Air Force Enlisted Grade Determinations are relatively straight-forward. The individual retains the previous grade held, as long as minimum time-in-service criteria are met. Maximum grade is E-7 (Master Sergeant) for prior Air Force, and E-6 (Technical Sergeant) for those separated from a different service.

• If last separated as an E-4, the individual may retain the paygrade as long as they have at least two years of military service.

• If last separated as an E-5, the individual may retain the paygrade as long as they have at least 5 1/2 years of military service.
• If last separated as an E-6, the individual may retain the paygrade as long as they have at least 10 years of military service.
• If last separated as an E-7, the individual may retain the paygrade as long as they have at least 15 years of military service (prior service Air Force, only).

Date of Rank

For non-Air Force prior service, the DOR will be the date of enlistment. For most Air Force prior service, DOR depends on how long the individual has been out of the Air Force. Less than 2 years, 1/2 of Time-in-Grade will be retained. More than 2 years, but less than 4 years, 1/4 of TIG will be maintained. 4 or more years, DOR will be the same as date of enlistment.

Maximum Age

Enlistment age must equal 35 or less when total active federal service is subtracted from current age. Additionally, for members who were in the Active Reserves, enlistment age must be less than 28 when current age is reduced by Years of Satisfactory Reserve Service.