WASHINGTON, (Feb. 9, 2016) -- The United States Army announced today that more than 700 officers are being notified of their selection for separation or early retirement as the service continues to downsize its force.The officers -- all captains -- are being notified by their chain-of-command following completion of the fiscal year 2015 Officer Separations Board (OSB) and Enhanced Selective Early Retirement Board (ESERB), which were conducted to help the Army manage mandated end strength reductions. The boards reviewed the records of more than 4,000 captains, before recommending 740 for separation or early retirement."We must implement drawdown levers to reach the approved end strength," Lt. Gen. James McConville, deputy chief of staff, Army G1, said. "Many of our officers selected for separation have selflessly served with courage and honor throughout their careers and displayed the values, character, and competence that make our Army second to none."Officers selected for separation will be notified personally by a general officer or designee within their chain of command no later than February 25. Once notified, selected officers have until December 1 to either separate or retire from active duty. Officers who are deployed or in designated combat zones will redeploy to prepare for transition, and those assigned outside the continental United States will be given the opportunity to return to a state-side post."The Army remains committed to support these transitioning officers as they prepare themselves and their families for the next chapter of their lives," McConville said."Because each officer has a unique individual service history, separation benefits will vary for each officer. Transitioning officers are encouraged to have their installation transition center produce a service computation report which will assist each officer in determining which benefits they are eligible to receive," he said.McConville said that leaders across the Army will ensure separating soldiers receive adequate support to take advantage of resources which will aid them through the transition process, to include opportunities for continued service in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve."This not only benefits the Army, but also benefits the transitioning soldier as their hard-earned skills and experience will be used to strengthen the total Army and their families can continue to take advantage of military benefits," he said.