More Bodies at NFA Branch
Way back when at the December, 2012 SAR West Show...Mr. Ed Saavedra (NFA Branch Chief) stated that NFA Branch would be getting 6 more full time, ATF employee Examiners. Many of us had doubts, but Ed stuck to his guns. I had a long talk with Ted Clutter (NFA Examiner Supervisor) yesterday and this is what I learned:
+ At the time Ed made that statement, there were 12 Examiners. It was assumed that this increase would result in 18 Examiners.
+ We were cautioned by many that the additional 6 bodies might not result in a net Examiner head count increase.
+ Prior to the on boarding of the new Examiners, ATF was able to reallocate existing contractors (about a dozen) to the role of research assistants. These contractors WILL stay in place for the foreseeable future.
+ NFA Branch has lost 3 Examiners to attrition from the time of Ed's announcement to now, resulting in an actual number of current, full time Examiners being 9.
+ As of last week, 3 new Examiners are on board and in place, bringing the head count back to 12.
+ It will take some time for the new Examiners to come up to speed and be productive.
+ It is estimated that 3 more full time Examiners will be on board in October, bringing the projected head count to 15.
+ This assumes that there is no more attrition.
