Air Force senior airmen, staff sergeants and technical sergeants will see their high year of tenure extended, beginning next February 1. For senior airmen (E-4), it will rise to 10 years — up from eight. Staff sergeants (E-5) will see their rise to 20 years, up from 15. Technical sergeants (E-6) will see their increase to 22 years, up from 20.
Airmen affected by the change who are reaching their high year of tenure before it takes effect next February, or who are approved for separation or retirement under their previous limits, can ask to extend their high year of tenure to the upgraded limit — as long as no government funds have been expended on their separation or retirement. This would include moving expenses, for example.
The Air Force made the move in an effort to encourage mid-level enlisted talent to stay in uniform.
“We need to retain technically skilled experts across our ranks. By extending high year of tenure, we’re able to leverage our talented, seasoned professionals to train, develop, and lead new airmen to accomplish current and future mission requirements,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, the Air Force chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services.
