PSDM 09-31 OS Returnee Counseling Handoout

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE PERSONNEL
CENTER
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE TEXAS
PSDM 09-31
12 May 2009
MEMORANDUM FOR ALL MPSs
FROM: HQ AFPC/DPA
550 C Street West, Ste 33
Randolph AFB TX 78150-4715
SUBJECT: Overseas Returnee Counseling Handout (Career Development Element; Functional
Category: Assignments)
This PSDM supersedes PSDM 08-39, Overseas Returnee Counseling Handout.
MPS ACTION OFFICE
The Career Development Element, Functional Category: Assignments, is the primary action
office for this Personnel Services Delivery Memorandum (PSDM.) This PSDM is an overseas
counseling handout outlining guidance in AFI 36-2110, Assignments. MPS’s are responsible for
providing a copy of the PSDM to each Airman. Enlisted members will receive the handout upon
receipt of the DEROS Election Option (DEROSO) or Forecast Notification (DEROSF) RIP.
Officers will be provided the handout when they appear on the vulnerable mover list (VML).
HQ AIR FORCE PERSONNEL CENTER (AFPC) ACTION OFFICE
Direct questions to HQ AFPC/DPAPP, Assignment Procedures, DSN 665-3815, Commercial:
(210) 565-3815, E-mail: afpc.dpapp@randolph.af.mil. This handout, as well as other PSDMs
referenced throughout, may be accessed on the Internet at:
http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/AssignProc
AIR FORCE SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Direct questions for colonels, including selectees to AF/DPO, DSN: 664-5039, Comm: (703)
604-5039, E-mail: af.dpo@pentagon.af.mil. Direct questions for chief master sergeants,
including selectees to AF/DPE, DSN 664-8153, Comm: 703-604-8153, E-mail:
org.afdpe@pentagon.af.mil
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Direct questions for all judge advocates to AF/JAX, DSN: 224-3021, Comm: (703) 697-221, E-
mail: afjax.workflow@pentagon.af.mil .
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
To inform Airmen assigned overseas of their overseas DEROS options, applicable timelines, and
repercussions if mandatory actions are not adhered to within a specified period of time.

POLICY
All portions of this PSDM apply to both officer and enlisted personnel unless otherwise noted.
The minimum OS counseling requirements are satisfied when the MPS provides the Airman a
copy of this handout.
3 Attachments:
1. OS Counseling Handout
2. DEROS and Assignment Cycle Schedules
3. First Term Airmen Base of Preference Application
FOR THE COMMANDER
//SIGNED//
DIRECTOR OF ASSIGNMENTS

OVERSEAS
Right Person Right Place
Right Time
COUNSELING
HANDOUT
2009

1. Introduction
2. Date Eligible to Return from Overseas (DEROS) Forecast System (DFS) Options
a. Automatic Indefinite DEROS - Alaska and Hawaii Long-Tour Areas
b. Indefinite DEROS Election
c. Voluntary DEROS Extension
d. Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program (OTEIP) (Enlisted Only)
e. In-place Consecutive Overseas Tour (IPCOT)
f. Maintain Current DEROS Election
g. First-Term Airman CONUS Base of Preference (BOP) (Enlisted Only)
h. Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT)
i. Korea Assignment Incentive Pay (KAIP)
j. High School Senior Assignment Deferment (HSSAD)
3. Join Spouse Assignments
a. DEROS Extension to Match Spouse
b. Join Spouse and Base of Preference (BOP) Program (Enlisted Only)
c. Officer Join Spouse Consideration (Officer Only)
d. Overseas (OS) Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing (EQUAL) (Enlisted Only)
e. Returnee EQUAL (Enlisted Only)
f. Join Spouse Assignment Not Desired
4. Service Retainability Requirements
a. Official Notification
b. Officer Retainability (Officer Only)
c. Retainability Options for PCS
d. Retainability Options for DEROS Extension
e. Timeline and Automatic Actions
f. Exceptions for Unaccompanied, Dependent-restricted Tours
5. Assignment Selection Date (ASD) and Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing (EQUAL)
a. ASD
b. EQUAL (Enlisted Only)
c. Returnee Assignment Priority
6. Special Duty Assignment Consideration (EQUAL-Plus) (Enlisted Only)
7. Retraining In Conjunction with Overseas Tour Completion (Enlisted Only)
8. Humanitarian or Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Assignments
a. Humanitarian
b. EFMP
9. Separation and Retirement Processing
a. Separation
b. Retirement

OVERSEAS COUNSELING HANDOUT
1. Introduction.
This handout provides you with information on assignment options, specified timelines and the
repercussions for failure to act on certain personnel actions. You must read this handout and
contact the Military Personnel Section (MPS). If you do not ask for additional counseling, it is
assumed you understand the information outlined in the handout. Receipt of this handout
constitutes formal overseas counseling.
2. Date Eligible to Return from Overseas (DEROS) Forecast System Options.
The DEROS Forecast System is the beginning of the assignment process while you are assigned
overseas. During this time, you will have several options to consider; however, you must act on
those actions within a specified period of time. If you elect to depart upon your DEROS, a chain
reaction will occur, e.g., you will be projected to return to the continental United States (CONUS)
and your current position will be advertised for a replacement. DEROS options are intended to
increase the stability of the unit, member, family (if accompanied), and save PCS dollars.
Enlisted DEROS Forecast Options.
The DEROS Election Option or Forecast Notification Report of Individual Personnel
(RIPs) will reflect your current DEROS and your overseas tour options. Unit commander
endorsement is required on the RIP when choosing to extend in the overseas area (including inplace
COTs) and must be returned to the MPS, Career Development Element, Functional
Category: Assignments within 30 days from the date the RIP was produced. Your commander
and HQ AFPC have disapproval authority for DEROS extension requests. If you commander
recommends approval, your request will be sent to HQ AFPC, Assignment OPR for final
consideration.
The DEROS Election Option RIP is produced for all enlisted Airmen stationed at short-tour
locations, and for OTEIP (See paragraph 2d) eligible enlisted members stationed at long-tour
locations. The DEROS Forecast Notification RIP is produced for all enlisted Airmen stationed at
long-tour locations, with the exception of OTEIP eligible enlisted members as mentioned above.
If you received the DEROS Election Option RIP (DEROSO), review it carefully, initial next to
your preference, sign the RIP and obtain your supervisor and commander endorsement when
required. This RIP must be returned to the MPS, Career Development Function within 30 days
from the date the RIP was produced. If you received the DEROS Forecast Notification RIP
(DEROSF), review it carefully, select an option and proceed to your MPS for assistance. The
MPS will assist you in updating your DEROS election in MilPDS. Your DEROS election will
electronically flow for coordination to AFPC.
NOTE: Be sure to read the retainability guidance for further clarification or contact your MPS for
assistance. Also refer to AFI 36-2110, Tables 2.5 and 2.6. You must have at least 12 or more
months retainability after your new DEROS to be eligible to PCS to another location. (Exception:
For personnel on a 12 month unaccompanied tour, see paragraph 4f of this handout).

