Assignment Preferences (Enlisted Only)
CMSgts and CMSgt selects volunteer for assignments on EQUAL-Plus by notifying their assignment NCO at HQ AFPC/DPAC. Notification can be via telephone, e-mail, datafax, or electronic message. SMSgts and below use AF Form 392, Airman Assignment Preference Statement, to record CONUS or OS assignment preferences. To enhance the chance for selection to a desired location, airmen should consult the EQUAL and EQUAL-Plus listings. Airmen desiring to update their preferences should visit their CSS (orderly room) or Military Personnel Flight (MPF) to update their preferences via PC-III terminal. Upon completion of the update, an AF Form 392 (computergenerated copy) is produced and given to the airman. Each airman is individually responsible for the currency and accuracy of assignment preferences. When a change in status occurs, such as marriage, the airman should update preferences accordingly. Outdated preferences or no preferences on file will not be the basis for release of an airman from an assignment for which selected. Note: The AF Form 392 has space for eight overseas preferences and eight CONUS preferences.
Non-CONUS Residents. Non-CONUS residents must meet all PCS eligibility criteria provided in AFI 36-2110. When volunteering for assignment to their home area, non-CONUS residents will have equal priority along with other volunteers within a priority group when assignment is to a short-tour location. When volunteering for assignment to their home area as an OS extended long-tour volunteer (airmen), non-CONUS residents will receive equal consideration along with other OS extended long-tour volunteers. When volunteering for the standard OS long tour, non-CONUS residents are considered for assignment to their home area ahead of other standard OS tour volunteers.
Assignment of Family Members. Family members (parents, spouse, brothers, sisters, and children) will not be assigned to the same unit or function where one member may or will hold a command or supervisory position over the other.
PCS Cancellation
Cancellation by the Air Force. Once a member is selected for PCS and orders are published, cancellation of the assignment could impose a hardship on the member. A PCS should not normally be cancelled within 60 days of the projected departure date unless the member cannot be effectively used at the projected location. Cancellation may be authorized by the assignment OPR (Office of Primary Responsibility). If the member indicates a hardship will exist as a result of the cancellation, then the MPF will direct the member to prepare a written statement containing the details of the hardship. The statement should be coordinated through the unit commander to the MPF. Upon receipt, the MPF will advise the assignment OPR who will consider reinstatement of the original assignment, provide an alternate assignment, or confirm cancellation and provide the reasons why the member is required to remain at the present base. AFI 36-2110 contains additional information and also contains guidance in the case where a member has departed from his or her previous duty station and is en route to the new location.
Cancellation Requested by Member. Airmen who are selected for PCS, TDY, or training and who do not want to participate in an event may elect to request retirement under the 7-day option provision (assuming they have more than 20 years of service and are retirement eligible). Airmen who elect to retire are ineligible for promotion consideration and are ineligible for extension of enlistment or reenlistment, except as authorized in conjunction with a request for retirement. Aside from the 7-day option provision, airmen who do not have the minimum required retainability for the event may be eligible to decline the assignment. WARNING -- Declining an overseas assignment by refusing to obtain the required retainability usually results in immediate re-enlistment ineligibility, which -- in turn -- usually results in being ineligible for promotion.
For example, let's say a Staff Sergeant with seven and a half years of service is selected for a 12-month tour to Korea. The SSgt has only six months left on his current enlistment. If the SSgt does not agree to extend his enlistment so that he has enough time to complete the Korea tour, the assignment will be cancelled. However, that SSgt will not be allowed to re-enlist, and will not be allowed to be promoted to TSgt. He will have to separate from the Air Force (at the grade of SSgt) when his current term of service is complete. AFI 36-2110 contains complete guidance.
Above information derived from AFPAM36-2241V1
