Air Force Stop Loss
Message #1

"Stop Loss" is a program which allows the service to temporarily halt all separations and retirement during times of war, deployments, or National Emergency. The Air Force has issued a "Stop Loss" in conjunction with the "War on Terrorism." Below is the first message issued concerning the Stop Loss Program for the Air Force:

TEXT

:UNCLAS

A/ 03 /01 B/ 03 /01 AIG 10607 AIG FOR INFO ONLY

SUBJECT: STOP LOSS PERSONNEL POLICY GUIDANCE MESSAGE NUMBER 1.

REF: (A) HQ USAF WASHINGTON DC//CC// MSG DTG 220135Z SEP 01

(B) HQ USAF//DP// MSG DTG 220152Z SEP 01

THIS MESSAGE IS IN SIX PARTS. STOP LOSS IS IN EFFECT FOR PERSONNEL (OFFICER AND ENLISTED) IN THE GRADES OF COL AND BELOW FOR ALL AFSCS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. HQ AFPC IS PROVIDING PROCESSING GUIDANCE FOR AIR FORCE ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL ONLY IN THE GRADES OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL AND BELOW. HQ USAF/AFCMO WILL PROVIDE STOP LOSS GUIDANCE FOR ACTIVE DUTY COLONELS IN A SEPARATE MESSAGE. IN ACCORDANCE WITH (IAW) REFERENCE (B) ABOVE, RETIREMENTS AND SEPARATIONS EFFECTIVE ON/AFTER

2 OCT 01 ARE INDEFINITELY SUSPENDED (EXCEPT THOSE EXEMPTED IN PART TWO OF THIS MESSAGE).

PART ONE: POLICY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

A. HQ AFPC/DPSIMD/DPPRY WILL PROVIDE MPF SINGLE POINT MANAGER A SHARED DISCOVERER WORKBOOK TO IDENTIFY ALL PERSONNEL PROJECTED FOR RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION AND PERSONNEL WITH AN ETS/DOS NOT CURRENTLY APPROVED FOR RETIREMENT/SEPARATION ON OR AFTER 02 OCT 01 THROUGH 30 SEP 02. APFC POC FOR DISCOVERER ASSISTANCE IS MSGT ARMOUR DSN 665-3095. IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT OF THE LISTING, MPFS MUST PROVIDE THE LIST OF AFFECTED PERSONNEL TO COMMANDERS. IN ADDITION, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT AFFECTED MEMBERS UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF STOP LOSS. THEREFORE, HQ AFPC/DPSFM WILL EMAIL EACH MPF A STATEMENT EXPLAINING STOP LOSS IMPACT.

B. COMMANDERS MUST PROVIDE THIS STATEMENT TO EACH PERSON WHOSE RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION HAS/OR WILL BE INDEFINITELY SUSPENDED.

COMMANDERS SHOULD COUNSEL MEMBERS THAT DUE TO THE UNKNOWN DURATION OF ONGOING OPERATIONS, IT IS NECESSARY TO INDEFINITELY SUSPEND RETIREMENTS/SEPARATIONS TO ENSURE AFFECTED MEMBERS' PAY AND ALLOWANCES ARE CONTINUED. STOP LOSS MEMBERS WILL BE ADVISED TO IMMEDIATELY SUSPEND ALL OUT PROCESSING ACTIONS THAT WOULD EXPEND FUNDS AGAINST THEIR APPROVED RETIREMENT/SEPARATION ORDERS (SHIP HOUSEHOLD GOODS, RECEIVE PAY ADVANCES, MOVE DEPENDENTS, ETC.) AND WILL NOT MAKE ANY IRREVOCABLE COMMITMENTS UNTIL AUTHORIZED TO DO SO BY THEIR COMMANDER. STOP LOSS MEMBERS MAY CONTINUE TO APPLY TO ESTABLISH A RETIREMENT/SEPARATION DATE OR REQUEST A WAIVER TO STOP LOSS IAW GUIDANCE IN PART FOUR OF THIS MESSAGE.

C. MPFS MUST VERIFY AND CONFIRM THOSE INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY STOP LOSS AND PROVIDE THE LIST TO HQ AFPC/DPPR, VIA EMAIL, AT: RETSEPSYS@AFPC.RANDOLPH.AF.MIL <mailto:RETSEPSYS@AFPC.RANDOLPH.AF.MIL>, NLT 27 SEP 01. THE LISTING WILL BE IN THREE SECTIONS. EACH SECTION WILL CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING HEADINGS: RANK, NAME, SSN, HYT,RET/SEP DATE, AND COLUMN FOR EXEMPTION REASON IN SECTIONS ONE AND TWO; I.E., TERM LEAVE, SHIPPED HHG, ETC.). SECTION ONE WILL INCLUDE: APPROVED RETIREMENTS EFFECTIVE 01 NOV 01 THROUGH 1 MAY 02; SECTION TWO WILL INCLUDE: APPROVED OFFICER/ENLISTED SEPARATIONS EFFECTIVE 02 OCT 01 THROUGH 30 APR 02; SECTION THREE WILL INCLUDE: OFFICER/ENLISTED WITH A DOS/ETS THAT WILL EXPIRE 02 OCT 01 THROUGH 30 APR 02, WHO DO NOT HAVE AN APPROVED/PROJECTED RETIREMENT/SEPARATION.

D. HQ AFPC HAS ESTABLISHED A CENTRALIZED PROCESSING OFFICE FOR ALL RETIREMENT/SEPARATION STOP LOSS MATTERS. MAJCOMS/MPFS MAY CONTACT RETIREMENT/SEPARATION TECHNICIANS AT DSN 665-2374 WITH QUESTIONS REGARDING STOP LOSS.

PART TWO: RETIREMENT/SEPARATION ACTIONS EXEMPT FROM STOP LOSS.

THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROCESSED:

(1) INVOLUNTARY SEPARATION FOR CAUSE UNDER AFI 36-3206, ADMINISTRATIVE DISCHARGE PROCEDURES FOR COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

(2) INVOLUNTARY SEPARATION UNDER AFI 36-3207, SEPARATING COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, CHAPTER 2, SECTIONS B AND C, AND AFI 36-3207, CHAPTER 3, AFI 36-3203, SERVICE RETIREMENTS, CHAPTER 4, MANDATORY RETIREMENT FOR REGULAR OFFICERS FOR AGE AND YEARS OF SERVICE (NOTE OFFICERS BEING SEPARATED/RETIRED DUE TO NON-SELECTION FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADES OF CAPTAIN, MAJOR, OR LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILL NOT, REPEAT, WILL NOT, BE EXEMPTED).

(3) INVOLUNTARY SEPARATION UNDER AFI 36-3208, ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION OF AIRMEN, CHAPTER 5.

(4) DISCHARGE IN LIEU OF TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL UNDER AFI 36-3208,

CHAPTER 4.

(5) RETIREMENT IN LIEU OF ACTIONS UNDER AFI 36-3203, SERVICE RETIREMENTS, TABLE 2.2, RULES 11 THROUGH 19.

(6) DISCHARGES AND RETIREMENTS FOR EXTREME PERSONAL HARDSHIP IAW GOVERNING AFIS.

(7) DISABILITY ACTIONS UNDER AFI 36-3212, PHYSICAL EVALUATION FOR RETENTION, RETIREMENT, AND SEPARATIONS.

(8) PERSONNEL ON UNACCOMPANIED SHORT TOURS WHO ARE RETIRING/SEPARATING UPON COMPLETION OF TOUR (MUST BE SERVING OVERSEAS IN AN UNACCOMPANIED STATUS AT A LOCATION WHERE THE UNACCOMPANIED TOUR LENGTH IS 15 MONTHS OR LESS).

(9) MEMBERS WHO HAVE SHIPPED HOUSEHOLD GOODS OR HOUSEHOLD GOODS ARE SCHEDULED AS OF THE RECEIPT OF THIS MESSAGE FOR PICK UP ON OR BEFORE 1 OCT 01, OR HAVE DEPARTED ON TERMINAL LEAVE OR TRANSITION PERMISSIVE TDY WHICH IS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY TERMINAL LEAVE ON OR BEFORE 1 OCT 01 ARE EXEMPT. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, COMMANDERS WILL NOT AUTHORIZE CHANGES IN TERMINAL LEAVE DATES.

PART THREE: RETIREMENT/SEPARATION MPF ACTIONS FOR STOP LOSS MEMBERS.

A. MPF ACTIONS FOR STOP LOSS MEMBERS WITH DATES OF SEPARATION FROM 02 OCT 01 THROUGH 30 APR 02 (INCLUDES 1 MAY 02 RETIREMENTS). PLEASE NOTE: ALTHOUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS APPLY TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WITH A DOS BETWEEN 2 OCT 01 AND 30 APR 02, ALL PERSONNEL WHO HAVE A DOS BEYOND 30 APR 02 ARE ALSO AFFECTED BY STOP LOSS AND ARE NOT TO BE RELEASED. SINCE THE DURATION OF STOP LOSS IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME, SHOULD IT BECOME NECESSARY TO RESCIND ORDERS AND PERFORM MILITARY PERSONNEL DATA SYSTEM (MIL PDS) UPDATES FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS WITH A DOS AFTER 30 APR 02, FURTHER INSTRUCTION WILL BE PROVIDED.

(1) UPDATE MIL PDS TO CANCEL PROJECTED SEPARATIONS (NOT UNDER AFPC CONTROL) ON NON-EXEMPT ENLISTED PERSONNEL. HQ AFPC/DPPRS WILL CANCEL SEPARATIONS THAT ARE UNDER AFPC CONTROL UNLESS IDENTIFIED AS EXEMPTED IAW PART TWO OF THIS MESSAGE.

(2) RESCIND SEPARATION ORDERS FOR NON-EXEMPT OFFICER/ENLISTED PERSONNEL.

(3) UPDATE MIL PDS (HOLD) IMMEDIATELY FOR THOSE OFFICERS AND ENLISTED PERSONNEL WITH AN APPROVED/ESTABLISHED DATE OF SEPARATION BETWEEN 2 OCT 01 AND 21 OCT 01 AND WHO DO NOT MEET EXEMPTION CRITERIA AS OUTLINED IN PART TWO OF THIS MESSAGE. THIS WILL PRECLUDE THE MEMBER’S RECORD FROM DROPPING FROM FILE UNTIL DOS IS ADJUSTED. MPFS MAY ALSO UPDATE THE HOLD ON PERSONNEL WHOM EXEMPTION STATUS CANNOT BE READILY DETERMINED. THE HOLD WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL CANCELED WITH RELEASE ACTION OR 15 DAYS PAST THE PROJECTED DOS (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST). INPUT OF THE HOLD ACTION GENERATES AN E56 TRANSACTION TO DFAS IF AN E53 HAS BEEN INPUT.

