Maximum Entry Age

The DOI Maximum Entry Age (MEA) Policy states initial entry or re-entry within DOI primary firefighters and primary law enforcement officers must not have reached their 37^th birthday, prior to entering into a primary position (cannot be over 36). For MEA purposes, initial entry means you are entering into your first firefighter or law enforcement position where retirement deductions are being deposited into the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).

The MEA policy was developed because primary positions require "young and vigorous" individuals to perform arduous work. The MEA policy was also established as a "recruitment and retention tool" to maintain a young federal fire and law enforcement workforce from date of hire (before 37^th birthday) to mandatory retirement date or reassignment to a non-covered position. The minimum requirements for firefighter or law enforcement retirement is 20 years creditable firefighter and/or law enforcement service at age 50 [CSRS and FERS] or 25 years creditable firefighter and/or law enforcement service at any age [FERS only].

Exception: If the applicant has previous "covered and creditable" federal primary firefighter or law enforcement service and can subtract that service from his/her current age to be under 37 years for both firefighters and law enforcement officers.

Resources:

• DOI MEA Policy Personnel Bulletin 02-7 (Subject to Change)
• Standardized Language for Firefighter Position Descriptions Memorandum from Director of the Office of Personnel Policy

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