The overall objective of the retraining program is to balance the enlisted career force across all Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs) and ensure sustainability of career fields. Retraining also provides a means to return disqualified Airmen to a productive status. Additionally, the program allows a limited number of Airmen the opportunity to pursue other career paths within the Air Force.
The First Term Airman Retraining Program allows FTA to retrain into skills where a shortage exists. If an FTA meets the FTA eligibility requirements, he or she may apply to retrain into one of the available quotas found in the FTA column of the Retraining Advisory. Select the "First Term Airmen Retraining" link to learn more.
The Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program (NCORP) is designed to move NCOs from AFSCs with significant overages into AFSCs with NCO shortages. This program consists of two phases: The first phase is voluntary and the second phase is mandatory. This module provides the capability for voluntary retraining only. If a second term or career Airman meets NCORP eligibility requirements, he or she may apply to retrain into one of the shortage AFSCs identified on the Retraining Objectives on the Retraining Advisory. Select the "Noncommissioned Officer Retraining Program" link to learn more.
The Disqualified Airman retraining program is used to retrain airmen who have been disqualified from their primary AFSC for reason beyond the airman's control (9A000) or for reasons within the airman's control (9A100). Select the "Disqualified Airman Policy and Procedures" link to learn more.
If you decide to retrain and you meet the eligibility requirements, initiate a retraining request using the following procedures:
1. Review the Retraining Advisory (via myPers) to identify AFSCs you may be interested in retraining into
2. Review Air Force Enlisted Classification Directory (via myPers), for the AFSC description.
Note: Mechanical, administrative, general, or electronic (MAGE) aptitude score, derived from the ASVAB, requirements for the AFSC you desire to retrain into. You are not currently qualified for that AFSC if your current MAGE scores do not meet or exceed the required MAGE. You may schedule a retest to try to improve your scores.
3. Review retainability requirements for retraining in AFI 36-2626, Airman Retraining Program, Table 4.1
4. Complete the Retraining Application
5. Submit your Retraining Application to the Total Force Service Center. The system will notify your commander that you have submitted an application and give your commander instructions on how to report any changes that might render you ineligible to retrain. The Total Force Service Center will submit your completed application to the AFPC Retraining Office for final decision. You will be notified on the results of your application.
If you have reviewed and understand the eligibility requirements for your retraining program, select the "Request for Retraining" link (via myPers) to initiate your retraining request.
Airmen receiving a Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) may volunteer as an Exception to Policy (ETP) to retrain only if they have completed at least 50 percent of their current enlistment. No other request will be considered. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services is the approval authority for these types of requests. There are several factors that will determine whether requests will be approved (manning, career field health, last SRB payment, etc.). If approved, all unearned portions of the bonus will be recouped and all future/anniversary payments will be terminated. Air Force Retraining Section will notify Air Force Reenlistments Section via current processing procedures of affected Airmen in order to process any necessary waivers, as well as initiate termination/recoupment actions through Defense Finance and Accounting System (DFAS), when approved.
Air Force Retraining Section will make every effort to prevent involuntarily retraining for Airmen receiving a SRB on their current enlistment. Airmen who are involuntary retrained as a result of the Noncommissioned Officer Retaining are not required to repay unearned portions of a SRB. However, they will not receive any future/anniversary payments. Air Force Retraining Section will notify Air Force Reenlistments Section via current processing procedures of affected Airmen in order to initiate termination of future payments through DFAS.
For issues and questions concerning enlisted retraining policy and procedures, please use the button below.