Joint Base Charleston. S.C. –
The Air Force announced recently that it will implement the new Noncommissioned Officer Career Status Program for active duty Airmen, which will affect reenlistment contracts executed on or after Nov. 18.
The change will eliminate the need for Airmen who have 12 or more years of service to continue to reenlist by aligning their separation dates with their high year of tenure dates.
Airmen with 12 years of service who sign a reenlistment contract on or after Nov. 18 will fall under the CSP and that will be their last contract. CSP Airmen will no longer see a date of separation in their records until they are within 12 months of their high year of tenure date. Upon getting promoted, the date of separation for CSP Airmen will automatically be updated to the high year of tenure date of the new rank.
“Career Airmen are consummate professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to service. They play a crucial role in developing the next generation of Airmen,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. “With this adjustment, we’re providing them the associated flexibility to make individualized career decisions.”
Airmen who reenlist under the NCO Career Status Program will follow processes similar to those of officers and will incur active duty service commitments.
The Selective Retention Bonus program will not be impacted by CSP other than a few administrative processing changes. If eligible for an SRB, Airmen electing to accept the bonus--and the associated ADSC--will apply for the SRB via myPers and complete an application electronically. The Air Force’s Personnel Center will identify and notify those Airmen on Career Status contracts who are eligible for an SRB on a monthly basis.
Like officers, enlisted Airmen may apply for separation prior to their high year of tenure date with an effective date no later than 180 days from date of request.
“What we are saying to our Airmen is we hear you,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright. “We recognize your commitment to a profession in the Air Force, and we’re going to manage your service commitment in a way that provides you with reduced paperwork and increased efficiency.”
Master Sgt. Reneekqua Hudson, section chief of career development for the 628th Force Support Squadron, said that while there are no specific considerations for members of Joint Base Charleston, Airmen should routinely review their records so they can identify any special cirumstances early.
“This is such a new process and it affects the Air Force as a whole,” said Hudson. “But if everybody is on top of their reenlistments and extensions like they are supposed to be, I don’t think there will be any issues. All Airmen should be extra mindful of their specific enlistment details.”
FAQs
Q1. When does the NCO Career Status Program take effect?
A1. The new policy applies to Airmen with at least 12 years of service who are reenlisting on or after Nov. 18, 2019.
Q2. Does this apply to Total Force?
A2. The NCO Career Status Program applies to only active duty Airmen.
Q3. What if I am promoted after I’ve already reenlisted to my HYT at my current rank?
A3. Your date of separation will be automatically updated to reflect the HYT date of your new rank. There is no action required from the Airman.
Q4. How do I apply to SRB under this program?
A4. If eligible for a Selective Retention Bonus, Airmen electing to accept the bonus--and the associated active duty service commitment--will apply for the SRB via myPers and complete an application electronically.
Q5. How will Airmen know they are eligible for an SRB under this program?
A5. Every month, the Air Force’s Personnel Center will identify and notify those Airmen on Career Status contracts who are eligible for a Selective Retention Bonus.
Q6. How many Airmen does this policy affect?
A6: As of Aug. 8, 2019, there were 53,536 active duty Airmen with 12 or more years of service.
Q7. What if I decide to separate or retire prior to my HYT?
A7. Provided they have completed their Active Duty Service Commitment, Airmen may apply for separation prior to their HYT with an effective date no later than 180 days from date of request and no later than 120 days from the date of request for retirement.
Q8. What if I decide to opt out of an assignment or 365 deployment?
A8. You may be required to complete the assignment or deployment if you have an active duty service commitment. If you do not have an active duty service commitment and choose to decline an assignment or 365 deployment, you must apply to separate, or if eligible, to retire.