The Department of Defense has released a department-wide policy on the Phased Retirement Program. As more employees become eligible for retirement, this program will assist DoD components and agencies with the transfer of knowledge and provide continuity of operations on a short-term basis.

The DoD Phased Retirement Program is an exciting new human resources tool that allows retirement eligible full-time employees to request to work on a part-time basis while receiving a portion of their retirement annuity. It offers eligible employees the opportunity to transition into retirement while providing mentorship and development for the next generation of emerging subject matter experts.

Participation in the DoD Phased Retirement Program is voluntary and requires the approval of an authorized DoD component official based on written criteria that comply with the Office of Personnel Management regulations. DoD components may opt to develop implementation guidance specific to their organizational structures and establish timeframes for accepting phased retirement applications. 

For more information, please view the Department-wide policy at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/dir3.html.