No later than when may eligible Airmen who serve 20 or more years of total active federal military service retire?

• A. On discharge date
• B. On HYT date
• C. No earlier than HYT
• D. No later than the first day of the month following High Year of Tenure

Answer: (D)

The question tests how High Year of Tenure (HYT) affects when someone with 20 or more years of total active federal service can retire. HYT sets a hard deadline for remaining in uniform. For those reaching 20+ years, retirement must occur no later than the first day of the month following HYT. In other words, once HYT is reached, you’re required to separate by that deadline, though you could choose to retire earlier if you prefer. This explains why the correct statement is the one that specifies retirement no later than the first day of the month after HYT. The other options imply dates that aren’t consistent with the deadline: you don’t have to wait until HYT exactly, you’re not restricted to discharge timing, and you’re not limited to retiring only on HYT date.