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How airmen are assigned jobs gets a fresh look from new Air Force panel

A new Air Force panel will rethink how the service assigns airmen to new jobs, including for troops in complicated situations like dual-military relationships, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass said Monday.

“We’re about to have an assignment working group,” she said in a livestreamed question-and-answer session with Chief of Staff Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown. “What do we expect assignments to look like as we look into the future of our Air Force? What should assignments look like in 2030? We’re kind of backward planning.”

While Bass did not elaborate on the issues the group will tackle, she stressed the Air Force wants to make the assignment process more flexible and transparent. She pointed to her own experiences hashing out military assignments with her husband, Rahn Bass, a retired Army first sergeant.

“I felt like the [Air Force Personnel Center] was very transparent,” Bass said. “They will do everything that they can to ensure that families can stay together, to include sister services.”

That effort will go hand-in-hand with a new enlisted force development plan due out this summer to better shape the careers of those airmen. Career policy discussions come as the Air Force considers how to meet its combat and peacetime needs while improving quality of life for servicemembers and their families.

Service leaders anticipate a future without much growth in the total workforce. Some career fields are stretched thin by low staffing, high turnover, and a hectic operations schedule, while the Air Force faces record-high retention at the same time.

To balance out the force, the service has suggested allowing airmen to retrain into jobs that are hurting for people, as well as offering early separation and transfers into the Air Force Reserve.

Air Force retention spiked amid COVID. Now, retention bonuses might be cut

The air force stresses that no involuntary measures are being considered in fiscal 2021..

The service is also trying to adjust to the changing needs of military families, seeing more instances of troops marrying each other, couples where women are the military member, and families where both partners want to work.

Leaders have already begun tweaking some aspects of the assignment process, like growing its searchable online database of job opportunities, and better connecting airmen with bases where they most want to serve.

Earlier this year, the Air Force lengthened the amount of time airmen and Space Force guardians without dependents spend at certain bases overseas from 24 to 36 months. Stretching out those tours of duty at 21 locations is meant to bolster training and better integrate troops into the local community, the service said.

Brown likened the considerations to other personnel management changes the Air Force has rolled out, including a recent overhaul of the promotion system.

The Air Force details its plan to overhaul the way officers are promoted

These six new categories would replace the current line of the air force category, which encompasses about 87 percent of the service’s officers..

“There’s going to be some folks that’ll get a little upset … but the key part is, what are we doing to ensure we are helping our airmen?” he said.

The service is also taking a fresh look at professional military education, Bass said, hoping to create good supervisors as well as good followers. Brown suggested there’s an opportunity for leaders to learn how to give their subordinates helpful feedback for better professional development.

Perhaps there are certain tasks the Air Force can move off of its plate because they aren’t unique to the service, Bass added.

“I think our manpower standards and how we look at managing manpowe need a relook as well,” she said. “Every unit can do that at their level.”

Rachel Cohen is the editor of Air Force Times. She joined the publication as its senior reporter in March 2021. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, the Frederick News-Post (Md.), Air and Space Forces Magazine, Inside Defense, Inside Health Policy and elsewhere.

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Glossary of Military Terms

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Check this glossary for commonly used military terms.

The list of terms below is from Today's Military online guide by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Active Duty Continuous duty on a daily basis. Comparable to "full time" as used in reference to a civilian job.

Allowances Money, other than basic pay, to compensate in certain situations for expenses, such as meals, rent, clothing, and travel. Usually given for maintaining proficiency in a specific skill area, such as flying or parachuting.

Artillery Large cannons or missile launchers used in combat.

ASVAB Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. A test that assists students in career exploration and decision-making. Used by the military services to determine enlistment eligibility and to assign occupational specialties.

Base A location of an installation on which a military force relies for supplies or from where it initiates operations.

Basic Pay The pay a military member receives, as determined by pay grade and length of service. Does not include other benefits such as allowance or bonuses.

Civilian Anyone not on active duty in the military.

Commissioned Officer A member of the military with the rank of second lieutenant or ensign or above. This role in the military is similar to that of a manager or executive.