(4) UPON RECEIPT OF NOTIFICATION OF RETIREMENT/SEPARATION SUSPENSION (CANCELLATION/DISAPPROVAL), EXTEND THE DOS OF ENLISTED MEMBERS WHOSE DOS/ETS WILL EXPIRE 02 OCT 01 TO 30 APR 02, AS REQUIRED. MPFS MUST CONSTANTLY IDENTIFY AND MONITOR ALL ENLISTED DOS/ETS. NO LATER THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF MEMBER’S DOS/ETS, MPFS MUST EXTEND THE DOS/ETS IN 3-MONTH INCREMENTS UNTIL AF MISSION NEEDS DICTATE OTHERWISE. PLEASE NOTE: MPFS ARE AUTHORIZED TO INVOLUNTARILY EXTEND ENLISTED PERSONNEL (BEYOND 3 MONTHS) WHEN REQUIRED TO COVER THE DURATION OF A DEPLOYMENT/TDY AND RETURN. IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE DOS/ETS NOT EXPIRE IN ORDER TO PRECLUDE ANY LAPSE IN ID CARD AND ASSOCIATED DEPENDENT BENEFITS WHILE THE MEMBER IS DEPLOYED. THE MPF CAREER ENHANCEMENTS SECTION MUST ALSO UPDATE DEFENSE JOINT MILITARY SYSTEM (DJMS) USING THE APPROPRIATE PTI E6 TRANSACTION FOR ANYONE INVOLUNTARILY EXTENDED.

(5) PROVIDE THE LOCAL TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT OFFICE (TMO) AND FINANCIAL SERVICE OFFICE (FSO) WITH A LIST OF EXEMPTED STOP LOSS PERSONNEL. CLOSE COORDINATION BETWEEN MPF AND TMO/FSO MUST BE MAINTAINED TO ENSURE TMO DOES NOT ALLOW MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT EXEMPTED FROM STOP LOSS TO SHIP HOUSEHOLD GOODS OR ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO EXPEND FUNDS AGAINST THEIR OFFICIAL ORDERS. ADDITIONALLY, THE FSO MUST ENSURE MEMBERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO REQUEST PERMISSIVE TDY AND/OR TERMINAL LEAVE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

B. HQ AFPC/DPPRR ACTIONS:

(1) RESCIND RETIREMENT ORDERS FOR PERSONNEL RETIRING BETWEEN 1 NOV 01 AND 1 MAY 02, WHO DO NOT MEET THE EXEMPTION CRITERIA LISTED IN PART TWO.

(2) EXTEND THE HIGH YEAR OF TENURE (HYT) OF ALL AIRMEN WITH A HYT BETWEEN 0110 AND 0203 TO 0204, WITH REASON CODE “D” (KEY POSITION). MPFS WILL THEN BE ABLE TO EXTEND THE DOS AS OUTLINED IN PARA 3. A (4). MPFS MUST CONTACT HQ AFPC/DPPR FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO REQUIRE FURTHER EXTENSION OF THEIR HYT DUE TO PROJECTED DEPLOYMENT AND RETURN DATE BEYOND 30 APR 02.

C. HQ AFPC/DPPR WILL CANCEL THE RETIREMENT/SEPARATION DATES FOR THOSE OFFICERS NOT EXEMPTED WITH A RETIREMENT/SEPARATION DATE BETWEEN 02 OCT 01 AND 1 MAY 02. THE OFFICER’S DOS WILL BE CHANGED IN MIL PDS TO 08 AUG 3888 (INDEFINITE) TO PRECLUDE PAY INTERUPTIONS AND ANY LAPSE IN ID CARD AND ASSOCIATED DEPENDENT BENEFITS.

D. THESE IMMEDIATE ACTIONS ARE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY AND DO NOT, REPEAT, DO NOT EXEMPT PERSONNEL WITH APPROVED DATES OF RETIREMENT/SEPARATION ON OR AFTER 30 APR 02 FROM STOP LOSS. DO NOT RESCIND ORDERS OR REMOVE ENLISTED SEPARATIONS FOR PERSONNEL AFFECTED BY STOP LOSS WITH EFFECTIVE DATES OF SEPARATION AFTER 30 APR 02 UNLESS FURTHER INSTRUCTED. HQ AFPC/DPPR WILL PROVIDE FURTHER ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THOSE PERSONNEL WITH RETIREMENT/SEPARATION DATES BEYOND 1 MAY 02, AS NECESSARY.

PART FOUR. PROCESSING STOP LOSS WAIVER REQUESTS AND RETIREMENT/SEPARATION APPLICATIONS.

A. MEMBERS AFFECTED BY STOP LOSS MAY APPLY FOR A WAIVER TO STOP LOSS AND RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION USING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS.

(1) OPTION 1: MEMBER WITH AN ALREADY APPROVED RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION MAY REQUEST A WAIVER THROUGH THEIR MAJCOM WHO HAS THE AUTHORITY TO RELEASE THEM FROM STOP LOSS, OR

(2) OPTION 2: MEMBER MAY APPLY FOR A WAIVER FROM STOP LOSS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THEIR INITIAL REQUEST FOR RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION THROUGH THEIR MAJCOM AND HQ AFPC/DPPR. APPROPRIATE RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION FORM MUST ACCOMPANY THE WAIVER REQUEST, OR

(3) OPTION 3: MEMBER’S WHO HAVE COMPLETED OR WILL HAVE COMPLETED ALL SERVICE COMMITMENTS AS OF THE REQUESTED RETIREMENT/SEPARATION DATE MAY APPLY FOR RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION FOR A SPECIFIED DATE WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS MAY BE HELD IN ABEYANCE, APPROVED AND SUSPENDED, OR DISAPPROVED IF NOT SUBMITTED IAW GOVERNING DIRECTIVES, OR RETURNED WITHOUT ACTION, BASED ON THE NEEDS OF THE AIR FORCE (THIS WILL NOT RELEASE MEMBER FROM STOP LOSS). APPLICATION FOR RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION WITHOUT A REQUEST FOR WAIVER FROM STOP LOSS DO NOT NEED TO BE PROCESSED THROUGH THE MAJCOM.

