Cut-offs in the U.S. military?

Yes. Reduction In Force. It is the military euphemism for lay off. The Air Force and Navy are top heavy and people are not waiting to leave after their first enlistment. What is happening is that there is not enough room for airmen and sailors to move up the ranks. This means that there is not enough slots for new ones to come in. What is happening is that all branches are tightening standards for both those who want to enter and those who want to reenlist. There will always be openings for qualified people but those who do not meet initial standards and those who do not meet standards after they are in, will have to leave. The Navy is allowing some sailors who meet standards but who are in overmanned rates/jobs the option to switch to undermanned jobs if they qualify for reclassification training. There is also a program for airmen and sailors who want to transfer into the army.