DEP Delayed Entry Program. Allows an applicant to delay entry into active duty for up to one year for such things as finishing school.

Drill To train or exercise in military operations.

Duty Assigned task or occupation.

Enlisted Member Military personnel below the rank of warrant or commissioned officers. This role is similar to that of a company employee or supervisor.

Enlistee A service member, not a warrant officer or commissioned officer, who has been accepted by the military and has taken the Oath of Enlistment.

Enlistment Agreement/Contract A legal contract between the military and an enlistment applicant. Includes information on enlistment date, term of enlistment, and other options such as a training program guarantee or a cash bonus.

GI Bill Benefits A program of education benefits for individuals entering the military. Allows service persons to set aside money to be used later for educational purposes.

Inactive Reserve Duty Affiliation with the military in a non-training, non-paying status after completing minimum obligation off active duty service.

Infantry Units of men trained, armed, and equipped to fight on foot.

Job Specialty A specific job or occupation in one of the five services.

MEPS Military Entrance Processing Station. The enlistment process occurs at stations located around the country.

National Guard Serves in both a state and federal capacity. May be call on to assist in community support, disaster relief, and other local emergencies. During national emergencies, units are called on to support their active counterparts in the Army and Air Force.

NCO Non-commissioned Officer. An enlisted member in pay grades E-4 or higher.

Obligation The period of time one agrees to serve on active duty, in the reserve, or a combination of both.

OCS Officer Candidate School. For college graduates with no prior military training who wish to become military officers. Qualified enlisted members may also attend. After successful completion, candidates are commissioned as military officers.

OTS (OTG) Officer Training School (Group). See OCS, Officer Candidate School.

Officer See commissioned officer.

Pay Grade A level of employment designated by the military. There are nine enlisted pay grades and 10 officers pay grades through which they can progress during their career. Pay grade and length of service determine a service member's pay.

Quarters Living accommodations or housing.

Recruit See enlistee.

Regular Military Compensation Total value of basic pay, allowances, and tax savings. The amount of pay a civilian worker would need to earn to receive the same take home "pay" as a services member.

Reserves People in the military who are not on full-time, active duty. May be called up in a national emergency to serve on active duty. During peacetime, they support the active duty forces in our country's defense. Reservists are also entitled to some of the employment benefits available to active military personnel.

ROTC Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Training given to undergraduate college students who plan to become military officers. Often they receive scholarships for tuition, books, fees, uniforms, and a monthly allowance.

Service or Services A branch or multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces. There are five in all: the Army, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, the Marine Corps (or Marines) and the Navy.

Services Classifier A military information specialist who helps applicants select a military occupational field.

Service Obligation The amount of time an enlisted member agrees to serve in the military as stated in the enlistment agreement.

Station A place of assigned duty.

Tour of Duty A period of obligated service. Also used to describe a type of duty tour, such as a "Mediterranean tour."

Warrant Officer A member of the Army, Navy, or Marines who is a technical specialist or pilot. These members are generally appointed from the enlisted, non-commissioned officer ranks.

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Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP)

Assignment Incentive Military Pay is the military's preferred way to compensate troops from all services. Assignment Incentive Military Pay is often paid to service members for unusual assignment circumstances.

Those service members who have involuntarily extended their tours in Iraq and Kuwait combat zones receive an additional $200 in hardship duty pay and another $800 in assignment incentive pay for a total of an extra $1000 a month. Those service members in certain skills who have served 12 months Iraq and Afghanistan and volunteer to agree to extend their tours receive this assignment incentive military pay.

They receive additional pay for extensions including $900 per month for a 12 month extension, $600 a month for a 6 month extension and $300 a month for a three month extension. Service members with critical intelligence skills will receive up to $1000 a month for each month's extension. Service members in other areas such as South Korea may also receive Assignment Incentive Military Pay for extensions of their tours.

The Assignment Incentive Military Pay Program has become extremely popular and is the military's preferred way to compensate troops from all of the services for certain unusual and extended assignments. The pay cap was increased to $3000 a month Assignment Incentive Military Pay is taxable unless in a combat zone.