Officer DEROS Forecast Options.
Officers will use the AFAS to request subsequent assignment actions; however, judge advocates
should work all assignment actions directly with AF/JAX. All colonels and selectees will work all
assignment actions, DEROS forecast options, approvals and disapprovals, with AF/DPO.
Colonels and selectees do not use the VML, ADP, or AMS. PSDM references to these tools do
not apply to colonels and selectees. Please direct any questions to AF/DPO.
When an officer appears on the VML, the officer and commander have the option of requesting a
reclama (removal from the VML due to DEROS extension, in place consecutive (IPCOT), etc.).
AFPC assignment teams will consider the request and approve or disapprove accordingly. If a
reclama request is approved the AFPC assignment team will update the DEROS election option in
the military personnel data system (MilPDS).
Officers requesting a DEROS extension or other assignment action must continue to express their
assignment intentions using their Airman Development Plan (ADP). Officer’s are reminded to
keep their ADP up to date as this is the communication tool AFPC assignment teams use to work
future PCS actions. Commanders will continue to counsel officers on subsequent assignment
actions, but officers assigned overseas will receive an e-mail robot advising them to contact their
commander to discuss DEROS election Options.
a. Automatic Indefinite DEROS. This option only applies if you are currently assigned to
Alaska and Hawaii long-tour areas. Upon receipt of the automatic indefinite DEROS RIP (code
3 Aug 3888), your options are: 1) confirm and accept the indefinite DEROS with your
commander’s concurrence; 2) request reinstatement of your original DEROS; or 3) elect any
other option reflected on the RIP.
b. Indefinite DEROS Election. The major advantage of an indefinite DEROS for enlisted
members is the continuous opportunity to apply for a Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT) or
EQUAL-Plus Special Duty Assignment (SDA). Keep in mind, if you elect an indefinite
DEROS to maximize your assignment opportunities, you will not be eligible to depart until you
first serve your original tour length. If you are a COT volunteer and you do not get selected for
an OS assignment, you will continually be considered during the following cycles. If you do
get selected, a DEROS will be established consistent with the RNLTD for the COT or SDA.
With an indefinite DEROS, your assignment priority is after members who have an established
DEROS. If you have an indefinite DEROS, you are not considered to be in a mandatory move
status, whereas a member with an established DEROS is considered to be in a mandatory move
status. Therefore, all things being equal, the member with an established DEROS only has one
opportunity to apply for a COT, but would be selected for a COT before a member with an
indefinite DEROS. If you are currently indefinite and wish to establish a DEROS, the DEROS
you request cannot be more than 15 months, nor less than 12 months, from the date of request.
Officer’s may express their intent for a COT using their ADP.
Enlisted members, if you ask to establish a DEROS, you must have or obtain 12 months service
retainability no later than 30 days from the date of your request. To allow for a systematic
rotation your unit commander, or assignment OPR may request and/or approve an alternate
DEROS that is not more than 15 months or less than 9 months from the date the DEROSO RIP
was produced.

NOTE: Enlisted Retainability Requirements: You must maintain at least 8 months service
retainability at all times in order to keep an indefinite DEROS. If you do not maintain 8 months
retainability, your DEROS will be automatically established to match your DOS.
c. Voluntary DEROS Extension. You may request a DEROS extension of 1 to 36 months
(not to exceed the standard accompanied tour length). This is your opportunity to extend your
DEROS to accommodate personal needs, such as projected leave, retirement, moving during
the school summer break, to make yourself eligible for a First-Term Airman Base of Preference
(BOP) (see paragraph 2g), to apply for a High School Seniors Assignment Deferment (HSSAD)
(see paragraph 2j), or matching your DEROS to your military spouse’s DEROS (see paragraph
3). There are no monetary or travel incentives for extension under this option; the only
incentive is to project for personal planning.
If you extend your DEROS and later elect to cancel all or part of the extension, you may
request to do so. As an enlisted member, you may request cancellation, providing the new
DEROS does not place you within the current overseas allocation cycle (which is different than
the OS returnee cycle). As an officer, you may request cancellation, providing you do not have
an assignment selection date (ASD). Approval is also based on you having the minimum 12
months retainability for a CONUS PCS. The EQUAL OS allocation cycle and Officer 3-cycle
timeline can be found at Attachment 2 of this handout.
NOTE: Retainability Requirements: You must have or obtain the required retainability
within 30 calendar days from notification of the DEROS extension approval (DOS must be
equal to new DEROS).
d. Overseas Tour Extension Incentive Program (OTEIP). (Enlisted only) This program
provides special incentives to all airmen in short-tour and airmen in certain critically manned
career fields in long-tour locations who extend their tour exactly 12 months. If you are OTEIP
eligible, the incentive options listed below will automatically appear on your DEROSO or
DEROSF RIP Additionally, you may find OTEIP eligible AFSCs in MPFM 07-30, OTEIP
Procedures and Revised OTEIP AFSC Listing, available on the Internet, or MPS. This list is
revalidated and updated approximately every 2 years. OTEIP extensions are skill-level and
CAFSC prefix/suffix specific, and allow airmen to request one of the following incentives:
(1) (Y1 option) Special pay of $2,000 lump sum bonus. You will receive the incentive
approximately 30-45 days after you enter your 12-month OTEIP extension.
(2) (Y2 option) 30 days non-chargeable leave. You must take the leave incentive in
one increment within 6 months after the date you entered your extension or you will
lose the OTEIP leave. If you cannot take your leave within the 6 months due to mission
requirements, your commander may authorize an exception to defer the leave prior to
the end of your 12-month extension; however, you must request and obtain approval of
the deferment before the first 6 months is complete. Your MPS, Force Management
Operations Element will provide you with an AF Form 988, Leave
Request/Authorization, authorizing the leave. This non-chargeable leave will not show
up on your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). Procedures and additional guidance
on OTEIP leave options can be found in AFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program and the
Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR), Volume 1, Paragraph U7305.

