First we had sailors trying on some new ACUs for duty in Iraq, now it looks like some Air Force officers may get to try on some ACUs as well:

The service has determined it has too many officers who received their commissions in 2002 and 2003 and a board met in April to determine who will stay in. According to a press release issued by the Air Force Personnel Center, 843 officers ?or just more than 40 percent of those who joined in the two-year period ?will be let go.

Judy Grojean, a spokeswoman for AFPC, said Tuesday from Randolph Air Force Base in Texas that officials were reluctant to answer further questions until those affected had been notified.

(…)

Those who aren’t retained are eligible to seek positions in the reserve or Guard or submit packages to transfer to the Army. They also may apply for civil service jobs. They’re also eligible for variable separation packages.

According to the press release, the officers will be separated no later than Sept. 29. It was not stated how soon the departures might begin.

There are going to be some pissed off Air Force officers in the coming weeks, but the Pentagon is trying to cut fat where ever it can in order to boost the number of junior officers into the Army.