The Air Force is changing the process of how First Term Airmen can retrain to provide additional opportunities for Airmen to stay in uniform instead of separating.
Effective June 1, all FTA can retrain into any Air Force Specialty Code they qualify for that is under 90% manned prior to separation, even if their current AFSC is below 90% manned.
Qualified Airmen must be within their retaining window and meet medical, Air Force Enlisted Classification Directory standards, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery score and physical fitness standards to be approved.
"Glad to see us make this change as it relates to retraining opportunities for the force," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. "Providing these opportunities for our Airmen helps us keep talent on the bench. While this particular change impacts First Term Airmen, expect to see more initiatives like this as we evolve our policies and talent management to focus on the force of the future and building the Air Force our nation needs."
Additionally, the FTA Retaining Selection Board is also no longer required during the retraining application process. This removes the racking-and-stacking retraining application process based off the number of quotas needed to a more streamlined 'first in, first out' process. Phase 1 FTA retraining quotas will be open to all FTAs who will enter their retraining window during Fiscal Year 2024.
The Exception to Policy will be reassessed June 1, 2024, unless it is rescinded earlier.