(3) (Y3 option) 15 days non-chargeable leave and round trip transportation. Travel is
authorized for the military member only (regardless whether or not dependents are
command sponsored) from the overseas location to the nearest CONUS port. You
must take the leave/travel incentive in one increment within 6 months after the effective
date of your extension or you will lose the OTEIP leave. If you cannot take your leave
within the 6 months due to mission requirements, your commander may authorize an
exception to defer the leave prior to the end of your 12-month extension; however, you
must request and obtain approval of the deferment before the first 6 months is complete.
Your MPS will provide you a DD Form 1610, Request and Authorization for TDY
Travel of DOD Personnel, for travel and leave purposes. Again, the non-chargeable
leave will not show up on your LES; refer to AFI 36-3003 and the JFTR, Volume 1,
Paragraph U7200 for procedures and additional guidance.
If electing to participate in OTEIP, initial next to your requested option, and obtain your unit
commanders recommendation. The MPS must update and process your OTEIP request within
30 days from the date the RIP was produced, or the DEROS Forecast System suspense date
identified in Attachment 2, whichever is sooner. After applying for one of the incentives, you
cannot change the incentive option without full justification, your commander’s
recommendation, and approval by HQ AFPC/DPAPP.
Once you enter the OTEIP extension, you are obligated to serve the entire 12 months and will
not be authorized to change the incentive or request partial cancellation of the extension.
Members who have approved OTEIP extensions are not normally eligible for curtailment except
for pregnant members at dependent-restricted locations. Any other requests for cancellation of
OTEIP extensions after entry are normally disapproved unless extreme circumstances warrant
the curtailment. These circumstances include humanitarian, Exceptional Family Member
Program (EFMP) conditions, or mission changes that prevent completion of the extension. Nonuse
or receipt of an incentive is not justification in itself to warrant cancellation of an OTEIP
extension.
NOTE: Retainability Requirements: You must have or obtain the required retainability
within 30 calendar days from notification of the DEROS extension approval (DOS must be
equal to new DEROS). Your OTEIP extension will be canceled if you fail to obtain or are
ineligible to obtain the required retainability. You will not be required to sign a declination
statement.
e. In-Place Consecutive Overseas Tour (IPCOT). An IPCOT allows you to serve a new
tour (not necessarily in the same unit or command) at your present duty station. You must
complete your current tour and any extensions before entering the IPCOT.
The IPCOT tour length must be equal to or greater than the tour length currently being served.
The following exceptions may apply.
(1) If you are serving an accompanied tour and have had a change in dependent status
and are no longer accompanied by dependents, you may request an unaccompanied
IPCOT.
(2) If you are enlisted and currently serving an extended long tour, you may request a
standard tour length IPCOT.

(3) If you are an unmarried officer with no dependents and currently serving an
accompanied equivalent standard tour, you may request a standard unaccompanied tour
length IPCOT.
(4) If you are an unmarried officer with no dependents, you may elect the accompaniedequivalent
standard IPCOT, providing an accompanied tour is authorized at your
location.
If you currently have an indefinite DEROS, you may request an IPCOT. The effective date of
the IPCOT will be upon completion of the original tour and any previous DEROS extensions,
or the date the HQ AFPC approved the request, whichever is later.
If you are approved for an IPCOT, you are authorized an IPCOT travel entitlement. This
authorizes you round-trip transportation to your home of record (or to any place not to exceed
the cost to your home of record). Your dependents are authorized the same entitlement,
provided they are command sponsored on both tours. Your transportation entitlement must be
completed prior to the end of the new tour or you will lose the IPCOT entitlement.
If you cannot take your IPCOT travel entitlement before completing the new tour due to
contingency operations, your commander may authorize an exception to defer the transportation
entitlement for no more than 1 year after the contingency operation ends. Even after departure
from the OS location from which the deferred entitlement could not be taken, you may still be
entitled to travel from the “new” permanent duty station (PDS) to an authorized location. In
this case, the cost limitation for travel from this “new” PDS and return is the cost from the PDS
from which deferred travel could not be taken to the home of record and return. Your MPS,
Force Management Operations Element, will provide you with a DD Form 1610, Request and
Authorization for TDY Travel of DOD Personnel. Refer to AFI 36-3003, paragraph 14, and the
JFTR, Volume 1, Paragraph U7200 for procedures and additional guidance. Please keep in
mind; leave taken along with the IPCOT transportation entitlement is chargeable ordinary
leave.
If you desire to cancel the IPCOT, you must request cancellation prior to entering the IPCOT.
Once you enter the IPCOT it is considered a new tour. To return to an earlier DEROS requires
a curtailment of overseas tour. If the request is for reasons other than listed in AFI 36-2110,
Table 3.11, “Curtailment of OS Tours,” it must be processed as an exception to policy through
HQ AFPC/DPAPP in accordance with paragraph 1.5. Non-use of IPCOT travel is not
justification to warrant DEROS curtailment.
Upon completion of your initial tour (plus any DEROS extensions on that tour), you are
authorized to receive award of OS tour credit for PCS. This tour credit authorizes adjustment to
your Short Tour Return Date (STRD) and/or your Overseas Duty Selection Date (ODSD).
These dates are vital for ensuring proper sequence for selection for an OS tour for future
assignments. Once you enter your IPCOT, contact your MPS, Force Management Operations,
to request update of your overseas long or short tour in accordance with AFI 36-2110, Table
3.4, “Award or Adjustment of ODSD and STRD Based on PCS.”
NOTE: Retainability Requirements: You must have or obtain the required retainability
within 30 calendar days from notification of the IPCOT approval (DOS must be equal to new
DEROS). The minimum retainability required to return to the CONUS is 12 months, while an

