Some prior service officers eligible to retire early

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col Ann Stefanek
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public AffairsW
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Air Force officials announced plans recently to allow some prior service officers the opportunity to retire earlier than expected.

As a result of the Fiscal 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, eligible officers with prior enlisted service who have completed 20 years of total active federal military service may apply to retire by Sept. 1 with less total active federal commissioned service.

"This new legislation gives the Air Force the ability to allow most prior service officers the option to retire with eight rather than 10 years of active commissioned service," explained Brig. Gen. Sharon K. G. Dunbar, the director of Air Force Force Management Policy.

More Airmen are choosing to stay in the Air Force, and retention is at the highest level in 16 years. For that reason, the Air Force introduced voluntary and involuntary force-management programs to better size and shape the current force. A two-year waiver of active commissioned service is one of many voluntary programs available to eligible officers this year as part of the Air Force's initiative to reduce end strength.

"We want to leverage voluntary separation and retirement programs to the maximum extent possible, and so we're pleased this early retirement option is now available," General Dunbar said.

Most officers in the line of the Air Force, judge advocate general, chaplain, biomedical science corps and medical service corps competitive categories are eligible. Additional program eligibility and information will be sent out from the Air Force Personnel Center.

For more information, visit the Air Force personnel services website or call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.

EDITOR'S NOTE -- Due to the migration of content on the Air Force Personnel Center personnel services website, Airmen may experience periods of latency while accessing the site. Airmen may direct their questions concerning the two-year waiver of commissioned service for prior-enlisted officers to the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.