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Joint Duty Program Frequently Asked Questions

The DHS Joint Duty Program is an intra- and inter-departmental program which offers civilian personnel professional and developmental opportunities. Joint Duty Assignments enhance operations and mission execution through unity of effort and collaboration.

What is the DHS Joint Duty Program?

The DHS Joint Duty Program offers non-reimbursable Joint Duty Assignments up to one year, both inside and outside the National Capital Region. These multi-component, multi-faceted assignments cross DHS and federal agency operations to build employee skillsets, increasing value to their agency and the federal government as a whole. The DHS Joint Duty Program connects federal employees across the government to professional development opportunities at DHS.

How do supervisors and hiring managers apply to post a joint duty assignment opportunity?

Supervisors may apply to post a joint duty assignment opportunity by completing the DHS Assignment Opportunity Form 250-01 and providing the following:

• Assignment Type: virtual or traditional (onsite). In a virtual Joint Duty Assignment, the employee works from the employing office (physically) or teleworks from home full-time, a standard 40-hour work week.
• Assignment description and required job qualifications.
• Digital signatures from a first-line and second-line supervisor. Note: Supervisor’s approval is required to submit an opportunity.

Send completed forms to [email protected] .

How do interested federal employees apply for a joint duty assignment?

View current DHS Joint Duty Opportunities on USAJOBS and follow the instructions below to apply:

• DHS Application Form 250-02
• Submit a complete application package for each assignment you apply to in USAJOBS.

What is a virtual joint duty assignment?

On a virtual joint duty assignment, an employee may either telework from their employing office or from home full-time. Hiring managers have the option to advertise virtual joint duty assignments for the duration of a detail or until local offices reopen for employees.

Can a supervisor apply to post a opportunity to backfill the position of an employee on a joint duty assignment?

Yes, an employing organization supervisor can apply to post a joint opportunity to backfill the position of an employee on a Joint Duty Assignment. Complete the DHS Assignment Opportunity Form 250-01 .

Why should federal employees participate in the DHS Joint Duty Program?

The DHS Joint Duty Program offers distinct career benefits for Federal employees, including rewarding experiences, leadership development, and networking. The program offers participants with opportunities:

• to enhance mission execution;
• to expand professional networks through agency collaboration thus supporting unity of effort and enhancing collaboration between agencies; and
• to amplify leadership and professional development.

What do federal employees receive upon completion of a joint duty assignment?

Upon satisfactory completion of a Joint Duty Assignment, the employee will receive an official Certificate of Achievement from the Director of the DHS Joint Duty Program.

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for a joint duty assignment?

To apply for a Joint Duty Assignment, interested applicants must:

• be a GS-12, 13, 14, 15 or equivalent;
• have supervisory approval;
• be a permanent, full-time federal employee;
• have an “achieved expectations” or “proficient” rating on their most recent performance evaluation; and
• have no outstanding disciplinary action or grievance.

The DHS Joint Duty Program does not apply to members of the military service or contractors.

How do federal employees find available opportunities?

Interested federal employees can view current DHS Joint Duty Assignment Opportunities on USAJOBS or visit the Open Opportunities website (login with a USAJOBS account is required).

Who is responsible for any costs related to meals, housing/lodging, or travel during a joint duty assignments?

Federal employees selected for a joint duty assignment are responsible for any costs related to meals, and or housing/lodging. A participants employing organization may pay for a temporary change of station. Travel funding related to the joint duty assignment is the responsibility of the host organization.

Who is responsible for an employee's performance evaluation on a joint duty assignment?

The employing organization supervisor is responsible for overseeing the performance evaluation that the participant already has in place at his or her permanent duty location.

Who is responsible for an employee's time and attendance during a joint duty assignment?

The participant's supervisor at his or her permanent duty location is responsible for certifying time and attendance.

What is the Joint Duty Program Memorandum of Agreement?