IPCOT can be considerably greater (12, 24, 36, or 48 months). As a result, IPCOT SRB
recipients may have their service retainability delayed on a case-by-case basis by the MPS
commander. Delays will only be considered for the reasons outlined in AFI 36-2110, Table 2.7.
If you fail to obtain the required retainability within 30 days of receipt of approval, the MPS will
request cancellation of your IPCOT. You are not required to sign a declination statement for
refusing retainability if you have not entered the IPCOT. If you are an officer it is likely you
have an indefinite DOS however, if you do have a DOS, you must obtain the additional
retainability using a Specified Period of Time Contract (SPTC) during the same timelines above.
f. Maintain Current DEROS. Electing to maintain your current DEROS means you desire
to depart upon completion of your current tour to include previous extensions. Airmen electing
to maintain their current DEROS do not require CC endorsement on the election RIP.
NOTE: Retainability Requirements: In order for enlisted members to return to the CONUS,
you must have or obtain 12 months retainability no later than the 25 th day of the 8 th month prior
to your DEROS. (See Attachment 2 of this handout for suspense dates) Exception: If serving
an unaccompanied, dependent restricted tour and you are ineligible to obtain the necessary
retainability, or have officially declined to obtain additional retainability in writing (AF Form
964, PCS, TDY or Training Declination Statement), but have between 7 and 11 months
retainability, a CONUS assignment will be provided as an exception. It is important to
remember that this is an exception intended to avoid prolonged involuntary extension of
members serving an unaccompanied dependent-restricted tour. If you are eligible to obtain the
retainability, you must do so. Officers must have 12 months retainability to return to the
CONUS.
g. First-Term Airman CONUS Base of Preference (BOP) (Enlisted only). This program
is available to first-term airmen who have been selected for reenlistment and have an approved
Career Job Reservation (CJR). If you desire BOP consideration, you must elect to maintain
current DEROS and obtain 12 months PCS retainability as shown in paragraph 4 of this
handout. Then you must immediately apply for a Base of Preference (BOP) by submitting
Attachment 3 of this handout to your MPS. You may request up to eight CONUS bases in
order of preference. Preferences are considered in the order listed. DO NOT use regions or
states as preferences.
If your request is approved, you will be required to re-enlist within 30 days after notification
unless a delay is authorized for the reasons in AFI 36-2110, Table 2.7. First-term airmen
(FTA) who do not have a CJR during the forecast window may want to extend their DEROS to
be eligible for a BOP at a later date. If your BOP request is disapproved, you will be notified
and matched for a CONUS assignment under the normal OS Returnee Process using EQUAL.
AFI 36-2110, Attachment 2, “Base of Preference (BOP),” contains more information on the
BOP program.
Career Airmen coming from an OS location may only apply for BOP in conjunction with
Retraining, outlined in paragraph 8 of this handout.
h. Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT). While COT consideration is not a DEROS election

option, you must update your COT preferences to be considered for a COT assignment.
Enlisted airmen must update assignment preferences via the vMPF; your preferences must be
on file by the suspense date listed on the Overseas EQUAL cover webpage in AMS, via the
AFPC Secure website: https://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afpcsecure.
As an officer, you must update your assignment preferences on the ADP; your preferences must
be on file by the suspense date listed on the AFAS Officer 3-cycle timeline, ADP due dates, as
referenced in this handout, Attachment 2.
Enlisted airmen, unless applying for special duty assignments, may only volunteer for COT
requirements in your AFSC (CAFSC for enlisted and any awarded AFSC for officers) and
grade (or projected grade) with reporting during your DEROS month and the following two
months. For example, if your DEROS is April, you will only be considered for requirements
reporting in April, May, or June. While you will have a higher priority with an established
DEROS than personnel with an indefinite DEROS, if you are not selected for a COT
assignment, you will be matched for a CONUS assignment under the normal OS Returnee
process in EQUAL for enlisted and the AFAS process for officers.
If you are selected for a COT, you will be authorized a COT travel entitlement. This authorizes
you to transportation from your current duty station to your home of record (or any place not to
exceed the cost to your home of record), en route to your next duty station. Your dependents
are authorized the same entitlement, provided they are command sponsored at both locations.
Your transportation entitlement must be taken en route to the new duty station, unless deferred
by your commander, and authorized on your PCS orders. If deferred, and you travel through
the CONUS between tours, you may be authorized ordinary leave of no more than 10 days
without using your COT travel entitlement. Members who use more than 10 days leave en
route are considered to have used the COT travel entitlement.
If COT travel entitlement deferment is authorized on your PCS orders, your transportation
entitlement must be completed prior to the end of the new tour or you will lose the COT
entitlement. If you cannot take your deferred travel due to contingency operations, your
commander may authorize an exception for an additional deferment of the transportation
entitlement for no more than one year after the contingency operation duty ends. Even after
departure from the OS location from which the deferred entitlement could not be taken, you are
still entitled to travel from the “new” PDS to an authorized location. In this case, the cost
limitation for travel from this “new” PDS and return is the cost from the PDS from which
deferred travel could not be taken to the home of record and return. Your MPS, Force
Management Operations Element, will provide you with a DD Form 1610, Request and
Authorization for TDY Travel of DOD Personnel. Refer to AFI 36-3003, paragraph 14, and the
JFTR, Volume 1, Paragraph U7200 for procedures and additional guidance. Please keep in
mind; leave taken along with the COT transportation entitlement is ordinary chargeable leave.
i. Korea Assignment Incentive Pay (KAIP). The purpose of the KAIP program is to
increase volunteers for extended service in Korea and promote unit and personal stability for
Airmen while reducing PCS costs. Airmen meeting program criteria agree to certain
conditions and receive a $300.00 monthly incentive pay. Airmen selected for reassignment to
Korea have 3 opportunities to apply for KAIP:

