Facts on compulsory retirement

To clear up uncertainty about the Compulsory Retirement Age policy, SQNLDR Ewen Seabrook of DGPERSAF has prepared the following Q&A.

What is Compulsory Retirement Age (CRA)? CRA is the maximum age members can normally serve to in the ADF.

What is the CRA for serving members?

PAF members (excluding Chaplains) up to the rank of air commodore reach CRA at 55.

PAF Chaplains reach CRA at 60. Reserve members (including Chaplains) up to the rank of air marshal reach CRA at 60.

Can CRA be extended?

The CRA of all members may be extended to 65.

Reserve Chaplains can be extended to 75.

Can I make a request for an offer of extension of CRA?

Members may submit a request for an offer of extension of CRA to Air Force Personnel Branch.

A request will not normally be considered unless members are within 12 months of the year in which their CRA falls due.

Will an offer of extension of CRA be automatically approved?

An extension of CRA is not a right, but ans.

initiative to fill positions to maintain Air Force capability.
Members applying for an offer of extension of CRA do not have an automatic right for an extension, nor does the Air Force have an expectation that members are obligated to accept an offer of extension of CRA.

Will Personnel Branch make an offer of extension of CRA if I do not request one?

Possibly. Personnel Branch may make an offer of extension of CRA to a member.

Any decision to make an approach will be determined by on a case by case basis, determined by identifi ed personnel capability shortfalls.

Where can I go for more information?

• Unit Administration Offi cers in the fi rst instance.
• Staffing offi cers at DPO-AF, DPA, or DPRAF after contacting your unit Administration Offi cer.
• DI(AF) PERS 8-1 Arrangements for Service in the ADF.
• Defence (Personnel) Amendment Regulations 2002.
• DGPERS-AF Policy Directive No 6/2003
  

Who do I apply to for an offer of extension of CRA?

Members apply to their personnel branch (DPO-AF, DPA, or DPR-AF) for an offer of extension of CRA.

Who can tell me the likely success of an application for an offer of extension?

The DPO-AF, DPA or DPR-AF staff offi cer can advise on the likelihood of success for any CRA extension request.

How long will an offer of extension of CRA be granted?

Approved extensions to CRA will normally be for the minimum time possible for any personnel strategies put in place (to fi x the identifi ed shortfall in Air Force capability) to remedy the health of an employment group to take effect.

Am I eligible for promotion while on an extension of CRA?

Members on an extension of CRA will be presented to promotion boards.

What criteria are used for evaluating a request for an offer of extension of CRA?

The identifi cation of an appropriate individual to fill an identifi ed personnel capability shortfall is the critical factor.

Other factors including a member’s health status, operational readiness, reporting history, deployability and postability will be considered in Personnel Branch deliberations.

.