Officials announce plans for third DOS rollback

6/10/2010 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Air Force officials announced June 8 plans for a third enlisted date of separation rollback with a mandatory DOS of Aug. 31, 2010. This program is part of an overall effort by the Air Force to maintain a quality enlisted force and meet the congressionally mandated end strength.

Under the third DOS rollback, Airmen with fewer than 14, or more than 20 years of service must separate no later than Aug. 31, or retire no later than Sept. 1 if they possess a code preventing their re-enlistment.

Airmen separated or retired under the DOS rollback are authorized transition assistance benefits that include 180 days of extended medical care for themselves and their families, and an ID card permitting base commissary and exchange privileges for two years.

Those separated with more than six years, but less than 20 years total active service are eligible for one-half the amount of separation pay, but they must sign an Individual Ready Reserve agreement to serve for a minimum three years. Those declining to serve in the IRR will be ineligible for separation pay.

Air Force officials will not recoup unearned portions of education assistance funds, special pay, bonuses or other monetary incentives under the DOS Rollback Program.

Additionally, most Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits will not be impacted; however, the transferability of benefits to dependents may be affected. Airmen should consult their local education centers or the VA concerning transferability.

Airmen with more than 20 years of service who are affected by the DOS rollback must request a retirement date via the Virtual Military Personnel Flight.

Air Force officials said the third enlisted DOS rollback will allow leaders to manage the force and strategically balance skills and abilities in the midst of a 15-year high for retention.

In November, officials announced plans to conduct an April 30 DOS rollback for enlisted members. A second rollback was announced in March with a mandatory DOS rollback of June 30. The third rollback will also accelerate the date of separation for Airmen, based on their years of service and re-enlistment eligibility or assignment availability codes.

As with the June 30 rollback, commanders are allowed to conduct early consideration under the Selective Re-enlistment Program for Airmen who possess select re-enlistment codes and meet the rollback program criteria, Air Force Personnel Officials said. Any personnel-related actions by commanders must be accomplished before June 24, when the roster of affected Airmen will be pulled by members of the AFPC separations branch.

For more information, visit the Air Force Personnel Center personnel services website and enter "DOS rollback" in the search engine or call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102.