Dollars and $ense: Process of Retiring, Separating

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Justin Guerrero
  • 14th Comptroller Squadron
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Members separating or retiring from active duty are required to set up an initial out-processing briefing with the Finance office within 90 days of their final active duty day.

The Financial Services Office will contact the member and set up a date and time for the initial brief.

During the briefing the FSO will set up the member's Separation Work File, discuss Terminal and Permissive leave, final payment, and final travel. The member's SWF will consist of Separation/Retirement orders, AF Form 594 (BAH Recertification), DFAS-DE 2424(EFT Payment Release), AF Form 1745(Change of Address), and SF 1199A (Direct Deposit).

When filing for permissive and terminal leave, members need to submit their leave requests through LeaveWeb. Permissive leave can be taken for relocation activities such as job or residence search.

Member's permissive leave requests will need to be approved by unit commanders before the member will be authorized to take leave. Terminal leave is chargeable leave taken in conjunction with retirement or separation from active duty. The member's last day of leave must coincide with their last day of active duty. Member's terminal leave requests must be approved by unit commanders prior to authorization by the FSO. The FSO will authorize the terminal leave and issue the member a leave number 30 days prior to the member's final out-processing date.

A member's final payment will include current pay entitlements, unused leave and a prorated amount for any earned clothing allowance (enlisted members only). Leave sold back is based on a member's basic pay. Members are limited to selling a max of 60 days throughout their entire career. All leave sold back is taxed by both Federal and State (if applicable). If the member is separating with any debts, the full debt amount will automatically be taken from the member's final paycheck.

For members separating, except when additional time is approved, travel must be completed before the 181st day following separation from service or relief from active duty. Members who are separating are authorized travel to their place of enlistment/Home of Record. Members who are retiring are authorized travel to home of selection and must be completed within 1 year after active duty termination.

If members have questions about all their separation and retirement related issues, the Financial Services Office can be reached via email at 14CPTS.FCS@us.af.mil, at DSN 742-2705, or in person. We are located on the main floor of the Mission Support Group Building.