The Department of Defense (DoD) announced a Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) for civilian employees, offering an opportunity for eligible employees to resign or retire while receiving paid administrative leave until September 30, 2025. DoD DRP and VERA are workforce-shaping tools that will help the DoD reach its projected civilian workforce goals of reduction by 5-8% through voluntary measures while allowing an opportunity for employees to transition from the Department smoothly.
Employees can apply for DRP and/or VERA from April 7, 2025, through April 14, 2025. Department of the Air Force (DAF) civilians can expect to receive direct emails from the Acting Secretary of the Air Force and myFSS where they will be provided with a form to apply for these programs. Employees are encouraged to review the information carefully and discuss their intentions to apply with their supervisors.
Those approved for DRP will enter a transition period, beginning no earlier than May 1, 2025, during which they are not expected to work and will receive paid administrative leave until September 30, 2025. Individuals who elect into the DoD DRP will then resign or retire by September 30, 2025. Employees will also be exempt from in-person work requirements.
