Age Limits
General Rule. Unless retired or separated earlier, each regular commissioned officer of the navy (other than permanent regular warrant officers and permanent professors at the United States Naval Academy) serving in a grade below rear admiral (lower half) shall be separated or retired, if eligible, on the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 62 years of age.
Deferred Retirement of Health Professions Officers. The Secretary of the Navy may defer the retirement of a health care professions officer (2100, 2200, or 2900) if, during the period of the deferment, the officer will be performing duties consisting primarily of providing patient care or performing other clinical duties.
Deferred Retirement of Chaplains. The Secretary of the Navy may defer the retirement of a chaplain (4100) if the Secretary determines that such deferral is in the best interest of the navy.
Deferred Retirement Request Process. Officers in any of the designators above desiring to defer retirement beyond the age of 62 years must formally request to do so via a personal letter and command endorsement. The request may be for a deferral any duration up to and including the end of the month in which the officer becomes 68 years of age. The request should be submitted 6-9 months prior to attaining the age of 62 years or the expiration of a previously approved deferral of retirement. Endorsements from higher authorities to the member’s commanding officer will be accepted but are not required. Only the command endorsement is required to process the request.
References.
Example Request Letter and Endorsement.
Date
From: RANK First MI. Last Name, USN, DESIG
To: Commander, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-835)
Via: Commanding Officer, [Member’s Command]
Subj: REQUEST FOR DEFERRAL OF RETIREMENT BEYOND AGE 62
Ref: (a) 10 USC 1251
(b) SECNAVINST 1920.6D
1. Per references (a) and (b), I hereby request deferral of retirement beyond age 62 until the end of
[Month Year].
2. Provide justification for request.
3. Point of contact information: (your email address and telephone number).
FI. MI. LAST NAME
_________________________________________________________________________________
1920
Ser
Date
FIRST ENDORSEMENT on RANK First MI. Last Name, USN, DESIG, ltr of DD Mmm YY
From: Commanding Officer, [Member’s Command]
To: Commander, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-835)
Subj: REQUEST FOR DEFERRAL OF RETIREMENT BEYOND AGE 62
1. Forwarded, recommending approval (or disapproval).
2. Comment on the date conducted and the member’s performance during the most recent Physical
Fitness Assessment (PFA). Include any additional comments as desired to support a positive (or
negative) endorsement of the member’s deferral of retirement request.
FI. MI. LAST NAME
Copy to:
[Member]
Com