New special-duty assignment process under way

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RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Enlisted assignments division officials at the Air Force Personnel Center here unveiled a new assignment process to account for many special-duty jobs now being coded as maximum tour assignments in the continental United States.

The new process, starting in mid-April, is called the CONUS Mandatory Mover program. The majority of those affected include: recruiters, military training instructors, military training leaders, technical training instructors, Air Education and Training Command's professional military education instructors and people assigned to joint/department agencies.

Airmen serving in these positions will compete for their next assignment using the Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing for Overseas Returnees once they reach their maximum tour date.

"We've got people in these special jobs (who), for the good of professional development and the Air Force, need to get back into their primary specialty or mainstream Air Force," said Chief Master Sgt. Carlton McCoy, superintendent of the Airman assignments division at the center. "We've long recognized that Airmen in this category weren't being provided visibility to Air Force manning requirements. Adding them to the EQUAL process is necessary for the fairness, equity and visibility of their assignments."

The next listing for those returning from overseas August to October will be posted April 13. Around 600 to 800 CONUS Mandatory Movers whose maximum tour ends between August and October will also participate in this cycle.

Because these Airmen are being identified in advance, major commands can voice their requirements of where they need people the most.

Assignments officials take the number of CMMs and overseas returnees and create a list of available assignments on a one-for-one basis, said Master Sgt. Tammy Brangard, superintendent of first sergeant and special-duty assignments at the center.

"Because of the larger pool of potential movers, this program will enhance the opportunities out there," she said.

On the flip side, the Airman can also track his or her availability -- something that could not be done before.

"Very similar to a [Date Eligible for Return from Overseas], these mandatory movers will know the timing of their (permanent change of station) and can update their preference sheet according to what's available," Sergeant Brangard said.

About 12 months before Airmen on a CMM tour reach the end of their assignment, they will be notified of their options and given details of what can be expected.

Those identified can apply for a base of preference assignment if they have enough time on station, compete for an EQUAL Plus special-duty job or move under the EQUAL Overseas Returnee/CMM program.

"While the needs of the Air Force come first, we're obligated to provide the troops the opportunity to align their preferences to Air Force needs ... and hopefully that helps them get to where they want to be," Chief McCoy said.

Airmen can go to the Assignment Management System online to see the assignment listings at https://afas.afpc.randolph.af.mil/amsweb/master.cfm.

For more information, Airmen can contact their local military personnel flight or call the Air Force Contact Center at (800) 616-3775. (Courtesy of AFPC News Service)