Armed Forces News

SSgt Xavier Collins, Crew Chief for the 912th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, swears in for his re-enlistment ceremony in front a a B-1B Bomber at Edwards Air Force Base. Presiding over the ceremony is Capt Kayla Mowatt, Family Medicine Physician for the 412th Medical Group. (Photo by James West, 412th Test Wing) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

The Air Force is ending the selective retention bonus (SRB) program for fiscal year 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024-Sept. 30, 2025). The decision comes as the service announced that retention rates are high and the program’s budget has been fully executed.

Airmen with specialty codes that are included in the SRB who reenlist or extend enlistments can expect to receive their bonuses until the program closes on May 20.

“Air Force-wide enlistment retention levels continue to meet and, in some Air Force Specialty Codes, exceed sustainment needs,” the service announced. “These higher retention rates led to more airmen using the SRB program, which is expected to utilize the entire budget for the program for FY25.”

When necessary, the service uses the selective retention bonus program to target and retain airmen in critical career fields. The bonuses also target airmen whose specialties entail “extensive skill training and stringing qualification requirements.”

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