Air Force Halts Retirements and Bonuses Amid Budget Crisis

The US Air Force Faces Backlash After Halting Retirements and Bonuses The United States Air Force recently announced the suspension of its Selective Retention Bonus (SRB) program and the processing of retirements, leaving many airmen in limbo. This decision, based on budget constraints, has sparked outrage and confusion among service members and veterans. The news broke via internal memos, one dated May 8th, 2025, and another on May 15th, 2025. "The Air Force essentially cancelled retirements, saying they didn’t have enough money to process them," explains Viper Vet, a retired Army 1SG and TikToker (@viper.vet) who brought attention to the issue in a recent video. The lack of funds for the SRB program, which incentivizes retention, is particularly concerning. The situation has left many airmen with limited options, and the comments section of Viper Vet's video reflects the widespread concern. One commenter wrote, "So you’re saying my son-in-law who’s retiring in December won’t be able to retire? I wonder if he’s figured this out yet!" The video has garnered significant attention, highlighting the impact of these decisions on the lives of service members and their families. The Air Force has stated that they plan to revisit the SRB program in 2026, but the uncertainty remains a major source of anxiety. The incident underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in military budgeting and the importance of supporting service members during periods of uncertainty.