PSDM 09-31 OS Returnee Counseling Handoout

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