Remote returnees get a breather

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott Elliott
  • Air Force Print News
Airmen returning from overseas remote "short" tours will receive six-month exemptions from deploying with their new units on scheduled air and space expeditionary force deployments.

The policy change is the result of input from airmen in the field, according to Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Peppe, special assistant for AEFs at the Pentagon.

"Gen. (William J.) Begert, Pacific Air Forces commander, talked to an airman in Korea who had permanent change of station orders and already knew that he was in an AEF and would be leaving soon after he arrived at his new base," Peppe said.

The policy goes into effect immediately, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper has directed the change to Air Force instructions to reflect the six-month exemption.

Previously, the policy called for 60-day exemptions with deviations approved at the squadron-commander level. Peppe said deviation from the new six-month deferment would have to be made at the major command vice commander level.

"It's pretty obvious why we're doing this," Peppe said. "The AEF concept was (designed) to provide our airmen with some stability in their lives.

"If we roll into this properly, we'll provide not only the airman and his or her family with some stability, but the unit will have an opportunity to bring the individual in and get him or her acclimatized to the new location," he said.

Personnel officials said the policy change would grant temporary deployment relief to as many as 7,000 airmen.

"It's the fair thing to do," Peppe said. "Those people who are serving remote tours are providing forward presence at its finest. People can always volunteer if they see their units deploying. We want to make sure we're fair and equitable across the board."