(1) Prior to departure to Korea and serve a 24/36 month unaccompanied or 36 month
accompanied tour.
(2) Upon arrival in Korea before DEROS forecast window/initial VML and serve a
12/24 month DEROS extension.
(3) Upon arrival in Korea during DEROS forecast window/initial VML and serve a
subsequent 24 or 36 month tour.
j. High School Seniors Assignment Deferment (HSSAD). The intent of the HSSAD
program is to decrease PCS turbulence and increase stability for military families with
dependent children entering their senior year of high school. As a member stationed overseas,
you may apply for a DEROS extension to accommodate the completion of your dependent’s
High School senior year. Enlisted members can apply for HSSAD during your DEROS
Forecast Cycle utilizing your DEROSO RIP. Officers stationed overseas may apply once you
appear on the initial VML using the reclama procedure.
Colonels and selectees who desire to apply for the HSSAD program should contact AF/DPO to
discuss potential options. Each request will be handled on a case-by-case basis. AF/DPO is the
final approval authority for the HSSAD program for colonels and selectees.
3. Join Spouse Assignment.
If you are married to another military member and you would like to be considered for a join
spouse assignment upon completion of your overseas tour, you must both ensure your AF Form
1048, Military Spouse Information, is current. You must have the same assignment preferences
and your join spouse intent code must not be “H” (Join Spouse Not Desired). Contact your MPS
Customer Service Element for verification of your current intent code. As an officer, you must
ensure your join spouse intent is reflected in your ADP.
If your spouse belongs to another military service, matching assignments will pose more of a
challenge. However, HQ AFPC will work closely with you, your spouse, and your spouse’s
service personnel office to consider a join spouse assignment. There are no guarantees join spouse
assignments will be possible each and every time, but the HQ AFPC assignment teams will work
to help military couples fulfill their obligations as service members while minimizing time away
from their spouses. It is important to remember that in order for a join spouse assignment to be
approved, there must be a valid requirement for each member to fill at the location selected.
If your spouse is in the CONUS, initial join spouse consideration will be to return you to your
spouse’s CONUS location. If there is no requirement at your spouse’s CONUS location and your
spouse meets PCS eligibility criteria, then he or she will be considered for join spouse assignment
to your projected location. It is in your best interest to review AFI 36-2110, Attachment 8,
“Assignment of Military Couples,” to ensure a full understanding of this program.
a. DEROS Extension to Match Spouse. If you and your spouse are both assigned overseas
and you do not have the same DEROS month, the member with the earlier DEROS must extend
his/her DEROS if you desire to be reassigned at the same time. Failing to match your DEROS
months reduces the chance for join spouse consideration upon completion of your overseas

tour. Curtailment of the last arriving member's DEROS for the purpose of reassignment at the
same time is not authorized.
b. Join Spouse/BOP Program (Enlisted only). If you and your military spouse are
eligible to participate in the BOP program, you must apply as discussed in paragraph 2g for
FTA or paragraph 8 for Retraining. When only one member of the military couple is eligible
and is selected for a BOP, the assignment of the spouse to the same location must be made
under join spouse assignment provisions and manning must support.
c. Officer Join Spouse Consideration. Because of the many variables involved, such as
unique grade/AFSC combinations and career development, all join spouse assignments are
hand-matched for officers. In all cases, whether you are married to another officer or an
enlisted member, HQ AFPC will coordinate with the spouse’s assignment team before making
assignment match. It is important your assignment preferences are reflected in your ADP.
Colonels and selectees will work with AF/DPO for join spouse consideration.
d. OS EQUAL (Enlisted only). You may use the OS EQUAL listing to apply for consecutive
overseas assignment (COT), regardless of advertised requirement for your spouse on the same
EQUAL cycle. If either of you is selected as the most eligible volunteer, the other will receive
join spouse consideration based on projected manning over the next six-month period from the
RNLTD of the selected member (approval will be based on requirements vs. vacancies). Upon
approval and provided the join spouse member meets all other PCS eligibility criteria, the
assignment will be loaded with the same RNLTD as the selected most eligible member.
e. OS Returnee EQUAL (Enlisted only). While EQUAL is used by enlisted join spouse
couples volunteering for COT assignment, it is not used for OS returnees to the CONUS.
Because of the many variables involved, such as unique grade and AFSC combinations, return
join spouse assignments are hand-matched. It is important your assignment preferences are
updated based on personal preference, not advertised allocations. Requirements advertised on
the EQUAL are for non-join spouse returnees and join spouse members with an intent code of
"H" only. Your preferences along with current Air Force needs are used to determine a join
spouse assignment approval.
f. Join Spouse Assignment Not Desired. If you or your spouse change your join spouse
intent code to “H,” a join spouse assignment will not be considered for either member. If
selected for an assignment and your intent code is “H” and you later change your intent code to
“A” or “B” for join spouse desired, you cannot request a join spouse move to that location at a
later time unless you are eligible under some other assignment program. Members who
proceed on a voluntary PCS assignment program do so with the understanding he or she has
created the family separation and a join spouse assignment will not be considered until a
subsequent PCS, provided join spouse intent code is "A" or "B."
4. Service Retainability Requirements.
Service retainability is the amount of obligated active service you must have or be able to obtain
before you can compete for personnel actions such as an assignment and PCS, or to accept a
DEROS extension. Minimum retainability requirements for PCS are computed by adding twelve