After a federal employee is selected for an assignment, the DHS Joint Duty Program Office sends the Memorandum of Agreement to the employing organization, the gaining organization, and the participant. The Memorandum of Agreement includes a start date for the selected employee and the roles and responsibilities for the the employing organization, the gaining organization, and the employee. The signature blocks in the Memorandum of Agreement must be signed off and returned to the DHS Joint Duty Program Office within 5 business days.

What are the requirements to complete a joint duty assignment?

During a joint duty assignment, participants must:

• Complete the DHS Joint Duty Program Training Course 15 days prior to starting an assignment.
• Establish assignment objectives within the first 30 days of the assignment;
• Complete a self-assessment of the duties performed at the mid-point of the assignment; and
• Complete a final review within the last 30 days of the assignment.

What is the purpose of the DHS Joint Duty Program training course?

The DHS Joint Duty Program training course provides selected employees with the knowledge, resources, and information to successfully complete a Joint Duty Assignment.

What are the three phases in the DHS Joint Duty Program Assignment Progress Plan?

The three phases in the DHS Joint Duty Program Assignment Progress Plan are:

• Phase 1: Establish assignment objectives within the first 30 days of the assignment;
• Phase 2: Complete a self-assessment of the duties performed at the mid-point of the assignment; and
• Phase 3: Complete a final review within the last 30 days of the assignment.
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DOD, State Department Expand Employment Opportunities for Military Spouses Stationed Overseas

The Defense Department is taking steps to ensure military spouses can continue to thrive in their own careers while accompanying service members on overseas assignments.  A new memorandum of agreement signed yesterday by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks and Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma will streamline the approval process for military spouses seeking overseas teleworking arrangements while federally employed. 

Hicks said removing barriers for military spouses to remain in federal positions while accompanying their spouses stationed overseas will further improve economic security for military families and enhance readiness and retention for the all-volunteer force.   

"By signing the memorandum of agreement, we are enabling federally employed military spouses to work remotely from where their service member is stationed overseas and continue their professions with as little disruption as possible," Hicks said during a signing ceremony at the White House.   

"That matters for military spouses who want to continue down their chosen career path," she said. "It matters for the economic well-being of our military families. It matters for our ability to retain valuable talent and expertise in the federal workforce. And it matters for our national security."  

Spotlight: Military Spouse Appreciation

The State Department manages the Domestic Employees Teleworking Overseas, or DETO, program, which governs arrangements by federal employees to work for pre-determined periods at approved overseas work sites while serving in domestic federal positions.   

Under the newly signed memorandum, the State Department will accept DOD suitability determinations for overseas housing, both on and off installation, when considering DETO arrangement requests.   

Previously, the State Department required additional security and safety surveys for off-installation housing.  

The measure is designed to streamline the approval process and reduce delays that can lead to lengthy family separations or cause military spouses to give up their federal positions when moving abroad.  

Those tough choices are reflected, in part, by a 21% unemployment rate among military spouses, according to White House figures.  

Administration officials point out that despite military spouses being diverse, talented and resilient, that unemployment figure has remained largely unchanged over the past decade. 

More than 16,000 military, veteran and surviving spouses work for federal agencies according to White House figures, further underscoring the broad reaching impact of the policy governing overseas teleworking arrangements has on the military community.   

Verma said streamlining the DETO program isn't just about improving the lives of military families, it is also about putting the right policies in place to ensure the federal government attracts and retains top talent.   

"When we make a DETO opportunity possible, it means families stay together; two careers are supported; that State, Defense and our other federal partners can carry out our critical missions at home and abroad and that we can continue to retain our best talent," Verma said.  He said the memorandum is a reflection that attracting top talent means putting people first.  

The agreement is limited to areas where DOD has approved accompanied assignments and established Military Housing Offices serving the local military community.   

The memorandum also outlines procedures for DOD and the State Department to jointly address future concerns surrounding DETO arrangements for military families as necessary.  It clarifies that spouses of Coast Guard personnel assigned to overseas billets under DOD combatant commanders are also covered under the agreement.  

President Joe Biden directed the agencies to make improvements to the DETO program as part of a June 2023 executive order aimed at helping military spouses retain their federal jobs while accompanying their service members overseas.  

