Is there any way I can change my first duty station.?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 13:07:21 -0400

I heard about the swaps program. I don't qualify as I
Wasn't here, in ait, for 12 months yet. I heard about a compassionate change of station but was told if someone isn't dying or have a kid them it wouldn't be approved.....are there any options for changing my first duty station.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2020 1:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 13:27:12 -0400

From my experience one duty station is about the same as any other. there is good and bad at every post. Where are you going and why don't you want to go there?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Sep 25 at 2020 1:49 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 13:49:42 -0400

Compassionate or humanitarian transfers depend on the situation and are generally treated as they come. It's difficult to make a solid in stone metric for something that can come in various shapes and sizes. I saw your comment below and I don't think there is enough to go on but it's not our call to make on here. You can always submit it but I will say that without a specific active threat , organization or individual toto identify you can't really list the midwest or State of Oklahoma as a reason to get orders elsewhere. I know it may not be ideal compared to other duty stations but it's a tough call to think up hypothetical duty stations that may or may not be better for you.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2020 2:49 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 14:49:10 -0400

Whether Oklahoma or North Carolina or Upstate New York, there will always be that risk of someone not liking a black gay man. If someone does have an issue, that is what the authorities are for. You can submit for a compassionate reassignment, but it probably will not be granted. The only other option is to wait until you hit your 12 months TOS, submit the 4187 for the SWAPS, and pray that there is someone that also meets the same criteria you will have to meet and is willing/wanting to switch.....and pray that both your Commander and their Commander agree to the SWAP.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2020 3:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 15:34:05 -0400

If you don't have a dependent that is in serious medical need, you're not getting a compassionate reassignment.

These are generally the main issues that you can get a compassionate reassignment for:

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR COMPASSIONATE REQUESTS
The type of problem alleged determines the type of documentation required.
1) Medical Problems. An attending physician’s signed statement providing the
specific medical diagnosis and prognosis, including the date of onset, past and
anticipated periods of hospitalization, periods of convalescence, and anticipated life
expectancy for terminal cases.

2) Legal Problems. A signed statement from a licensed attorney describing the
problem, and the reasons why solutions other than reassignment are unacceptable.
If applicable, a copy of a court order, divorce decree, or other documents must be
submitted.

3) Rape/Child Abuse. Statements from police, social service agencies, and/or
examining physicians.

4) Marital and Dependent Status. A statement by the Soldier, witnessed by an
officer, specifying that the Soldier has been advised that travel for dependents at
Government expense is unauthorized.

5) Other Problems. Supporting statements from responsible persons (e.g.,
clergymen, social workers, etc.) who have personal knowledge of the problem.

The following generally are not considered valid bases for a compassionate
request:
Soldier’s desire to be in a new area
Divorce or separation resulting from family separation due to military
requirements
Legal actions or court appearances for matters relating to divorce and/or child
custody issues
September 2013
Sole parenthood
Problems expected to be resolved by family members joining the Soldier at the
duty station
Minor allergies suffered by family members due to climatic conditions
Home ownership or housing shortage issues

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2020 3:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 15:51:50 -0400

The swaps you’ve heard about are rumors and not based on reality. The only way to swap is if you request to swap with someone who wants your assignment, and you both will forfeit any reimbursement and be fully responsible for covering all costs of your PCS. Even if you’re willing to do that, you won’t find someone else who will, and HRC won’t approve a move that puts a Soldier in a financial hardship, like making an E1/2 pay thousands of dollars to cover their own move.

On the good side, you get to learn about the real world, and in the real world people in Oklahoma don’t care that you’re gay or black. They might not like you, or be friendly, you’re not going to get harassed walking down the street because of it. Plus, most of your time you’ll be on base with other Soldiers and living in the barracks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2020 1:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 13:45:10 -0400

Oh Jeez,

Unfortunately, you can not switch as HRC put you on assignment to a location requiring your MOS and Rank.

Oklahoma isn't that bad of a place. You will be fine