DECEMBER 3, 2025 – The Air Force announced updates, Dec. 2, to in-residence intermediate and senior developmental education for active-duty members.
These are the most recent changes as part of an on-going comprehensive review designed to align policies with the strategic vision for a modernized Air Force and enhanced airpower education. The changes include increased eligibility windows and changes to the declination policy, in addition to opportunities for family separation housing allowance announced earlier this year.
The new guidance extends the officers’ eligibility window by one year for both intermediate and senior developmental education. Under the new criteria, officers at the intermediate level are now eligible one year earlier, and at the senior level one year later. This adjustment provides more flexibility for units and officers, supporting the right time for attendance.
In alignment with recent financial management regulation adjustments and policy updates earlier this year, service members may be eligible for family separation housing allowance if all the dependents do not accompany the member. This helps mitigate the financial burden of separate households for eligible members.
Additionally, officers who are matched to school and subsequently decline will lose their remaining window of eligibility at that level. Officers maintain the opportunity to “opt-in” for consideration. Further, time-on-station requirements and operational deferment requirements will be strictly adhered to.
Finally, the timeline for the school selection announcement moved up from August to late June, which better aligns to the officer assignment process and supports the members and their units. These changes serve to mitigate disruptions to operational units and improve the experience for alternate candidates and their families.
More information on the IDE and SDE programs can be found on MyFSS.
Secretary of the Air Force