Ep 472: The Air Force Just Ghosted Your Bonus and Retirement Plans

In this high-velocity “WTF is happening?” episode of the Ones Ready podcast, Jared pulls no punches breaking down the latest Pentagon finance dumpster fire—because apparently, the Air Force’s solution to a budget shortfall is to hit pause on YOUR retirement and nuke the Selective Retention Bonus mid-fiscal year. Classic.

We’re talking cancelled bonuses, delayed separation orders, SkillBridge chaos, and the mind-blowing revelation that even the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force got blindsided. If you thought Big Blue had a plan, lol, think again.

This isn't normal. This isn't routine. And it sure as hell isn't okay. Jared brings receipts, ETP breakdowns, and a warning to every operator banking on a transition plan that just went up in bureaucratic flames.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

The Air Force is out of money—mid-fiscal year. You read that right.
Retirement/separation orders are being delayed until further notice if your date is in 2026 or later.
SkillBridge? Yeah, good luck out-processing on time. Leadership says, “Manage your expectations.”
ETPs (Exceptions to Policy) are only for mission-critical or personal disasters. Convenience doesn’t count.
SRBs (Selective Retention Bonuses) for Spec War jobs were CANCELLED—no warning, no backup.
Even the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force was kept out of the loop. Wild.
No, this does NOT “happen every year.” Stop gaslighting yourself.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Quick hit intro & no fluff
00:30 – Breaking news from ACC & CMSAF’s office
01:20 – Retirement/Separation Order freeze explained
03:00 – SkillBridge chaos and guidance
05:00 – ETP (Exception to Policy) flow & eligibility
06:15 – The SRB screw-job & why it’s unprecedented
08:00 – Why Special Warfare recruiting is hard enough already
09:00 – Final thoughts & "more to follow"

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