B. GENERAL WAIVER INSTRUCTIONS

(1) PROCESSING REQUESTS FOR WAIVER TO STOP LOSS: IF THERE ARE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH WARRANT RELEASE FROM STOP LOSS, MEMBERS MAY REQUEST A WAIVER TO STOP LOSS TO RETIRE OR SEPARATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH HQ USAF/DP MESSAGE (DTG 220152Z SEP 01), PART FOUR. WAIVER REQUESTS WILL BE EXPEDITED THROUGH THE MEMBER’S SERVICING MPF (WITH IMMEDIATE COMMANDER’S INDORSEMENT). REQUESTS MUST BE INDORSED BY THE WING CC/CV THROUGH THE MAJCOM/CC/CV OR EQUIVALENT FOR APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL. COMMANDERS BELOW MAJCOM LEVEL CANNOT APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE WAIVER REQUESTS. MEMBERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO PERFORM DUTIES, AS MISSION DICTATES, UNTIL A DECISION HAS BEEN MADE ON THEIR REQUEST.

(2) MPFS MUST ENSURE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS ARE ACCOMPLISHED FOR MEMBER’S APPLYING FOR RETIREMENT/SEPARATION UNDER OPTIONS 2 AND 3. WHEN PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR RETIREMENT/SEPARATIONS, AF FORMS 1160, MILITARY RETIREMENT ACTIONS (PART III), AND AF FORMS 780, OFFICER SEPARATION ACTIONS (PART IV), MUST BE SIGNED BY THE CHIEF, RELOCATIONS ELEMENT. AF FORMS 1160 WILL CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IN THE REMARKS SECTION, INITIALED BY THE MEMBER, "I UNDERSTAND I AM AFFECTED BY STOP LOSS AND HAVE BEEN COUNSELED BY MY COMMANDER AS DIRECTED BY HQ AFPC." THE AF FORM 31, AIRMAN’S REQUEST FOR EARLY SEPARATION/SEPARATION BASED ON CHANGE IN SERVICE OBLIGATION (SECTION V) AND AF FORM 780 (SECTION II) WILL CONTAIN THE STATEMENT "AFFECTED BY STOP LOSS."

(3) MPFS WILL NOT, REPEAT, WILL NOT UPDATE IN MIL PDS ANY RETIREMENT/SEPARATION APPLICATION/TRANSACTION FOR MEMBERS AFFECTED BY STOP LOSS, EXCEPT THOSE EXEMPTED IN PART TWO ABOVE. ADDITIONALLY, MPFS WILL NOT, REPEAT, WILL NOT PUBLISH SEPARATION ORDERS FOR STOP LOSS MEMBERS EXCEPT THOSE EXEMPTED IN PART TWO OF THIS MESSAGE OR AS AUTHORIZED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE MAJCOM FOR OPTION 1 AND BY HQ AFPC/DPPR FOR OPTION 2.

C. MAJCOM PRECEDURES PROCEDURES FOR APPROVING/DISAPPROVING WAIVERS AND AFPC NOTIFICATION.

(1) MAJCOMS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY AFPC/DPPR OF THEIR POINT OF CONTACT. PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION VIA EMAIL TO RETSEPSYS@AFPC.RANDOLPH.AF.MIL <mailto:RETSEPSYS@AFPC.RANDOLPH.AF.MIL> POCS NAME, MESSAGE ADDRESS, EMAIL ADDRESS, DSN AND EXTENSION. AFPC/DPPR WILL PROVIDE MAJCOMS A SAMPLE TEMPLATE FOR USE IN PROCESSING WAIVERS VIA EMAIL.

(2) MAJCOMS MUST NOTIFY AFPC/DPPR OF ALL APPROVED/DISAPPROVED REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS SUBMITTED UNDER OPTIONS 1 AND 2, PARAS A (1) AND (2) ABOVE. THE MAJCOM MAY FAX A COPY OF WAIVER APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL TO DSN 665-4664. THE NOTIFICATION OR WAIVER APPROVAL MUST CONTAIN AT A MINIMUM THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: RANK, NAME, SSN, RETIREMENT/SEPARATION DATE, MPF, AND WHETHER WAIVER WAS APPROVED/ DISAPPROVED. THIS INFORMATION WILL BE REQUIRED FOR MIL PDS UPDATE WHEN REQUIRED AND REPORTING PURPOSES.

(3) THE FOLLOWING GUIDANCE IS PROVIDED FOR MEMBERS WITHOUT AN APPROVED RETIREMENT/SEPARATION DATE SUBMITTING A WAIVER UNDER OPTION 2, PARA A(2) ABOVE. MAJCOMS WILL FAX THE APPROVED/DISAPPROVED WAIVER REQUEST WITH APPROPRIATE APPLICATION TO HQ AFPC/DPPR AT DSN 665-4664 OR COMMERCIAL 210-565-4664 FOR PROCESSING OF THE RETIREMENT/SEPARATION PORTION OF THE REQUEST. PLEASE NOTE THE REQUEST MUST BE FORWARDED TO AFPC/DPPR REGARDLESS OF MAJCOM RECOMMENDATION. MAJCOMS MAY NOT APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE REQUESTS FOR RETIREMENT/SEPARATION. THIS IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF APPROVAL, THE RETIREMENT/SEPARATION REQUEST WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROCESSED THROUGH NORMAL CHANNELS AND APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL WILL BE BASED ON CRITERIA IN APPLICABLE AFIS. HQ AFPC/DPPRS WILL NOTIFY MPFS OF WAIVER APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL OF ENLISTED SEPARATIONS FOR WHICH THE BASE LEVEL SEPARATION AUTHORITY HAS APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL AUTHORITY.

