If you’ve ever been in the Air Force, you know that waiting to see your next assignment can be a mixed bag of emotions. You filled out your “Dream Sheet,” hoping for that perfect location, but there’s always that lingering feeling you might get stuck with your last choice. The day finally arrives, and you open your email to see something like, “Congratulations on your new assignment to Minot AFB, North Dakota.” Now, Minot isn’t exactly the tropical Florida vibes of McDill AFB, which was your first pick. Not to knock Minot AFB—it can actually turn out to be a great assignment—but let’s face it, that’s not what you were hoping for. And that’s where the swap program comes in. If you find someone who wants to go to Minot, maybe you can swap with them and land a base that better suits your needs.
Swapping assignments with another Airman can be an excellent opportunity to realign your career and personal goals with your next duty station. The Air Force allows Airmen to exchange assignments under the “Enlisted Assignment Swap” program. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to navigate the swap process, share some tips to increase your chances of success, and clarify who is eligible for this option.
Why Swap Assignments?
Swapping assignments might seem like a big leap, but it can be a game-changer. Here’s why you might consider it:
- Better Location Fit: Sometimes, the base you’re assigned to just doesn’t match your needs—whether it’s the location, the resources, or the lifestyle. A swap can give you the chance to move somewhere that fits better with your personal situation.
- Career Growth: If you’re trying to advance in your career, a swap to a base with more opportunities in your AFSC could be a good move.
- Family or Lifestyle Needs: Maybe you want to be closer to family or move to a base that offers better quality of life. Swapping could help you get closer to those goals.
- Mutual Benefit: Both Airmen benefit. You get the location you want, and your swap partner gets what they need, making it a win-win situation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Swapping Assignments
1. Understand Eligibility Requirements
Before you start the process, you and your swap partner need to meet the eligibility requirements. Here’s a checklist:
- Rank & Time on Station: You need to be SMSgt or below, and both you and your partner need to meet certain Time on Station (TOS) requirements. For example, a 48-month TOS for CONUS-to-CONUS swaps and 24-month TOS for CONUS-to-OS swaps.
- Career Field & Skills: You and your partner need to match in rank, AFSC, and skill level. It’s important that your assignments are compatible.
- Disciplinary Standing: You both need to be in good standing, with no pending disciplinary actions or unfavorable information files.
2. Find a Swap Partner (It’s Like Matchmaking for Airmen!)
Now comes the trickier part—finding someone to swap with. You might have to get a bit creative here:
- Use MyVector: You can post a request on MyVector to find other Airmen looking to swap. Here’s how:
- Go to MyVector.
- Select View Discussions.
- Access the Assignment mySWAP Volunteer Forum.
- Create a new topic with your AFSC, projected grade (if applicable), gaining location, and RNLTD, requesting a volunteer to swap assignments with you.
- Social Media Works Wonders: In addition to MyVector, don’t underestimate the power of Facebook and other social media groups dedicated to Air Force assignments. These groups are often full of Airmen looking to swap but may not be actively posting on MyVector.
- Ask Around Your Unit or Career Field: If you’re part of a specialized AFSC, try networking with fellow Airmen. You might find someone who’s willing to swap with you.
3. Take Advantage of the Opportunity
This is something I can’t stress enough: take advantage of the window of opportunity you have to find someone to swap with. As the saying goes, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So why not go for it? You might be surprised to find someone who’s eager to take on the base you’re trying to leave behind. It’s easy to think, “Who would want this assignment?” but in reality, you might find someone who’s looking for just what you’ve got. I’ve been there—when you think the grass isn’t greener, but it turns out it’s exactly what someone else wants. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!
4. Submit Your Request
Once you’ve found someone willing to swap, here’s what you need to do:
- Complete the mySWAP Application: Log into MyVector, go to My Applications, select “AFPC Assignments,” then choose “mySWAP Assignment Program.”
- Send the Request to Your Partner: Once you’ve filled out the application, it will be sent to the second applicant for their review.
5. The Second Applicant’s Steps
Once your swap partner receives the application, they’ll need to:
- Access MyVector: They’ll need to log into MyVector and go to the “My Coordinations” tab to review the application.
- Complete and Return the Application: The second applicant must sign the form and return it within 7 days. If it sits too long, the application will be closed.
6. Final Approval: The Waiting Game
Once the application is fully submitted, AFPC will:
- Review the application for eligibility.
- Approve or Deny the request within 7 days.
- Notify both applicants of the decision.
7. The Finality of the Swap
When it comes to swaps, one thing is clear: all actions are final. Once your swap is approved, you won’t be able to reverse it. It’s a big decision, so be sure you’re 100% certain before moving forward.
Who’s Not Eligible for the Swap Program?
Not everyone can swap assignments. Here are a few situations where Airmen may be ineligible:
- Airmen with a voluntary COT or IPCOT assignment.
- Those in selectively manned positions.
- Airmen projected for separation or retirement.
- Airmen with approved Humanitarian, EFMP, or Join Spouse assignments.
- Airmen not meeting quality control criteria as outlined in DAFI 36-2110.
Wrapping It Up: Is It Worth It?
Swapping assignments might not be the easiest option, but it’s certainly worth considering. Whether you’re trying to get to a more desirable location, advance your career, or just improve your quality of life, a swap could be the perfect solution. Remember, the process might take a little time, but it’s worth putting yourself out there.
And don’t forget: leverage social media. Facebook groups and online forums dedicated to specific career fields are great places to find that person who wants to take on the assignment you’re trying to leave behind. You never know who might be out there, waiting for an opportunity like the one you’re offering.
I’ve been there—I know how tough it can be when you open that email and see the assignment you didn’t expect. But with the right approach, a swap could be the perfect way to turn things around. Take the chance, and you might just end up exactly where you want to be.