months to your DEROS (month/year). A Date of Separation (DOS) within the 12th month after
DEROS meets the minimum retainability requirement for PCS. For example, a DEROS of 28 July
2008 requires a DOS of 1 July 2009 or later to meet minimum retainability requirements.
This handout must be utilized in conjunction with the references in AFI 36-2110, Assignments,
paragraph 2.29, and Tables 2.5 and 2.6, as well as AFI 36-2107, Active Duty Service Commitments
and Specified Period of Time Contracts. Obtaining PCS retainability is your responsibility, even
if you receive no notification other than this handout.
a. Official Notification. This handout is your official notification of PCS and/or DEROS
extension service retainability requirements. Make sure you fully understand the retainability
you must have and the implications if you do not obtain the required retainability within the
established timelines. It is your responsibility to acquire the necessary service retainability to
maintain your DEROS and receive an assignment. It is important you visit your MPS for any
questions you may have regarding retainability.
b. Officer Retainability. Officers who have an indefinite DOS are considered as having
indefinite service retainability. If you have an established DOS, then that date is used to
compute retainability for any subsequent assignments. Upon selection for an event such as PCS
or DEROS extension, you may incur an additional Active Duty Service Commitment or may
have to sign a Specified Period of Time Contract (SPTC). If you need clarification on service
retainability, please seek counseling through your MPS.
c. Retainability Options for PCS. Within 30 days of receiving your DEROS Election or
DEROS Forecast RIP you must complete one of the following actions:
(1) Already have or must obtain the required 12 months service retainability to be
considered and receive PCS consideration.
(2) Decline retainability in writing by completing an AF Form 964, PCS, TDY or
Training Declination Statement. NOTE: if you are ineligible to obtain PCS retainability
because of High Year of Tenure (HYT) or quality factors, you do not have to decline
retainability.
(3) Apply for retirement to coincide with your DEROS, if retirement eligible.
d. Retainability Requirement for DEROS Extension. You must already have or obtain the
required retainability within 30 calendar days from notification of a DEROS extension approval.
Your DOS must be equal your approved DEROS extension.
e. Retainability Timeline and Automatic Actions. As an enlisted member, if you are eligible
to obtain retainability, but have not done so by the 25 th day of the 8 th month prior to your
DEROS (See Attachment 2 of this handout for suspense dates), the MPS will accomplish an AF
Form 964, on your behalf. If you are a second term or career airman, completion of an AF Form
964 makes you ineligible for promotion and reenlistment.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you fail to obtain proper retainability in the proper timeframe,
your DEROS will be involuntarily extended to match your DOS. If your DEROS is
involuntarily extended to match your DOS because of insufficient retainability, your original

DEROS will not be reinstated based solely on the fact you acquired retainability after the
established cut-off dates.
f. Retainability exception for Unaccompanied, Dependent-Restricted Tours. If you fall
into this category and you are ineligible to obtain the necessary retainability, or have officially
declined retainability in writing using an AF Form 964, and have between 7 and 11 months
retainability, a CONUS assignment may be provided to you as an exception. It is important to
remember that this is an exception intended to avoid prolonged involuntary extension of
members serving an unaccompanied dependent-restricted tour because they were ineligible to
obtain 12 months retainability from an overseas to CONUS PCS. If you are eligible to obtain
the retainability, you must do so.
5. Assignment Selection Date (ASD) and Enlisted Quarterly Assignments Listing (EQUAL).
a. Assignment Selection Date (ASD). While overseas, the ASD is the date automatically
adjusted based on a suspense window for the MAJCOM/AFPC to allocate requirements by
AFSC and grade. Enlisted ASDs will be automatically established as the 25 th day of the 8 th
month prior to your DEROS. For example, an enlisted member with a DEROS of June 2008 will
have an ASD established as 25 November 2007. Officer ASDs (Lt Col and below) will be
established In Accordance With (IAW) the Officer AFAS 3-Cycle timelines. For example, an
officer with a DEROS of June 2008 and eligible for an RNLTD of June - September 2008 will
have an ASD established as 26 November 2007. See Attachment 2 of this handout for the
officer assignment cycle timelines.
Enlisted airmen, the ASD enters you in the overseas returnee assignment cycle and makes you
available for an assignment match unless you already have an assignment. Therefore, once you
enter the assignment cycle, you cannot request a DEROS extension or IPCOT unless your
request is based on humanitarian/EFMP reasons or unique mission requirements. All exceptions
must be processed through your commander, MPS, and HQ AFPC/DPAPP in accordance with
AFI 36-2110, paragraph 1.5. Your commander and HQ AFPC have disapproval authority on any
of these requests. Only HQ AFPC/DPAPP has approval authority.
b. Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing (EQUAL) (Enlisted Only). EQUAL is the listing
used to advertise available overseas and CONUS requirements. This listing reflects available
requirements by AFSC and grade, at particular locations. The EQUAL Overseas returnee cycle
provides only available CONUS assignments; therefore, you should align your CONUS
preferences accordingly. If you want to volunteer for a COT, refer to paragraph 2h of this
handout for additional information.
EQUAL may be accessed in the Assignment Management System (AMS) via the AFPC Secure
website: https://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afpcsecure. We encourage you to seek assistance and
update your assignment preferences through your MPS.
If you are TDY or on leave during the advertising cycle and do not have web access, you can
contact the nearest MPS or PERSCO team to review the listing. If you are changing your
assignment preferences, contact the AFPC Contact Center through the AFPC website at
http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ or commercial 210-565-5000, or DSN 665-5000. You can also