D. ALL PENDING APPLICATIONS CURRENTLY AT MPFS FOR STOP LOSS

MEMBERS (UNLESS REQUESTING A WAIVER) WILL BE FORWARDED TO HQ AFPC/DPPR. ENSURE THESE APPLICATIONS CONTAIN THE REQUIRED STATEMENT AS DIRECTED IN PARA A ABOVE. THESE APPLICATIONS MAY BE HELD IN ABEYANCE, APPROVED AND SUSPENDED, OR DISAPPROVED IF NOT SUBMITTED IAW GOVERNING AFIS BASED ON THE NEEDS OF THE AIR FORCE. AGAIN, MPFS WILL NOT UPDATE IN THE PDS ANY RETIREMENT/SEPARATION APPLICATION/ TRANSACTION FOR MEMBERS AFFECTED BY STOP LOSS, EXCEPT THOSE EXEMPTED IN PART TWO ABOVE. CURRENT APPLICATIONS PENDING AT HQ AFPC MAY BE HELD IN ABEYANCE, APPROVED AND SUSPENDED, OR DISAPPROVED. HQ AFPC/DPPR WILL PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON FINALIZING RETIREMENT/SEPARATION APPLICATIONS TO ESTABLISH EFFECTIVE DATES IN SUBSEQUENT MESSAGES.

E. THE BASE SEPARATION AUTHORITY WILL RETAIN SEPARATION AUTHORITY CURRENTLY AUTHORIZED UNDER AFI 36-3208, PROVIDED THE MAJCOM HAS APPROVED THE STOP LOSS WAIVER REQUEST IAW PARA A ABOVE, OR UNLESS SPECIFICALLY STATED OTHERWISE IN THIS MESSAGE OR SUPPLEMENTAL MESSAGES. HOWEVER, THE WAIVER AND SEPARATION REQUEST MUST BE FORWARDED TO HQ AFPC/DPPRS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY/REPORTING PURPOSES. UPON RECEIPT OF THE WAIVER REQUEST FROM THE MAJCOM; HQ AFPC/DPPRS WILL FORWARD THE COMPLETED SEPARATION REQUEST AND APPROVED/DISAPPROVED MAJCOM WAIVER TO MPFS FOR APPROPRIATE ACTION ON ENLISTED SEPARATIONS APPROVED BY THE BASE SEPARATION AUTHORITY. THE BASE SEPARATION AUTHORITY RETAINS CURRENT SEPARATION DISAPPROVAL AUTHORITY FOR PRIOR TO ETS (PETS) SEPARATIONS IAW WITH AFI 36-3208, TABLE 3.1, AND SEPARATIONS LISTED IN CHAPTER 2, SECTION B. ENLISTED SEPARATION REQUESTS REQUIRING HQ AFPC/DPPRS APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WAIVER AND FORWARDED THROUGH THE MAJCOM TO HQ AFPC/DPPRS FOR FINAL DECISION. PLEASE SEE PART 6(F) FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING OFFICER COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS.

F. AT THE COMPLETION OF STOP LOSS, EACH MEMBER WILL RECEIVE PERSONAL ATTENTION IN REQUESTING TO ESTABLISH A RETIREMENT/SEPARATION DATE TO ACCOMMODATE THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATION (I.E., POST RETIREMENT/ SEPARATION EMPLOYMENT MAY HAVE BEEN AFFECTED FOR SOME MEMBERS). AFPC WILL PROVIDE INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY STOP LOSS MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY AND AMPLE TIME TO OUT PROCESS AND TAKE TERMINAL LEAVE AND PERMISSIVE TDY WHEN NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW. ADDITIONALLY, SOME STOP LOSS MEMBERS MAY NOW DESIRE TO REMAIN ON ACTIVE DUTY. IN THESE CASES, APPLICATIONS FOR RETIREMENT/SEPARATION EXTENSIONS AND WITHDRAWAL IN CERTAIN INSTANCES WILL BE LIBERALLY APPROVED WHEN NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW.

PART FIVE: MAJCOM/FOA/DRU ACTIONS.

A. FOR THE DURATION OF STOP LOSS, MAJCOMS/FOAS/DRUS SHOULD SCRUB ALL AFSCS AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO HQ AFPC/PRC FOR SPECIALTIES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR POSSIBLE DELETION FROM STOP LOSS.

B. MAJCOM-FOA-DRU/CC/CV, AIR STAFF FUNCTIONAL MANAGER (2-DIGIT) OR AFPC/DDCC/CD MAY, THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD OF STOP LOSS NOMINATE SKILLS TO HQ AFPC-PRC FOR DELETION FROM THE STOP LOSS. HQ AFPC, IN COORDINATION WITH THE RESERVE COMPONENTS, WILL ASSESS MANNING IMPACTS AND FORWARD AFSCS RECOMMENDED FOR DELETION TO HQ USAF CAT-MPRC. NOMINATIONS WILL BE CONSOLIDATED AND STAFFED THROUGH CSAF TO SECAF FOR APPROVAL/ DISAPPROVAL ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS.

PART SIX: PERSONNEL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT.

THE FOLLOWING GUIDANCE IS PROVIDED TO AID MPFS IN ADMINISTERING PERSONNEL PROGRAMS FOR STOP LOSS MEMBERS:

A. SEPARATION/RETIREMENT OPTIONS (7-DAY OPTION). CURRENT SEPARATION/ RETIREMENT OPTIONS APPLY; HOWEVER, OFFICERS/AIRMEN MAY NOT ACTUALLY SEPARATE/RETIRE ON THE DATE APPROVED AS EXPLAINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS MESSAGE. REGARDLESS OF AN ELECTION TO SEPARATE/RETIRE, MEMBERS REMAIN ELIGIBLE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE AIR FORCE (INCLUDING BEING DIRECTED TO PERFORM TDY).

