Is there a way to push or remove OCONUS orders if it’s within a month of returning from OCONUS?

SPC Dakota Irvine — Fri, 07 May 2021 08:09:57 -0400

Hello, My girlfriend is security forces in the Air Force and she is currently deployed OCONUS. She was given orders to PCS OCONUS within a month of returning from an OCONUS deployment? Is there any way to extend or remove those orders to give more time for readjustment? Also, she has a friend of the same rank that wants her orders. Is that possible at all?

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made May 7 at 2021 8:43 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Fri, 07 May 2021 08:43:40 -0400

In the past, both could go to CBPO (Personnel) and swap assignments provided rank and skill level in AFSC were same. In today's USAF I could be right or this is ancient history. Still it's worth checking out.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 7 at 2021 8:51 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 07 May 2021 08:51:10 -0400

The AF is not the Army. So take this for what it is worth, BUT.....

Deployments usually don't count for anything OCONUS to OCONUS dwell time, etc. That being said, Soldiers in the Army are generally given an extension at their duty station for a minimum of 90 days post-deployment for proper readjustment and re-integration. But that is for combat deployments. If she is doing a training rotation or a security rotation or something like that, then she is likely stuck.

Again, that is the Army perspective. I know AF rules tend to be very SIMILAR, but not necessarily the same. I hope that is helpful for perspective, if nothing else.

Response by MSgt Don VandeBogert made May 7 at 2021 8:59 AM

MSgt Don VandeBogert — Fri, 07 May 2021 08:59:54 -0400

Possible... Yes. Likely... Probably not.

First, any change to those orders RNLTD moving to the right have to be approved by the gaining units Commander. MPF can assist her with that. Overseas positions are generally "must fill" and as she is SFS member I would doubt they will approve unless there is a dang good reason.

Her best bet is to show some sort of hardship with such a fast move. Kids involved, medical, dental, can't get a scheduled HHG shipment date, updates on qualification or training required before a PCS, etc. because of the short time between her return and PCS. Time to relax and readjust won't work.

As for swapping orders, it's possible but difficult and each case is unique. Are they the same rank and skill level? Were there any special requirements for the position your GF has the other friend doesn't like qualifications, certifications, etc? Does the other friend have the minimum TOS for a PCS?

Her best bet right now is to contact her home station MPF, specifically the individual handling her PCS case. If she's received orders than she also should have access through the AF Portal to see who that is or just call or email. Only her MPF and Functional Manager will be able to take her information and have the orders swapped to another person, if possible. It's a pain and takes time, but is possible. Rare, but possible.

Good luck.

V/R
Bogie

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2021 9:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 May 2021 09:04:14 -0400

That's just the way the AF handles their assignment process. The Navy is very similar to that as well. Her command can choose to return her early to PCS if it's necessary. If she's a single Soldier living in the barracks, a month is more than enough time to PCS. Ultimately it's the Commanders responsibility to ensure she is allocated enough time to PCS.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 7 at 2021 10:45 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 07 May 2021 10:45:47 -0400

If she needs more time to PCS she could speak to her leadership and see if she could return early to allow for more time. She could try to shake the orders or push them to someone else but I think it would just be a waste of time she could be spending prepping for her PCS

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made May 7 at 2021 5:50 PM

1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel — Fri, 07 May 2021 17:50:20 -0400

I had to look up “OCONUS”. I never hears of that acronym before…..