First-term Airmen (FTA). FTA serving an initial enlistment of 4 or more years may not be given more than two assignments in different locations following initial basic and skill training during their first 4 years of service, regardless of tour length. FTA who make two PCS moves are permitted an additional PCS in conjunction with an approved humanitarian reassignment, a join-spouse assignment, as a volunteer, or when the PCS is a mandatory move (such as returning from an OS tour at the end of the prescribed OS tour length). Low-cost moves are excluded from the two-move count (for example, an FTA being re-assigned to another base that is nearby).
Availability and Deferment. A member is considered available for reassignment on the first day of the “availability” month. The reasons for deferments vary. Deferments may be authorized when possible in most grades and AFSCs to maintain an equitable assignment system and also support the need for stability in certain organizations or functions. Deferments are normally approved to preclude a member’s PCS while suitability to remain on active duty is evaluated or during a period of observation or rehabilitation. Deferments also exist for such things as completion of an educational program or degree, witness for a court-martial, accused in a court-martial, control roster, Article 15 punishment, base of preference (BOP) program, retraining, humanitarian reasons, etc.
Humanitarian and Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Reassignment or Deferment. The policies and procedures concerning humanitarian and EFMP reassignment or deferment are outlined in AFI 36-2110. The following paragraphs briefly discuss these policies and procedures:
The humanitarian policy provides reassignment or deferment for Air Force members to assist them in resolving severe short-term problems involving a family member. The problem must be resolvable within a reasonable period of time (normally 12 months), the member’s presence must be considered absolutely essential to resolve the problem, and the member must be able to be effectively utilized in his or her CAFSC. Family members under the humanitarian program are limited to spouse, children, parents, parents-in-law, and those persons who have served “in loco parentis.” A person “in loco parentis” refers to one who has exercised parental rights and responsibilities in place of a natural parent for a minimum of 5 years, before the member’s or the member’s spouse’s 21st birthday or before the member’s entry on active duty, whichever is earlier. While brothers and sisters are not included in the definition of family member for humanitarian consideration, a request involving a brother’s or sister’s terminal illness will be considered as an exception to policy.
The EFMP is a separate and distinct program from humanitarian policy. This program is based on a member’s need for special medical or educational care for a spouse or child that is required long term, possibly permanently. It is not a base-of-choice program as assignment decisions are based on manning needs of the Air Force at locations where a member’s special medical or educational needs for a spouse or child can be met. Under the EFMP, a member may receive a reassignment if a need arises for specialized care that cannot be met where currently assigned. A deferment from an assignment may be provided for a newly identified condition if the member’s presence is considered essential. The purpose of such a deferment is to allow the member time to establish a special medical treatment program or educational program for the exceptional family member. When granted, the initial period of deferment is usually 12 months, after which a member may be reconsidered for PCS if otherwise eligible.
Base of Preference (BOP) (Enlisted Only). The FTA BOP program is a reenlistment incentive; the career airman BOP program is an incentive for other airmen to continue an Air Force career. FTA in conjunction with reenlistment or retraining may request a PCS CONUS to CONUS or PCS from OS to CONUS. FTA in the CONUS (only) may request a BOP to remain in place. A PCS BOP is not authorized from CONUS to OS or OS to OS. An in-place BOP is not authorized for airmen assigned OS. Career airmen may request a BOP to remain in place at a CONUS location.
