Q. I separated from the Air Force in 2008 as a major with 13½ years of service and received a lump-sum voluntary separation payment. I’m employed as a government civilian and would like to buy back my military time. Do I have to repay the entire lump sum I was paid when I separated to do this? A. Whether you are required to pay back some or all of your VSP is a matter between you and your branch of service. It has nothing to do with your ability to make a deposit to get credit for you active-duty service.…