(1) OFFICERS:

AA. OFFICERS WHO HAVE AN ESTABLISHED DOS OR RETIREMENT DATE UNDER 7-DAY OPTION PROVISIONS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO SERVE AN ADDITIONAL INVOLUNTARY ADSC AS A RESULT OF STOP LOSS IF THEY ARE REASSIGNED AND/OR ARE DIRECTED TO ATTEND TRAINING/EDUCATION.

BB. IF ELIGIBLE UNDER EXISTING 7-DAY OPTION PROVISIONS, OFFICERS WHO RECEIVE AN ASSIGNMENT SELECTION DATE (ASD), OR ARE SELECTED FOR TRAINING, PCS, MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO SEPARATE/RETIRE. WHEN THE OFFICER SIGNS THE REQUEST TO SEPARATE/RETIRE, MPFS MUST IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE AFPC OFFICER ASSIGNMENT TEAM (VIA MSG, E-MAIL, CRT GRAM). AS SOON AS PRACTICAL, THE ASSIGNMENT TEAM WILL ADVISE THE MPF WHETHER THE ASSIGNMENT/TRAINING, ETC., WILL REMAIN FIRM, BE CANCELLED, OR OF OTHER ACTION. OFFICERS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO SERVE AN ADDITIONAL INVOLUNTARY ADSC AS A RESULT OF STOP LOSS IF THEY ARE REASSIGNED, DIRECTED TO ATTEND TRAINING, ETC. POC: APPROPRIATE ASSIGNMENT OPR FOR INDIVIDUAL CASES; FOR POLICY: HQ AFPC/DPAPP2, MR. BLACKSTONE, DSN 665-2526.

2) ENLISTED:

AA. ELIGIBLE AIRMEN MAY REQUEST RETIREMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT 7-DAY OPTION CRITERIA; HOWEVER, THEY MAY NOT ACTUALLY RETIRE ON THE DATE APPROVED. REGARDLESS OF AN ELECTION TO RETIRE, AIRMEN MAY BE DIRECTED TO PCS, ATTEND TRAINING, PARTICIPATE IN TDY, ETC., DURING THE PERIOD OF STOP LOSS. MPFS WILL IDENTIFY MEMBERS TO AFPC VIA UPDATE OF THE PDS WITH THE APPLICABLE ASSIGNMENT RECLAMA REASON CODE AND ASSIGNMENTS WILL NORMALLY BE CANCELLED. POC: APPROPRIATE ASSIGNMENT OPR FOR INDIVIDUAL CASES; FOR POLICY: HQ AFPC/DPAPP2, MR. BLACKSTONE/MR. WARD, DSN 665-2526.

BB. ASIDE FROM THE 7-DAY OPTION CRITERIA, AIRMEN WITH INSUFFICIENT RETAINABILITY MAY CONTINUE TO DECLINE TO OBTAIN RETAINABILITY AND REGARDLESS OF THEIR DECISION TO DECLINE; THEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO PCS, ATTEND TRAINING, PARTICIPATE IN TDY, ETC., IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STOP LOSS CRITERIA.

CC. INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED OVERSEAS (EXCEPT THOSE SERVING IN AN UNACCOMPANIED STATUS AT A LOCATION WITH AN UNACCOMPANIED TOUR LENGTH OF 15 MONTHS OR LESS) WILL NORMALLY REMAIN IN PLACE AND THEIR DEROS WILL BE ALLOWED TO EXPIRE. UPON TERMINATION OF STOP LOSS, MEMBER’S DEROS WILL BE ESTABLISHED CONSISTENT WITH THE DOS OR RETIREMENT DATE. EXCEPTIONS WILL BE WORKED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. POC: MSGT SIANO/MSGT HOUSTON, DSN 665-3815.

CB. OFFICER PROMOTIONS AND PROMOTION RECOMMENDATION FORM (PRF) ISSUES.

(1) STOP LOSS MAY CHANGE AN OFFICER’S PROMOTION ELIGIBILITY. OFFICERS WHO WERE PREVIOUSLY INELIGIBLE TO MEET AN UPCOMING PROMOTION BOARD DUE TO THEIR PENDING DOS, BUT DUE TO STOP LOSS IMPLEMENTATION BECOME ELIGIBLE PRIOR TO THE BOARD CONVENING DATE, WILL BE ADDED TO THE BOARD. AS SUCH, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT MPFS AND MANAGEMENT LEVELS (MLS) CONDUCT DAILY REVIEWS OF THEIR AUDIT TRANSACTIONS IN PRISM. THIS ACTION IS VITAL IN TRACKING ELIGIBILITY CHANGES. ANY INELIGIBLE OFFICER WHOSE DOS CHANGES ON OR AFTER THE BOARD CONVENING DATE REMAINS INELIGIBLE FOR THAT BOARD. AS A REMINDER, THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (TO INCLUDE DOS) IS LISTED IN THE DAY -150 MPFM ANNOUNCING THE CONVENING OF THE BOARD. IN REGARD TO PRFS, OFFICERS THAT BECOME PROMOTION ELIGIBLE WILL REQUIRE A PRF. SENIOR RATERS, ML’S AND MPFS MUST COMPLY WITH AFI 36-2406, PARAGRAPH 8.4.2. POC: HQ AFPC/DPPPO (OFF PROM), DSN 665-2483 AND HQ AFPC/DPPPEB (PRFS), DSN 665-2697.

