For Official Use Only – Not for Public Release
Dear Public Health Service Officers,
With the unexpected longevity of the COVID-19 pandemic, America needs the expertise and skill sets of our Public Health Service officers now more than ever. We sent out guidance on July 2, 2020 regarding suspension of voluntary retirements and separations and we understand that this may impose a burden on those who may have had made plans to depart; however, unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures.
For this reason, the Commissioned Corps will continue to temporarily extend the suspension of voluntary retirements and voluntary separations until March 31, 2021. This guidance replaces the previous guidance.
We hope to start accepting requests for Voluntary Separation/Resignation of Commission and Voluntary Retirements for officers between 20 to 30 years of active duty service starting January 1, 2021 for a separation date no earlier than April 1, 2021. However, this is subject to the status of the current Public Health Emergency.
Please note that this moratorium does not include mandatory (30-year) retirement, age 64 retirement, disability/involuntary retirement, or involuntary separation.
The Assistant Secretary for Health will be meeting with all officers who are between 20 to 30 years of active duty service, the Chief Professional Officers, the Assistant Surgeons General, and the Agency liaisons this week to discuss this issue.
If you have any questions or concerns related to the continued suspension of Voluntary Separations and Voluntary Retirements, please send a message via eCMCS to the CCHQ Office of Director: Retirement Termination mailbox.
Thank you for your continued service and commitment to the Commissioned Corps. We continue to be amazed and proud of you all for not only meeting, but exceeding the demands of this current crisis. Please stay safe during these challenging times.
Respectfully,
Susan M. Orsega
RADM, USPHS
Director, Commissioned Corps Headquarters
For Official Use Only – Not for Public Release