"...The Air Force recently approved the applications of nearly 360 airmen for early retirement under a limited, voluntary program intended to help the service whittle down its force size to meet authorized active-duty end strength numbers.
Of those approved to retire early under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority, there were 311 enlisted and 47 officers, according to information from Michael Dickerson, a spokesman for the Air Force Personnel Center.
The program gave eligible airmen the option to retire before reaching 20 years -- when traditional retirement benefits usually kick in -- while receiving close to one's full retirement pay..."