(2) PROCESSING ENLISTED PERFORMANCE REPORTS (EPRS)/OFFICER PERFORMANCE REPORTS (OPRS). EVALUATIONS PERSONNEL MUST CAREFULLY REVIEW EPR/OPR DATA FOR PERSONNEL WHOSE RETIREMENT/SEPARATION WILL BE SUSPENDED BY STOP LOSS. FOR THESE PERSONNEL, REPORTS THAT WERE CONSIDERED "OPTIONAL," DUE TO THE PENDING RETIREMENT/SEPARATION, ARE NOW "MANDATORY." CLOSE-OUT DATES FOR THESE REPORTS ARE DETERMINED AS FOLLOWS:

(3) IF STOP LOSS WAS IMPLEMENTED PRIOR TO THE DATE THE REPORT WAS ORIGINALLY PROJECTED TO CLOSE OUT, CLOSE THE REPORT ON THE ORIGINAL DATE OR, IF NECESSARY, WHEN THE CURRENT RATER OBTAINS 120 CALENDAR DAYS OF SUPERVISION.

(4) IF STOP LOSS WAS IMPLEMENTED AFTER THE REPORT WAS ORIGINALLY PROJECTED TO CLOSE OUT, CLOSE THE REPORT ON THE STOP LOSS IMPLEMENTATION DATE OR, IF NECESSARY, AS SOON AS THE CURRENT RATER OBTAINS 120 CALENDAR DAYS SUPERVISION. IN EITHER CASE, THE REASON FOR THE REPORT WILL BE "ANNUAL (DBH)." MPF AND UNIT CSS PERSONNEL MUST ENSURE RESPONSIBLE EVALUATORS ARE NOTIFIED AND NECESSARY REPORTS ARE COMPLETED. PARTICULAR CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE EXPEDITIOUS PROCESSING OF REPORTS REQUIRED FOR PERSONNEL WHO BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR PROMOTION CONSIDERATION AS A RESULT OF THEIR EXTENSION ON ACTIVE DUTY. POC: HQ AFPC/DPPPEP, DSN 665-2571.

DC. ENLISTED PROMOTIONS.

(1) ALL PERSONNEL EXTENDED BECAUSE OF STOP LOSS WHO WERE INELIGIBLE FOR PROMOTION CONSIDERATION BECAUSE THEIR APPROVED RETIREMENT/ SEPARATION DATES, WILL BE ALLOWED TO COMPETE FOR PROMOTION PROVIDED THEY ARE OTHERWISE ELIGIBLE.

(2) STOP LOSS PERSONNEL WHO HAD PREVIOUSLY DECLINED TO TEST AND SUBSEQUENTLY PROJECTED THEIR RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION DATE TO FALL BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH PROMOTIONS ARE INCREMENTED IN THAT CYCLE, ARE ELIGIBLE TO TEST AND COMPETE FOR PROMOTION.

(3) STOP LOSS PERSONNEL WHO PREVIOUSLY SIGNED AN AF FORM 964, PCS, TDY, OR PME DECLINATION STATEMENT, REMAIN INELIGIBLE FOR CURRENT/PAST PROMOTION CYCLES AFFECTED BY THAT DECLINATION STATEMENT. HOWEVER, IAW AFI 36-2502, TABLE 1.1, RULE 3, NOTE 4, APPROVED WITHDRAWAL OF THE DECLINATION STATEMENT PRIOR TO THE PROMOTION ELIGIBILITY CUTOFF DATE (PECD), WILL MAKE THE INDIVIDUAL ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE PROMOTION CONSIDERATION.

(4) MEMBERS AFFECTED BY STOP LOSS WHO ARE NONWEIGHABLE BECAUSE OF MISSING DATA WILL BE GIVEN SUPPLEMENTAL PROMOTION CONSIDERATION.

(5) THE FOLLOWING GUIDANCE IS PROVIDED FOR THE HOME STATION MPF CAREER ENHANCEMENT UNIT OF THOSE PERSONNEL SELECTED FOR THIS STOP LOSS PROGRAM ONLY.

A. VERIFY THAT NO OTHER INELIGIBILITY FACTORS AS LISTED IN AFI 36-2502, TABLE 1.1 EXIST THAT WOULD PRECLUDE PROMOTION CONSIDERATION AND THEN OBTAIN COMMANDER’S RECOMMENDATION.

B. PERSONNEL EXTENDED BECAUSE OF STOP LOSS THAT WERE INELIGIBLE FOR PROMOTION CONSIDERATION BECAUSE OF REASONS IN PARAGRAPH 1 OR 2 ABOVE MUST DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT THEY WANT PROMOTION CONSIDERATION. INFORM THESE INDIVIDUALS THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PROMOTION CONSIDERATION (IF UNIT COMMANDER CONCURS AND RECOMMENDS IN WRITING) AND DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THEY DESIRE TO TAKE THE REQUIRED TEST. IF THE MEMBER AGAIN DECLINES TO TEST, COMPLETE A NEW AF FORM 1566, REUPDATE MILPDS WITH THE NEW EFFECTIVE DATE, AND FILE THE NEW SIGNED AF FORM 1566 IN THE UPRG. IF THE MEMBER ELECTS TO TEST, COMPLETE A NEW AF FORM 1566 TO SCHEDULE THE MEMBER FOR TESTING ONCE HE/SHE OBTAINS THE REQUIRED STUDY MATERIAL AND HAS BEEN GIVEN 60 DAYS STUDY TIME.

ED. RETENTION BEYOND ETS/REENLISTMENT-EXTENSION/RETRAINING:

(1) THE AIR FORCE IS AUTHORIZED TO INVOLUNTARILY EXTEND AIRMEN FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME. THE SEPARATIONS/REENLISTMENTS OFFICE WILL PROCESS STOP LOSS PERSONNEL FOR INVOLUNTARY RETENTION ON ACTIVE DUTY. THE MIL PDS PATH IS REENLISTMENTS/EXTENSIONS/REASON CODE: “1”. PLEASE NOTE: SINCE THE EXTENSION IS INVOLUNTARY, AN AF FORM 1411 IS NOT REQUIRED, REPEAT, NOT REQUIRED. POC: HQ AFPC/DPPRS, MSGT POTTER, DSN 665-2269.

