Voluntary separation window closes; involuntary separations begin

The active-duty deadline to self-identify passed June 6, 2025 (reserve: July 7). Roughly 1,000 members had requested voluntary separation by early May, about a quarter of the diagnosed population; the Army alone logged ~700 requests by early June. Voluntary separatees received double the involuntary separation-pay rate (involuntary pay = 10% of annual base pay x years of service; e.g., an E-5 with 10 years: ~$101,000 voluntary vs. ~$51,000 involuntary), waived service obligations, and no recoupment of pre-Feb. 26 bonuses; involuntarily separated members faced half pay and potential recoupment of bonuses. The Navy, Air Force, and Army allowed members with 15+ years to request early retirement in lieu of separation. Affected members, including 19-year officers separated days after promotion, described the choice as "voluntary in name only" and "coerced." DoD then began involuntary identification through annual health screenings and commander referrals. The Pentagon has never released involuntary-separation totals.