The Air Force has a critical shortage of pharmacists, largely due to inadequate pharmacist retention at the first decision point (FDP). The factors influencing a pharmacist's decision to stay in or separate from the Air Force at the FDP must be discovered and applied to retention programs. METHODS A customized interview was designed to assess the influence of various factors on retention decisions. This interview was conducted via telephone in December 2008 and January 2009 with pharmacists within 18 months of their FDP. Existing pharmacist retention programs were then analyzed for their ability to impact the identified decision factors. STUDY RESULTS Thirty of 33 eligible pharmacists were interviewed, a 90% response rate. Patriotism, retirement benefits, and the level of pharmacy technician competence were the strongest influences for pharmacists at the FDP to stay in the Air Force.