Early retirement for enlisted

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Air Force officials announced an application window for targeted early retirements for enlisted Airmen.

Eligible Airmen will have 15-19 years of service in fiscal 2012 and be in the grades of staff sergeant through master sergeant in overmanned career fields.

Approximately 250 applications will be approved, though it is not based on a first come, first serve basis. Each application will be reviewed to ensure the most eligible applicants are approved, said Master Sgt. Rebecca Smith, 22nd Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Section superintendent.

Qualifying criteria will include grade, years of service, eligible Air Force specialty code and other objective criteria based on the needs of the Air Force.

The Temporary Early Retirement Authority application window will be open April 10 to 30.

Applicants will be notified by May 4, of their approval or disapproval status, said Smith.

Those who apply and are approved for early retirement will have a Sept. 1 retirement date. Airmen approved for TERA will have their retired pay reduced by 1/12th of 1 percent for each full month by which the number of months of active service are less than 240 as of the date of the member's retirement.

"As we continue to size and shape our force, we must have the right balance of skills to meet Air Force missions," said Maj. Gen. Sharon Dunbar, the director of Force Management Policy, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U. S. Air Force. "TERA allows us to use a voluntary program to shape the force where we have overages in Air Force specialties."

The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve do not plan on conducting force management actions in fiscal 2012. However, all components are working together to ensure the total force is prepared for manpower reductions in fiscal 2013.

If any McConnell Airman is interested in the program but unsure of their eligibility, they can review information on the Air Force Personnel Services website, or contact Career Development at (316) 759-4710 or 759-3879.