The Army did the exact same thing in 1992. Clinton cut the size of the military following the fall of the USSR. One of the things it did was that all O-4s (Majors) were offered a severance package and had a window to take it. At the end of the window, if they still needed to cut more they they would have a board and get rid of however many they needed to. If the board got you you then you got a big 'ol meat whistle for you 8-10yrs of service. Back then there was no 401k you got your retirement after 20yrs or you got nothing.