Well, it looks like I won’t be able to get out through the Date of Separation (DOS) Rollback program, after all. But, there are other options that may yet provide results.
I spoke with the Senior Master Sgt. in charge of the Military Personnel Flight (MPF) earlier this week, and one of the primary factors making me ineligible for DOS Rollback, apparently, is the fact that I’m ineligible to reenlist… Huh? So, basically, I can’t get out because I can’t stay in?! Whatever…
He did say, however, that I still can apply for a Prior to Expiration of Term of Service (PETS) discharge under the “Miscellaneous Reasons” provision. Given that my career field is currently at 201% manning in my rank, and the fact that the Air Force is trying to reduce overall manning by 40,000 people, I have something right there. Additionally, I’m noting my ineligibility to reenlist, coupled with my difficulties with PT in the past several years, to add weight to my request.
I’m requesting that my Date of Separation be moved from August 2008 to November 2007, when I’m already scheduled to leave this base and move back to the U.S. anyhow. There wouldn’t be any additional costs to the government to separate me at this point, since they’ve already budgeted to fly me back to the U.S. at that time.
I’ve filled out the paperwork and run it past both my supervisor and my flight superintendent. They’ve both said that it looks good, and now I have to run it through the MPF, who will then forward it to my commander for approval. If it gets green-lit at that point, then it will go up to headquarters for approval.
I’ve got my fingers crossed.