I'm totally confused... you were a Capt and got passed over twice for Maj??? Then the AF offered you severence to separate? I wished I had a good answer for you. It's the same question the VSP guys were asking as well.

I understand times are different now, but the only passed over O-3's I ever knew had DUI's and/or no SOS and/or a history of shananagns. Now days, a person won't get promoted to O-4 without a masters and SOS, and an O-5 won't get promoted without a masters and ACSC... so no masters=severance pay? (Even with the mass VSP exodus, a masters is required... as an un-written rule, of course.)
AND... I just learned of a "10 year bonus" that was offered earlier this decade... the guys telling me about it were permanent, passed-over Majors with no masters, no ACSC, and making more money that a Lt Col... with no responsibilities... sailing to retirement!!!

Don't know what to tell you dude. I should clarify that I wasn't upset about it, and was quite glad for it. I wanted out at the time to pursue an airline career. I had made it quite clear to my superiors that I would not accept a staff tour/non-flying assignment and that I only wanted to stay "in the seat". That was definitely not playing the game at that time and probably had much to do with it. I am grateful the AF took me back after 9-11 and have enjoyed it thoroughly. The only thing I'm upset about is why wasn't I told this when I came back so I could plan accordingly. Not cool to spring that on someone once they retire, and was wondering if it has happenned to anyone else and what they did about it.

Does the "repay rule" also apply if you earn an ANG retirement?

Kind of off topic, but are ya'll saying that if you get passed over for Major and you still have time left on your ADSC the Air Force will most likely allow you to separate early? Is it unheard of to be a 12 year Captain at the time of your ADSC running out? Thanks and I apologize if this is a stupid question.

Yeah once you're passed over twice you are given a separation date. If I remember, it's 60 days after board results are released. You generally pin on (or not) Maj at the 10 year point if I recall correctly. So if you were non-selected for Maj, you'd be gone before your ADSC expired. As a bonus, they will pay you severence when you leave early. Back when UPT was an 8 year commitment I knew a guy who got passed over for O4. He'd already taken the bonus. They booted him, he kept what he'd gotten of the bonus and they paid him separation as well.

I should point out, once you're given the date of separation you can request to stay in, depending on those famed needs of the service you may or may not be retained. I've seen a few Capt Command Pilots, so it happens. Much more common to see perma-majors walking around though.

Is it considered “retirement pay”? If you were out 2 years, would that factor into your current retirement as well? Not to mention missed promotion opportunities and falling behind your peers.
Were they not the ones that let you go and needed you back to fill vacancies? I don’t think you owe a penny...fight it, call your Congress.

Thanks Cargo, that's my intention.