call toll free by using a toll-free AT&T direct access number from the country you are in, then
800-616-3775, option 1. AT&T direct access numbers can be obtained from
http://www.business.att.com/bt/dial_guide.jsp to update your assignment preferences.
c. Returnee Assignment Priority. To give you a better understanding on your assignment
priority, the following information is provided: Before CONUS assignments are matched,
overseas returnees are aligned into three groups within each grade and AFSC, and then further
grouped by number of short-tours and extensions. This grouping determines your selection
priority.
(1) Group one (highest priority) are those returning from overseas tours of 17 months or
less where dependents are restricted.
(2) Group two are those returning from overseas tours of 17 months or less where
dependents are authorized, but the member served unaccompanied.
(3) Group three (lowest priority) are those returning from overseas tours of 18 months or
more, regardless of accompanied status.
Each returnee is aligned within these three groupings based on the number of short tours
previously served (this doesn’t count your current tour). Those having the most short tours
receive higher priority.
When the number of short tours is equal for two or more returnees, higher priority within each
group is given to those who extended at least six months in a short tour area or 12 months in a
long tour area. Additionally, each month you extend beyond the 6 or 12 month minimum raises
your priority. If ties still exist within a group, they are broken down by Date of Rank and Total
Active Federal Military Service Date. After the grouping is complete, the assignment match
process begins accordingly. For officers (Lt Cols and below), a combination of factors such as
the ADP, DT vectors, and current PCS location determine an officer’s next PCS. The returnee
assignment priority does not apply to colonels and selectees.
6. Special Duty Assignment Consideration (EQUAL-Plus) (Enlisted Only).
EQUAL-Plus is a listing containing requirements by grade and AFSC for special duty
assignments, Joint/Departmental assignments, chief master sergeant assignments, and short
notice requirements. The EQUAL-Plus Listing is updated daily and may be accessed in the
Assignment Management System (AMS) via the AFPC Secure website:
https://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afpcsecure. If you wish to apply for a special duty, you may
apply after your ASD; however, you will only be considered if there are no other qualified
volunteers. Assignment selection will be after the volunteer-by date has expired. You may
volunteer for another assignment if the MPS has not notified you of selection within 45 days after
the volunteer-by date. You may volunteer for only one special duty at a time.
Eligibility requirements are listed in AFI 36-2110 and specific qualifications are shown in the
advertisement or on the Special Duty Catalog (SPECAT) Assignment Guide located at the MPS or
online at
https:/afpc.randolph.af.mil/Docs/DPA/AssignProc/SPECAT/SPECATASSIGNMENTGUIDE.DO
C. Overseas personnel may apply for special duties if the reporting date is during the DEROS

month or the following two months. DEROS extensions may be considered, but curtailments
request will not be considered.
If you have an indefinite DEROS, you may apply for an EQUAL-Plus advertisement, provided
the advertised RNLTD is after completion of your initial DEROS. If selected for a special duty,
your DEROS will be established to meet the RNLTD.
7. Retraining in Conjunction with Overseas Tour Completion (Enlisted Only).
If you have an established DEROS or indefinite DEROS, you may apply for voluntary retraining
and Base of Preference (if eligible) to be effective upon completion of the minimum prescribed
overseas tour or later. Voluntary retraining applications must be submitted approximately 15 to 9
months before your DEROS. AFI 36-2626, Airman Retraining Program, and the USAF
Retraining Advisory, provides guidance on eligibility and application procedures. If you are
interested in voluntary retraining, visit the AFPC website at http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ or
contact the AFPC Service Center at commercial 210-565-5000, or DSN 665-5000. You can also
call toll free by using a toll-free AT&T direct access number from the country you are in, then
800-616-3775, option 1. AT&T direct access numbers can be obtained from
http://www.business.att.com/bt/dial_guide.jsp
8. Humanitarian or Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Assignments.
a. Humanitarian. The intent of the Humanitarian Program is to assist members in resolving
severe short-term problems involving a family member. If you have a family member who
needs assistance and requires your presence, you may qualify for immediate reassignment to
help alleviate the problem. Each humanitarian reassignment request is evaluated on an
individual basis.
b. EFMP. The intent of the EFMP is to help an Air Force member who has a family member
with special medical or educational needs that meet DoD enrollment criteria. If you have an
immediate family member with special needs, you may qualify for immediate reassignment,
assignment deferment, or have special consideration for your next assignment. These problems
are usually permanent or long term (medical or educational), and the family may need continued
assistance and assignment consideration throughout an entire Air Force career.
If you experience such a situation do not rely on your preferences and do not delay submitting an
application until your DEROS. You may submit applications through the AFPC Contact Center
via the virtual Military Personnel Flight (vMPF) at the AFPC Secure website:
https://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afpcsecure. It is in your best interest to review AFI 36-2110,
Attachment 24, “Humanitarian Reassignment and Deferment” and Attachment 25, “Exceptional
Family Member Program,” to ensure a full understanding of these programs.
9. Separation and Retirement Processing.
a. Separation. If you intend to separate after completion of your current overseas tour, proceed

