WASHINGTON, June 22, 2016 — Defense Department officials today released a departmentwide policy for the Phased Retirement Program, a new human resources tool that allows retirement-eligible full-time civilian employees to request to work part-time while receiving a portion of their retirement annuity.
As more employees become eligible for retirement, the program will assist DoD components and agencies with the transfer of knowledge and provide continuity of operations on a short-term basis, officials said, adding that 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 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, officials said.