The Air Force has put in play a new program to let airmen request an advance assignment or an in-place 24-month assignment deferment if they have served at least 300 consecutive days in a location authorized for hazardous duty pay. An Air Force Personnel Center release notes that eligible airmen must also have a minimum of 36 months on station. And, it says there are “several other qualifying requirements.” Col. Stanley Perrin, AFPC director of assignments, said, “Desires of airmen will be heavily considered; however, unit manning and the needs of the Air Force is the deciding factor.” (AFPC release)
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.