Air Force reports highest retention levels in 20 years

U.S. Air Force recently reported that it is experiencing its highest retention levels in 20 years and is reviewing voluntary opportunities allowing greater flexibility as Airmen make long-term career choices.

Officials indicated the retention rate is second only to rates recorded shortly after 9/11 in 2002, noting hundreds of members who were previously planning to retire or separate in 2020 withdrew or delayed departures amid COVID-19 concerns. The result was 2021 end strength numbers exceeding the projected end-of-year goals.

“Congress delivered immense help, increased our numbers, and helped us make real readiness improvements after sequestration reductions,” Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services, said. “Increased recruiting and retention efforts helped restore the size of the force by nearly 23,000 over the last five years. We also closed a 4,000-person maintainer gap and increased the manning levels of many career fields.”

Kelly said voluntary opportunities include waivers of some active duty service commitments focused on expanding opportunities to affiliate with the Guard and Reserve.

“We want Airmen to know their expertise is incredibly valuable, and we are reviewing steps to make it even easier to either transition to Guard or Reserve service or explore other career fields,” he said, adding involuntary programs are not being considered for FY21.

“We have to bring in the right number of Airmen each year to sustain the force throughout the continuum of service,” Kelly said. “We have a plan to avoid future year-group gaps, and we will announce volunteer options soon that we believe will balance end-strength appropriately.”

Kelly indicated he expects to share the approved list of volunteer options before mid-December.