In the military, throughout the career of a soldier, airman, Marine, or sailor, members are expected to advance in rank and pay grade every few years. An enlisted person must be promoted within certain time frames during their career, or they must separate from the service. This is known as the “High Year of Tenure” (HYT). The Army High Year of Tenure program is called the retention control point

As long as you are not neglecting your duties and have not been in serious trouble, an enlisted person with more than six years of service and less than 20 years of service (retirement eligible) who is involuntarily separated (under honorable conditions) is entitled to receive involuntary separation pay (severance pay).

In short (for example), if an Air Force E-4 does not get promoted to E-5 by the time he/she has 8 years of military service, the member will be forced to separate. These rules are strictly enforced especially during times of downsizing and force reduction.

As with just about every standard and rule in the military, there are waivers available for a person seeking to fight the high year tenure workforce management rules and standards. A member seeking to submit a waiver should do so within 10 months of his/her HYT date and have a justifiable reason why that person should be kept in the military.