APRIL 7, 2025 – The Department of Defense (DoD) announced a Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) for civilian employees, offering an opportunity for eligible employees to resign or retire while receiving paid administrative leave until September 30, 2025. DoD DRP and VERA are workforce-shaping tools that will help the DoD reach its projected civilian workforce goals of reduction by 5-8% through voluntary measures while allowing an opportunity for employees to transition from the Department smoothly.
Employees can apply for DRP and/or VERA from April 7, 2025, through April 14, 2025. Department of the Air Force (DAF) civilians can expect to receive direct emails from the Acting Secretary of the Air Force and myFSS where they will be provided with a form to apply for these programs. Employees are encouraged to review the information carefully and discuss their intentions to apply with their supervisors.
Those approved for DRP will enter a transition period, beginning no earlier than May 1, 2025, during which they are not expected to work and will receive paid administrative leave until September 30, 2025. Individuals who elect into the DoD DRP will then resign or retire by September 30, 2025. Employees will also be exempt from in-person work requirements.
The VERA program allows eligible federal employees to retire early with full benefits. To qualify, employees must be at least 50 years old with 20 years of creditable federal service, or any age with 25 years of creditable federal service. For more information on VERA, see https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/voluntary-early-retirement-authority/.
Civilian employees eligible for VERA may also apply to the DoD’s DRP. Upon approval, these employees will also be placed on administrative leave and off-board by September 30, 2025.
In line with the Secretary of Defense’s directive to prioritize readiness and critical missions, limited exemptions to the DRP will be considered. These exemptions are based on mission-critical functions to ensure the Department can maintain its operational readiness while offering this opportunity to as many employees as possible.
DoD DRP and VERA are not available for the following employees:
- Non-appropriated fund (NAF) employees
- Foreign Local National employees
- Dual Status Military Technicians
- Highly Qualified Experts
- Re-employed Annuitants
- Childcare and youth program employees
- Flight instructors (aircraft and simulators)
After evaluating overall participation and operational mission requirements, the DAF may identify further employee exemptions.
The full memorandum can be read here.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs