Requests for Waiver to Retirement Restrictions

You may apply for retirement earlier than your active duty service commitment (ADSC) date by requesting a waiver upon submission of your AF Form 1160. Once that request for waiver has been approved, future requests to withdraw your retirement application in order to remain on active duty may not be considered favorably.

The following are reasons/restrictions you may consider for requesting a waiver to retire earlier than your ADSCs:

Hardship.  A situation or circumstance that imposes undue privation or suffering on the member, his or her household or immediate family. The circumstances may not be those common among retirement-eligible members; for example, the existence of employment or school year considerations. This term relates only to restrictions on retirement in AFI 36-3203, Table 2-2 as being waiverable for hardship reasons and for withdrawal or extension of retirement.

Best Interest of the Air Force.   A situation or circumstance that is determined by the member's commander or other senior officials, to be of such significance that the unit or Air Force mission would be adversely affected if the member's request for waiver of a retirement restriction, or withdrawal of extension of retirement, is not approved.

If your waiver request involves medical conditions, then the official documentation should be from medical authorities. If the request is financial in nature, then financial statements or other documenting statements should be submitted.

Waivers are generally not granted for civilian employment, school year considerations, or the voluntary establishment of two households. The care of aging parents is a problem that faces many Air Force members and is not normally considered a unique or hardship circumstance.

Air Force Personnel Center | Randolph AFB, TX 78150