Welcome to the Reserve Retention home page. This page will give enlisted members information about reenlisting, enlistment extensions, Selective Reenlistment Bonuses (SRB), Career Status Bonus (CSB) and links to other resources related to retention.
Reenlistment and Extension of Enlistment in the United States Air Force - AFI 36-2606
Air Force Reserve Enlisted Incentives - AFI 36-2638
Full-Time Support (FTS) to the Air Force Reserve - AFI 36-2132
Submit a Reenlistment Request (CAC required)
Career Status Bonus Fact Sheet
Airmen who entered uniformed/military service on or after 1 August 1986 have the option of choosing to revert to the High-3 retirement plan or remain under the REDUX retirement plan and receive a $30,000 Career Status Bonus (CSB) at 15 years of Total Active Federal Military Service (TAFMS). The CSB is governed by U.S. Code, Title 37, Section 354.
CSB Details
Both the multiplier calculation and annual cost of living adjustments differ from the High-3 retirement system. Also, REDUX has a catch-up increase at age 62 that brings the REDUX retired pay back to the same amount paid under the High-3 System. REDUX is the only military retirement system with this feature.
Under the REDUX retirement plan, each of the first 20 years of service is worth 2.0% toward the retirement multiplier, but each year after the 20th is worth 3.5%. Therefore, retirement at 20 years would result in a multiplier of 2.0% x 20 years = 40%. But the multiplier for a 30-year career is computed as 2.0% times the first 20 years (40%) plus 3.5% for the 10 years beyond 20 (35%), resulting in 75%. The table below summarizes the initial multiplier at various years of service under High-3 and REDUX.
| Years of service |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
| REDUX |
40% |
43.5% |
47% |
50.5% |
54% |
57.5% |
61% |
64.5% |
68% |
71.5% |
75% |
| High-3 |
50% |
52.5% |
55% |
57.5% |
60% |
62.5% |
65% |
67.5% |
70% |
72.5% |
75% |
CSB Notification
At approximately 14 ½ years of active service, you will be notified via email of the opportunity to elect the CSB. You must acknowledge this option by clicking the notification link in the CSB email. The acknowledgement is not a commitment to accept the CSB, just confirmation that you were notified of the election process. After notification, you have 6 months to make a decision regarding the CSB election.
Making a Decision about CSB
The CSB option should be carefully considered since it could significantly impact your retirement pay plan. Each individual's unique circumstance will determine which retirement option is better. You should take time to review the CSB program using the on-line information available at the DoD Military Compensation website. You may also receive financial counseling at the Airman & Family Readiness Center or through your personal financial advisor.
Electing the CSB
If you decide to accept the CSB, you must complete Section I of the DD Form 2839, Career Status Bonus Election, and take it to your commander/civilian leader for review. Your commander/civilian leader will review your record, make a determination of your eligibility for the CSB and complete Section II of the form. Normally, you will only be denied CSB election if you are facing action that might prevent you from completing 20 years of active service. If your commander/civilian leader determines you are eligible, you will complete Section IV of the form, which must be signed in front of a witness. Once you complete the election, turn the form into your Military Personnel Section (MPS) for processing no earlier than 30 days prior to and no later than your election suspense date. The MPS will submit the form to AFPC for review, and if there are no errors, AFPC will forward the request to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to issue payment.
CSB Taxability
Typically, the CSB is taxable income unless the CSB election is effective during a month when you are serving in a Combat Zone or Qualified Hazardous Duty Area. There are limitations to the taxability and the rules vary if you elect the lump sum payment or installments; therefore, it is important that you receive counseling before making an election.
If you receive a bonus in a single payment, by using a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), you may shelter up to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) maximum from taxes by placing it into a TSP account. However, if you receive the bonus in installments, you may contribute money to the TSP each year and increase the amount you are sheltering from taxes.
For more information, contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the Internal Revenue Service or go online to the Thrift Savings Plan website for information on potential tax savings.
CSB Cancellation
Your CSB election is effective and irrevocable on the day you reach 15 years of active service or the day you make the election if done after you reach 15 years of service. You cannot change your CSB election after the election effective date, even if you offer to return the CSB money.
Separation after CSB
Election of the CSB does not guarantee that you will be allowed to remain on active duty to reach the required years of service. Generally speaking, if you fail to complete 20 years of active service, by law, you are required to return a pro-rated share of the CSB for the time you did not complete. You may also be required to repay the unearned portion of the bonus if you transfer to another component/branch of service and have a break in service or do not remain on continuous active duty.
Recoupment of the pro-rated amount would be waived in cases of death, disability retirement, or separation under a service program where you were requested to separate or retire early.
Other Information
Additional information on CSB can be found at the following websites:
Related Resources