Who can approve a buyout?
5 U.S.C. 9902(g) provides authority for the Secretary of Defense to establish a permanent downsizing and restructuring VSIP and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) program. This authority was redelegated to the Heads of the DoD Components for positions up to the GS-15 level (and equivalent) and authorizes further delegation to the lowest practicable level, but not lower than the local installation commander or activity head.