December 24, 2002

The U.S. Air Force retention (getting troops to stay in the service) goals are 55 percent for new people (on their first enlistment), 75 percent for those on their second, and 95 percent for career (those staying for 20-30 years) enlisted personnel. But because of the poor economy, the war and mandatory retention of key people ("stop loss") the current rates are 72, 78 and 95 percent. Not very different for the lifers (career airmen), but very high for those in for the first time.