trherring

Jason,
Decided to press with the FPEB. 12 Jan 2011 is my report. Unless I get a great GS position, I'll be there. I wanted to know if you've heard anything about a DES lawyer by the name of Mr. Halstead. Any insight into his support for troops would be great.

Right, if you later withdraw/waive your demand for the formal PEB, the IPEB's findings will be given effect (of course, it has to be approved by AFPC/SECAF, but this almost always happens).

In AF cases, there is quite a lot that can be done to extend the processing time...an additional note, towards the end of the year, they normally close down for a few weeks for the holidays. Given the backlog and new leadership at the FPEB, I can't say for sure this will happen, but if it does, it always creates a further backlog. That, with an appeal, could almost certainly place your final disposition towards the end of next year...if you have leave saved up and many of these issues line up in your favor, you could make 20 years.

Glad to help, I think its what anyone would do! You help fellow Servicemembers/Veterans!

What branch are you? Air Force is the slowest at processing cases, so you might have a chance to drag it out to 20 if that is your branch. As a general matter, the longer you stay in, the better...it is hard to say how you would fare under CRSC vice CRDP, but it may not make a substantial difference. You would have to run the numbers and make some assumptions about your VA ratings to know for sure.

Almost every PEB will let you withdraw your appeal before your Formal Board (the Navy tends to want you to do this before you travel...the AF and the Army are slightly more flexible on this). So, one thing to consider is demanding the formal and either fight it out or withdraw at the last minute.

Best of luck!