Administrative Separations

ETS Right

Airmen are entitled to separate at their expiration of term of service unless there is a specific authority for retention.

Not Automatic

ETS Not Automatic

As a rule, Airmen separate on the date their expiration of term of service occurs, but their separation is NOT automatic.

Until Admin Action

Airmen are members of the USAF until they are separated by administrative action.

Suitability Standard

The suitability of persons to serve in the USAF is judged on the basis of:

Their conduct
Their ability to meet required standards of duty performance and discipline

Cmdr/Supervisor Duty

Cmdr Identify At-Risk

Commanders and supervisors must:

Identify enlisted members who show a likelihood for early separation
Make reasonable efforts to help these members meet USAF standards

Discharge Those Without Potential

Members who do not show potential for further service should be discharged.

Pre-Separation Consultation Required

SJA + MPF Consultation

Commanders must consult the servicing Staff Judge Advocate and military personnel flight before initiating the involuntary separation of a member.

Required Separation

Required Separation Definition

Airmen who will continue to serve in another military status must separate.

Examples

Required Sep Examples

For example:

An Airman may separate to serve with the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard
An Airman may also separate to accept an appointment as a commissioned officer of the USAF
OR to accept an appointment as a warrant or commissioned officer of another branch of service

Voluntary Separation

Voluntary Definition

Airmen may ask for early separation for the convenience of the government if they meet the criteria.

Voluntary Reasons

Reasons for which members may be allowed to separate:

Entering an officer training program
Pregnancy
Conscientious objection
Hardship
Early release to attend school

Involuntary Separation

Involuntary Reasons (Convenience)

Reasons for involuntary discharge for the convenience of the government:

Physical conditions that interfere with duty performance or assignment availability
Inability to cope with parental responsibilities or military duty
Insufficient retainability for required retraining
Defective enlistment (fraudulent or erroneous)

For Cause

Involuntary Reasons (Cause)

Airmen are subject to discharge for cause based on such factors as:

Unsatisfactory performance
Substance abuse
Misconduct
In the interest of national security

Administrative Separations