to the MPS, Career Development Element for counseling upon receipt of your
DEROSO/DEROSF RIP (enlisted only), or email robot (officer only). It is especially important
you receive counseling in a timely manner if you are High Year of Tenure (HYT) restricted.
b. Retirement. If you intend to retire after completion of your current overseas tour, visit the
AFPC website at http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ or contact the AFPC Contact Center for
counseling upon receipt of your DEROSO/ DEROSF RIP (enlisted only), or email robot (officer
only). You can contact them at commercial 210-565-5000, or DSN 665-5000. You can also call
toll free by using a toll-free AT&T direct access number from the country you are in, then 800-
616-3775, option 1. AT&T direct access numbers can be obtained from
http://www.business.att.com/bt/dial_guide.jsp
You may request a retirement effective date of the 1st day of the month following your DEROS,
but you may not apply for retirement more than 12 months before the requested retirement date.
If you want to retire from the overseas area, but want to do so at a later date, you must request a
DEROS extension through the DEROS Forecast process, get it approved, and then request a
retirement date to be effective the 1 st day of the month following your DEROS date.
If you are retirement eligible but did not apply for voluntary retirement and you do not have
sufficient retainability for CONUS PCS, then you will be involuntarily extended in the overseas
area. Your DEROS will match your DOS and actions as outlined in paragraph 4e of this handout
will apply. To return to an earlier DEROS requires a curtailment of overseas tour and must be
processed as an exception to policy to HQ AFPC/DPAPP, in accordance with AFI 36-2110,
paragraph 1.5. with strong justification. If you are HYT restricted and cannot obtain CONUS PCS
retainability, you should request counseling through the MPS, Career Development Element. For
colonels and selectees with questions regarding retirement or separation procedures, please contact
AF/DPO.

Attachment 2
ENLISTED DEROS FORECAST CYCLE
SHORT TOUR
LONG TOUR
DEROS SUSPENSE* DEROS SUSPENSE*
JAN/FEB/MAR 31 MAY JAN/FEB/MAR 28 FEB
APR/MAY/JUN 31 AUG APR/MAY/JUN 31MAY
JUL/AUG/SEP 30 NOV JUL/AUG/SEP 31AUG
OCT/NOV/DEC 28 FEB OCT/NOV/DEC 30 NOV
*EXCEPTIONS TO SUSPENSE:
Humanitarian/EFMP
Unique mission requirements
AFAS OFFICER 3-CYCLE TIMELINE AND ASSIGNMENT SELECTION DATES
LT COL AND BELOW
CYCLE
INITIAL
VML
FIELD
RECLAMA
VML
ASD/
FINAL
VML
POSTED/
LAST
DAY TO
SUBMIT
REQS
PRD
VISIBILITY
WINDOW
ADP
DUE
DATES
AFPC
MATCHES
ASGMTS
RNLTD
MONTH
SPRING
19 JUL
19 JUL -
2 AUG
5 AUG
9 AUG -
22 SEP
8 SEP
SEP -
OCT
FEB -
MAY
SUMMER
10 NOV
10 - 23
NOV
26 NOV
3 DEC -
15 JAN
2 JAN
JAN -
MAR
JUN -
SEP
FALL
24 MAR
24 MAR -
6 APR
8 APR
13 APR -
27 MAY
11
MAY
MAY -
JUL
OCT -
JAN

ENLISTED QUARTERLY ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE
RETURNEE ALLOCATION CYCLE
OVERSEAS ALLOCATION CYCLE
ALLOC ADV SEL DEROS ALLOC ADV SEL RNLTD
MONTH
MAR APR MAY AUG/SEP/OCT JAN FEB MAR OCT/NOV/
DEC
(AUG/SEP)
JUN JUL AUG NOV/DEC/JAN APR MAY JUN JAN/FEB/
MAR
(NOV/DEC)
SEP OCT NOV FEB/MAR/APR JUL AUG SEP APR/MAY/
JUN
(FEB/MAR)
DEC JAN FEB MAY/JUN/JUL OCT NOV DEC JUL/AUG/
SEP
(MAY/JUN)
NOTE: ( ) are backfill months
ENLISTED RETAINABILITY SUSPENSES AND ASSIGNMENT SELECTION DATES
DEROS Retainability ASD DEROS Retainability ASD
JAN 25 MAY 25 JUN JUL 25 NOV 25 DEC
FEB 25 JUN 25 JUL AUG 25 DEC 25 JAN
MAR 25 JUL 25 AUG SEP 25 JAN 25 FEB
APR 25 AUG 25 SEP OCT 25 FEB 25 MAR
MAY 25 SEP 25 OCT NOV 25 MAR 25 APR
JUN 25 OCT 25 NOV DEC 25 APR 25 MAY

Attachment 3
(Date)
MEMORANDUM FOR MPS ASSIGNMENTS
FROM: Grade/Name/SSAN/DEROS/Unit/Duty Phone
SUBJECT: First-Term Airman (FTA) Base of Preference (BOP) Application
1. Please consider me for a BOP assignment to one of the bases listed below. The bases listed
below were not my last assignment. If it was my last assignment, I was not assigned there under
any BOP provision.
Note: Use CONUS bases only when indicating a preference. Do not use regions or states as
preferences.
1. ______________________________ 5. ______________________________
2. ______________________________ 6. ______________________________
3. ______________________________ 7. ______________________________
4. ______________________________ 8. ______________________________
2. (For airmen married to other military members only.) I have been counseled on BOP and join
spouse assignment criteria. I understand if I request a BOP, I will first be considered for
assignment to my spouse’s location unless join spouse assignment is not desired (intent code H).
If I receive an approved PCS BOP, then join spouse assignment to the BOP location for my
spouse is not authorized. If I proceed on a PCS BOP I understand I am responsible for the family
separation created. I understand we may each request a BOP in our own right to the same
location, if we are both eligible. However, I understand that manning at the requested locations
must support both myself and my spouse in order for the assignments to be approved.
3. I understand I will be required to reenlist within 30 days of approval. I also understand that
voluntary cancellation of this request on my behalf or refusal to obtain the necessary retainability
constitutes use of my BOP option.
(Signature of Airman)
(Typed name, grade, USAF, SSN)