Can't you ask to stay until 20. I know I heard about that option in my D taps class
There are circumstances in which you can request to continue on active duty to reach retirement. Each branch has different rules and there are no real guarantees.
The Air Force calls it Limited Assignment Status:
Limited Assignment Status (LAS). If the member has 15 or more years service and is motivated to remain on active duty, even though found unfit by the PEB, he/she may apply for consideration under the LAS program. DoD and Air Force directives provide for the retention of certain members who, although found physically unfit by a PEB, are willing and able to effectively continue on active duty with appropriate assignment limitations.
Such members may be retained on active duty in LAS. This program is intended for members having between 15 and 20 years service, and allows the Air Force to salvage needed experience and skills. Eligible members may be retained if they meet all of the following requirements:
a. Have applied for LAS.
b. Have a stable unfitting condition or one that is deteriorating at a slow rate.
c. Can be maintained in the military environment without adversely affecting themselves or their co-workers.
d. Will not require inordinate medical care.
e. Have expertise in a specialty that the Air Force needs.
Retention in LAS is directly dependent on the nature and degree of physical limitation, the years of service completed, and the needs of the Air Force. The primary objective of LAS is to conserve manpower by salvaging needed experience and skills. Members are not retained in LAS solely to increase their benefits or to complete a period of service. To apply for LAS, you must first be found unfit by a PEB and then, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you must submit a formal request for this status. Those retained in LAS must undergo an annual physical examination with continued retention contingent upon the results of the examination and the continued need for your grade and specialty. Members retained in LAS will normally not be retained on active duty past 20 years of active service. Individuals with over 20 years of service may apply for LAS but, if approved, they will normally be retained for a one-year period only. Individuals retained in LAS do not have to overcome the presumption of fitness when they approach their normal separation or retirement dates.