Yesterday's memorandum aligns with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's priority of strengthening support for DOD personnel and family members under his "Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families" campaign.   

Those efforts include key initiatives to improve the lives of service members and their families through access to quality and affordable child care and easing the burden of relocation for military families, among other things.  

"We have incredible initiatives underway today to take care of military families, including universal pre-K in DOD schools, increases in pay, and new child development centers," Hicks said yesterday. "And we continue looking for ways to do even more to strengthen and support our military families."  

Hicks underscored that military family members are a critical component of the all-volunteer force.   

"We have the fiercest fighting force in the world because we have the finest military families in the world, and we cannot maintain military readiness and a strong all-volunteer force without them," she said. "Providing the support that they need is the least we can do for all that they do in defense of this nation." 

The steps also reflect the Biden administration's broader efforts to improve economic security for military families and increase military spouse employment.  

Those priorities among others are a key focus of First Lady Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative, which focuses on efforts to support active duty and veteran families, caregivers and military survivors.   

"Our military spouses — so many of you here — you may not wear a uniform, but you serve our country too," the first lady said during yesterday's signing ceremony. "And it's our responsibility to serve you.   

"This isn't just a moral obligation," she said. "It's a national security imperative."  

Spotlight: Taking Care of Our People Spotlight: Taking Care of Our People:  https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Taking-Care-of-Our-People/

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The Worst Duty Assignments for Every Branch of the Military

Every branch of the service has that place their soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines just dream of getting orders for.

That place could be anywhere that might appeal to an individual… maybe they love the cultural experience of being in Europe, or they enjoy the sun in Hawaii, or maybe they’re just away from their hometown.

These aren’t those places.

Army: Fort Polk, Louisiana

Ever hear of Leesville, Lousiana? No? Good for you. Living in a swamp is not something anyone grew up dreaming about. The nearest towns are at least an hour away, and the nearest fun is in New Orleans, a long drive away.

Sure, the PX is supposedly great thanks to a facelift, but it had better be: There’s nothing else to do. Fort Polk will supposedly ruin your car, ruin your marriage, and make you hate biting lizards.

Navy: NAS Lemoore

Hey, how does being cast out into one of the most polluted cities on the planet sound? Because NAS Lemoore is a great place to get asthma.

To make matters worse,  the Navy thinks it’s just an image problem . Yes, the place routinely referred to by the residents as an “armpit” does have an image problem.

Air Force: Cannon AFB, New Mexico

Most people who haven’t been to Clovis will argue that I spelled “Minot” wrong. I argue that any place referred to as “Afcannonstan” is probably far worse.

Both places are pretty remote, and while Minot has a seemingly endless winter, the people of Clovis are annually subjected to a wave of giant insects. Also, the stink of cow dung doesn’t travel as far in the cold. Cannon’s airmen would tell you to be happy it’s so cold.

Marine Corps: Twentynine Palms, California

All of the duty stations on this list have one thing in common: They’re pretty far from real American life. Twentynine Palms is no different. These guys are smack-dab in the middle of the Mojave Desert.

So, Marines can prep for sandstorms in the Middle East with sandstorms right here at home. And remember, when airmen complain about the smell of cow manure in the desert, Marines can complain about the lake of sewage.

Coast Guard: You tell me.

The Coast Guard talks about its districts like it’s in the world of  The Hunger Games.  Everyone seems to love district 13. In fact, as much flak as the Coast Guard gets for being the awkward child of the military, the Coast Guard doesn’t seem to have a “worst” station among them.

I’m told the station at Venice, Louisiana can be pretty bad and that the CG will let you choose your follow on orders for doing a tour there. But no one ever seems to talk Twentynine Palms-level smack about any station.

Blake Stilwell is a traveler, writer, and adventurer with degrees in design, television & film, and international relations. He is a veteran US Air Force Combat Photojournalist who has worked for ABC News, NBC, and HBO. Blake is based in Hollywood, but often found elsewhere.

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We Are The Mighty (WATM) celebrates service with stories that inspire. WATM is made in Hollywood by veterans. It's military life presented like never before. Check it out at We Are the Mighty .

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