Beginning Feb. 28, 2025, the Department of the Air Force began implementing the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) by issuing notifications to employees on the status of their program application.
Officials are expected to begin sending automated emails today through the DRP tool directly to DRP applicants, following a phased approach based on command validation of exempt or ineligible employees. The email rollout will start with non-bargaining employees. Notifications for bargaining employees will follow after collective bargaining units receive official notice.
Approved DRP participants can enter a transition period, receiving paid administrative leave until Sept. 30, 2025, during which they are generally not expected to work and are exempt from in-person requirements. This voluntary program requires a formal agreement between the employee and the DAF, providing a financially supported pathway for eligible employees nearing retirement while enabling the Department of Defense to proactively reshape its workforce.