(2) AIRMEN WHO ARE INVOLUNTARILY EXTENDED OR SUBJECT TO INVOLUNTARY EXTENSION MAY REQUEST REENLISTMENT OR VOLUNTARY EXTENSION IF A VALID REASON EXISTS AND MEMBER IS OTHERWISE ELIGIBLE. APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL WILL BE CONSISTENT WITH CURRENT AIR FORCE POLICY. POC: HQ AFPC/ DPPAER, TSGT WOLFE, DSN 665-2090.

FE. ACCESSIONS/PME AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.

(1) THE AIR FORCE'S STOP LOSS PROGRAM WILL HAVE IMPACTS ON AIR FORCE COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, APPLICATIONS APPROVED

FOR AFROTC, OTS AND USAFA (LEADERS ENCOURAGING AIRMEN DEVELOPMENT (LEAD)) COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS MUST REQUEST A WAIVER RELEASE FROM STOP LOSS TO ATTEND THEIR COMMISSIONING TRAINING. THESE WAIVER REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH LOCAL COMMAND CHANNELS WITH WING/CC AND MAJCOM RECOMMENDATION TO: HQ AFPC/DPPAO, ATTN: MR. BIVINS, FAX DSN 665-4382 FOR ALL STOP LOSS AFSC’S UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. WAIVER REQUEST CAN BE DISAPPROVED AT ANY LEVEL.

( A) COMMANDERS AT ALL LEVELS SHOULD CONSIDER MISSION IMPACTS AT TIME OF APPLICATION BEFORE RECOMMENDING APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S REQUEST. THEY MAY REQUEST DELAY OF COMMISSIONING TRAINING DATES THROUGH THEIR RESPECTIVE WING COMMANDER’S FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS DEEMED NECESSARY FOR MISSION CRITICAL REASONS AND WHEN LOSS OF THAT INDIVIDUAL WOULD RESULT IN MISSION DEGRADATION. WING COMMANDERS WHO CHOOSE TO DELAY REPORTING OF THEIR MEMBERS MUST REQUEST DELAYED ATTENDANCE AND STATE FULLY THE NATURE AND LENGTH OF THE DELAY. RECOMMENDED DELAY MUST BE FORWARDED IAW PARA (1). WHEN CONSIDERING DELAYS OF THESE INDIVIDUALS, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING:

(1) THE AGE OF THE SELECTED INDIVIDUALS AND IF A DELAY WOULD RENDER THEM INELIGIBLE FOR AN AIR FORCE COMMISSIONING PROGRAM.

(A) INDIVIDUALS POSSESSING RATED AFSCS MUST COMPLETE THEIR COMMISSIONING PROGRAM AND ENTER FLYING TRAINING PRIOR TO REACHING THEIR 30TH BIRTH DATE.

(B) INDIVIDUALS POSSESSING NONRATED AFSCS MUST BE COMMISSIONED AND ENTER ACTIVE DUTY PRIOR TO REACHING THEIR 35TH BIRTH DATE.

(2) PERSONAL/FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS THAT DELAY MAY IMPOSE ON THE INDIVIDUAL.

(3) FINANCIAL LOSS DUE TO ADVANCE PAYMENT OF TUITION AT CIVILIAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. FOR AFROTC PROGRAMS

(B) THE BASE SEPARATION AUTHORITY RETAINS THE RIGHT TO DISAPPROVE AFROTC APPLICATION REQUESTS. RECOMMENDED APPROVALS MUST BE FORWARDED VIA THE WAIVER PROCESS TO HQ AFPC/DPPRS VIA FAX DSN 665-2436 FOR ALL AFSC’S UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

(C) INDIVIDUALS APPLYING FOR PARTICIPATION IN AIR FORCE COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS MAY CONTINUE TO APPLY DURING THIS STOP LOSS PERIOD. HOWEVER, IF SELECTED, ALL SELECTEES AFFECTED BY STOP LOSS WILL HAVE THEIR COMMISSIONING PACKAGES REVIEWED TO DETERMINE THEIR RELEASEABILITY. TRAINING DATES WILL NOT BE ESTABLISHED BY THE SELECTING AGENCY UNTIL HQ AFPC/DPPAO HAS REVIEWED AND APPROVED THEIR RELEASE FOR TRAINING.

(1) LOCAL COMMANDERS AND THE BASE LEVEL SEPARATION AUTHORITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT REQUESTS UNLESS LOSS OF INDIVIDUALS WOULD RESULT IN SEVERE MISSION DEGRADATION AT THE BASE LEVEL.

(2) AEROSPACE BASIC COURSE (ABC) SELECTEES WILL ATTEND THEIR SCHEDULED TRAINING. IT IS IMPERATIVE COMMANDERS ARE REMINDED ATTENDANCE MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF ENTRY ON ACTIVE DUTY REGARDLESS OF STOP LOSS IMPLEMENTATION. INDIVIDUALS SELECTED FOR COMMISSIONED OFFICER TRAINING (COT), EDUCATIONAL DELAY PROGRAM AND INITIAL SKILLS TRAINING (AFSC AWARDING COURSES) WILL CONTINUE WITH THEIR SCHEDULED TRAINING. SITUATIONS REQUIRING RELEASE FROM TRAINING FOR OPERATIONAL DEFERMENTS MUST COMPLY WITH PARA 1.

GF. RETRAINING ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED PCS MOVES WILL CONTINUE UNLESS SUPPLEMENTED BY A SUBSEQUENT MESSAGE. POC: SSGT HUGHES, HQ AFPC/DPPAET,

DSN 665-2310.

G. POLICY OUTLINED IN THIS MESSAGE WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL

SUPPLEMENTED BY A SUBSEQUENT MESSAGE.

UNCLAS

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