https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN46486-ARMY_DIR_2026-08-000-WEB-1.pdf
S E C R E T A R Y O F T H E A R M Y
W A S H I N G T O N
MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2026-08 (Permanent Change to Timeline for Requesting Voluntary
Retirement From Active Service)
1. References.
a. Army Regulation (AR) 600–8–24 (Officer Transfers and Discharges), 8 February 2020
b. AR 635–200 (Active Duty Enlisted Administrative Separations), 30 June 2025
2. Purpose. This directive modifies the retirement request timeline for Soldiers. The provisions
of this directive will enhance the accuracy of forecasting unanticipated losses, synchronize
personnel movement cycles with United States Army Human Resources Command (HRC), and
provide greater support to Soldiers transitioning out of military service.
3. Applicability. This directive applies to the Regular Army, Army National Guard/Army
National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.
4. Policy. Effective immediately, Soldiers may submit voluntary retirement requests under this
directive at least 12 months, but no more than 24 months, before their requested retirement date.
a. Eligibility. Soldiers can request voluntary retirement if they are currently on active duty
(including the Active Guard Reserve program pursuant to Title 10 or Title 32 of the United
States Code), have at least 18 years of active Federal service (AFS), and be able to complete all
service obligations by the requested retirement date. Requesting or being approved for
retirement does not prohibit reassignment if necessary to meet Army requirements or to be
subject to future force shaping initiatives determined to be in the best interest of the Army.
b. Ineligibility. Soldiers with at least 18 years of AFS may not submit a voluntary
retirement request if they are actively being considered for a future assignment or have received
official notification of a permanent change of station (PCS), including placement into an
assignment market or consideration for a nominative position. Soldiers who are otherwise
ineligible due to assignment consideration or PCS notification and who have at least 19 years of
AFS may request retirement in lieu of the PCS within 30 days of notification. The requested
retirement date must be no later than 12 months from the date of assignment consideration or
official PCS notification.
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2026-08 (Permanent Change to Timeline for Requesting Voluntary
Retirement From Active Service)
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c. Additional Requirements. The following provisions apply to the requests of Soldiers in
the ranks of lieutenant colonel and colonel (O-5/O-6), chief warrant officer 4 and chief warrant
officer 5 (CW4/CW5), and master sergeant through command sergeant major (E-8/E-9):
(1) Commanders will provide a thorough, comprehensive, and candid assessment of
each Soldier’s complete career record when rendering recommendations on requests for greater
than 12 months, but no more than 24 months, before the requested retirement date.
(2) Battalion and brigade commander endorsements do not constitute an approved
retirement. These endorsements represent a recommendation to permit the Soldier to submit a
packet to HRC for final adjudication.
(3) The responsible chain of command will develop a written utilization plan prior to
forwarding the packet to HRC. The level at which the plan is approved, tracked, and managed is
determined by the unit. The plan will include proposed duties and utilization to ensure continued
meaningful employment of the Soldier throughout the approved transition period.
(4) Soldiers may begin planning for transition and may engage with Transition
Assistance Program (TAP) resources on submission of a retirement request; however,
participation in transition activities will not detract from assigned duties or mission requirements
until the Soldier is within 365 days from separation. Command-approved transition activities—
including permissive temporary duty, Career Skills Program/Skill Bridge participation,
installation clearing, or other separation-related actions—will not commence prior to 365 days
from separation.
(5) Soldiers who receive a commander’s recommendation and approval from the
talent management office to retire remain subject to all normal duties, standards, and obligations.
Such approval does not relieve a Soldier of accountability, utilization requirements,
deployability, or compliance with all Army policies.
d. For Soldiers with less than 30 years AFS, commanders and retirement approval
authorities retain the authority to recommend disapproval or disapprove voluntary retirement
requests greater than 12 months, but no more than 24 months, due to operational readiness,
critical manning requirements, or adjudication of adverse action.
e. Policy for requesting retirement remains otherwise unchanged.
5. The Commander, HRC will publish supporting procedural guidance separately via military
personnel message.
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2026-08 (Permanent Change to Timeline for Requesting Voluntary
Retirement From Active Service)
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6. Proponent. The Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) has
oversight responsibility for this policy. The Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 will incorporate its
provisions into AR 600–8–24 and AR 635–200 within 2 years of the date of this directive.
7. Duration. This directive is rescinded on publication of the revised regulations.
Dan Driscoll
DISTRIBUTION:
Principal Officials of Headquarters, Department of the Army
Commander
U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command
U.S. Army Forces Command
U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command
U.S. Army Materiel Command
U.S. Army Pacific
U.S. Army Europe and Africa
U.S. Army Central
U.S. Army North
U.S. Army South
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
U.S. Army Transportation Command
U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Strategic Command
U.S. Army Cyber Command
U.S. Army Medical Command
U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Army Audit Agency
U.S. Army Military District of Washington
U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command
U.S. Army Human Resources Command
U.S. Army Corrections Command
U.S. Army Reserve Command
Superintendent, U.S. Military Academy
Director, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division
Director, U.S. Army Civilian Human Resources Agency
Executive Director, Military Postal Service Agency
(CONT)
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2026-08 (Permanent Change to Timeline for Requesting Voluntary
Retirement From Active Service)
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DISTRIBUTION: (CONT)
Director, U.S. Army Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office
Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery
Director, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center
CF:
Commander, Eighth Army