When may regular commissioned officers receive severance pay?

Regular commissioned officers may receive severance pay when they are discharged for various specified reasons as outlined in military personnel policies. These specified reasons typically include things like involuntary separation due to reduction in force, service limitations, or other administrative actions that do not involve misconduct. The provision for severance pay is designed to provide financial support to officers transitioning out of active duty roles under circumstances outside their control.

In contrast, reaching retirement age, resigning from service, or completing a term of service generally do not qualify for severance pay since these situations typically do not involve involuntary discharge. Retirement is a planned exit with benefits, resignation is a voluntary choice, and fulfilling a term of service indicates a normal completion of duty rather than an involuntary separation that would warrant severance.