Originally Posted by
rickair7777
...., but I have heard of the air force having a requirement that you actually APPLY for continuation. Forget to do that and you're out.
Sort of. After your second look you automatically get a separation date, I think it's 60 days after board results or about that. Generally speaking everyone is offered continuation to 20--they send you the paperwork, you just sign it and they establish a retirement date. You're not held to it, can always get out if you feel like it, just means they'll allow you to stay to 20 if you want.
This year they offered pilots to 20 or 24 years.
You're right though, if you don't get round to signing it, you're a civilian pretty quick.