Still time to leave active duty early

  • Published
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Nearly 1,250 airmen have applied to leave the Air Force early under force shaping.

As the March 12 application deadline draws near, officials looking to trim the force by more than 16,000 are encouraging all airmen to carefully look at options to retire or separate earlier than they might otherwise have been allowed.

"It isn't for everyone,” said Col. Phil Odom, chief of Air Force separations and retirements at the Air Force Personnel Center here. “But we think this program offers some Air Force members what they may be looking for -- a way to transition from active duty and move on with the next challenge in their life."

The early-out program is off to a slower start than officials had hoped. Under the plan, the exit doors were opened to many officers and enlisted airmen by waiving some active-duty service commitments and relaxing certain restrictions for transition to the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve.

Some bonus payback requirements may also be waived, officials said.

"Leaving the active-duty force is a big decision, so people may be taking time to research their options to make the right decision for themselves and their families," said Maj. Dawn Keasley, chief of retirement and separation policy at the Air Staff. "Should they choose to continue their service by transitioning to the Guard or Reserve [through the Palace Chase program], or depart the force by obtaining a service commitment waiver, the application window will be open until March 12."

So far, 289 applications have been approved for either early retirement or separation or the Palace Chase program, Colonel Odom said.

Of those, 120 enlisted and seven officer applications have been accepted for early separation or retirement.

Rules for leaving active duty early will be easiest for anyone wanting to transfer to the Guard or Reserve, as all career-field specialties are eligible to apply for this option.

Not all career-field specialties are eligible for the active-duty service commitment waivers, however. Additional information is available on the force shaping Web page at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/retsep/shape.htm.

Details and career counseling are available from career assistance advisers and local military personnel flights. People may also call the retirements and separations division here at (210) 565-2148 or 3769, or DSN 665-2148 or 3769.

More information about the Guard can be found at www.ang.af.mil. Reserve information is online at www.afrc.af.mil. Those considering work with the U.S. government can check the Office of Personnel Management's Web site at www.opm.gov/Career_Opportunities/index.asp to browse career opportunities. (Courtesy of AFPC News Service)