires individuals in nearly all occupational areas and provides numerous opportunities for employment. Veterans with a 30% or higher disability rating and civilians who have a disability may pursue a Schedule A hiring authority.
For more information on the Schedule A hiring authority or other programs available for individuals with disabilities, contact Wendy Rasley at wendy.rasley@us.af.mil or Patricia McDonald at patricia.mcdonald@us.af.mil.