New retirement extensions allow the Army to retain critical talent | US Army

A new authority granted by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2019 allows the Army to allow select officers to serve up to 40 years to retain critical talent. One of the few given this opportunity is Army Colonel Paul Schmitt, a Foreign Area Officer stationed in Ukraine who have demonstrated unique knowledge, skills, and behaviors to deliver strategic impacts. The new MRD Extension policy applies to officers in the grades of O-3 to O-10. Officers cannot apply for this program but must be selected and agree to the extension before their file is submitted to the board.

Source: https://www.army.mil/article/241831/new_retirement_extensions_allow_the_army_to_retain_critical_talent