The Air Force assignments process plays a crucial role in shaping an Airman’s career and personal life. Understanding how assignments are determined, how to navigate the system, and what factors influence selection can provide a sense of predictability and control over career progression. My first duty assignment was Spangdahlem, Germany, in 2008. I stayed there for a little over five years, and my first real PCS came in early 2014. Since I was overseas, it was easy to gauge my PCS date because I had a DEROS and knew which cycle I would be in. I was actually in Scotland when the EQUAL list came out, and a buddy texted me my available options: Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, and Malmstrom AFB, Montana. It appeared that only one other Staff Sergeant in my AFSC and I were set to move that quarter. Since long tours tend to be four years, I knew I had a better chance of getting my first choice because I had more time on station. Time on station is a significant factor in who gets prioritized for assignments. Having gone through this process multiple times, I’ve learned valuable insights that can help make the experience smoother and less stressful.
How the Air Force Assignment System Works
The Air Force is in a constant juggling act to balance mission requirements and personnel distribution between CONUS and OCONUS locations. Personnel are continuously rotating between these two categories, ensuring that operational and strategic needs are met worldwide.
OCONUS assignments are typically limited in duration, ranging from one to four years based on the type of tour being completed. The specific durations are as follows:
- Remote unaccompanied tours – 1 year
- Single member standard tours – 2 years
- Single member long tours – 3 years
- Married accompanied standard tours – 3 years
- Married accompanied long tours – 4 years
The length of an OCONUS tour determines an Airman’s Date Eligible to Return from Overseas (DEROS), which marks the expiration of their OCONUS assignment and their eligibility for reassignment.
CONUS assignments, on the other hand, do not have fixed timelines like OCONUS assignments with DEROS. Instead, Airmen stationed at CONUS bases typically remain there until one of the following occurs:
- They volunteer and get selected for an OCONUS assignment.
- They are vectored into a Developmental Special Duty (DSD), such as Military Training Instructor (MTI) or Military Training Leader (MTL).
- They receive a Special Duty Identifier (SDI) with an Assignment Availability Code (AAC) of 44 or 50, which triggers a Permanent Change of Assignment (PCA) or PCS at the expiration of the special duty.
- They are non-voluntarily selected for an OCONUS remote unaccompanied tour, which often happens to members who have remained at a CONUS location for over seven years and there have been no volunteers for the OCONUS position.
The movement of Airmen between CONUS and OCONUS assignments is managed through the Enlisted Quarterly Assignment List (EQUAL), which provides a snapshot of available positions based on rank and AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code). This system allows Airmen to review potential openings and submit their preferences accordingly.
Mastering the Air Force EQUAL Assignment System for PCS Moves
The Enlisted Quarterly Assignment Listing (EQUAL) is the Air Force’s primary tool for managing enlisted assignments to and from overseas locations. This system helps align Airmen’s preferences with the service’s needs by providing transparency on available assignments.
How EQUAL Works
- EQUAL advertises enlisted (SMSgt and below) assignment requirements that the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) intends to fill for both CONUS and OCONUS positions.
- The list displays available assignments by AFSC, grade, and location, allowing Airmen to see where they might be needed and align their preferences with actual Air Force needs.
- Assignments are worked in three-month cycles, with matches occurring eight times per year—four cycles for overseas assignments and four cycles for those returning from overseas or completing a Maximum Stabilized Tour deferment (AAC 50), making them mandatory movers (CMM).
Assignment Matching Process
- CONUS to Overseas Matching: The first step in the process involves determining overseas requirements, which are based on the number of Airmen reaching their DEROS in a given cycle and returning to CONUS.
- Overseas Assignment Selection: Members are selected for overseas assignments according to Air Force needs and individual preferences.
- Backfilling CONUS Vacancies: Once overseas assignments are matched, CONUS locations with manning shortages are identified. A CONUS requirement is typically created for each overseas returnee and CMM.
How to Update Assignment Preferences in MyVector’s Talent Marketplace
- Airmen should update their Dream Sheet (Assignment Preference Sheet) with bases listed in the current EQUAL cycle.
- Preferences that do not align with the EQUAL listing may result in assignment to leftover positions after priority selections are made.
- Keeping preferences updated increases the likelihood of receiving a desired assignment.
- When viewing the EQUAL listing, Airmen must select positions for their current rank or, if selected for promotion, the rank they will be promoting to. For example, a TSgt must select from TSgt slot availability, but if selected for MSgt, they may select from MSgt slots.
- Advertising usually occurs on the third Wednesday of the month. Members then have 10 days to update their assignment preferences. Assignments will then be released 30 days after advertisement. Dates are subject to change, so Airmen should remain aware of their expected PCS window and check for the appropriate dates.
- The EQUAL lists and assignment preferences can be viewed and updated in the Air Force MyVector website under “Talent Marketplace.”
Final Thoughts on Navigating Air Force Assignments
Now, I am going through the EQUAL process again as a CONUS Mandatory Mover. Understanding the process gives me confidence in how the system works and helps me better prepare my family for the move. Knowing what to expect and how to navigate the assignment process brings a level of predictability that makes planning much easier. Keeping assignment preferences updated, knowing how EQUAL cycles work, and being proactive about upcoming PCS windows can make a significant difference in getting a preferred assignment. While the system ultimately serves Air Force needs, having a solid grasp of how it works ensures you can make informed decisions and plan effectively for your future moves.
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