U.S. AIR FORCE - Delayed Entry Program




	Changes in Latitude \| Selecting Duty Locations European Assignments Offer Cultural Experience Unique Discoveries Await Airmen Exploring Pacific

	Changes in Latitude: Assignments Open World of Opportunities	Back to Top
	You already know you'll be attending Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and if you have a guaranteed job, you know the base you'll go to for technical training. But what’s next? With 80 major Air Force installations and small active facilities around the world, a job in a location that you’ve always wanted to visit is possible. Whether you’re assigned to Florida’s Gulf Coast, near Venice, Italy, or the Pacific, you’re sure to have the experience of a lifetime. Within the continental United States, the Air Force has 64 major installations. There are also two bases in Alaska and one in Hawaii. In Europe, there are seven major bases and six in Asia and the Pacific. You can learn about all of the Air Force’s installations at http://www.airforce.com/baselocator.php.
	Selecting Duty Locations: Many Factors Play Role in Assigning Airmen to Bases	Back to Top
	The Air Force Personnel Center Airman (AFPC) Assignments Division at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is responsible for ensuring commanders throughout the service have the number of people required for carrying out their missions. In basic training, Airmen have the opportunity to list assignment preferences. Assignment NCOs and functional managers at AFPC balance these preferences with mission requirements. Involvement by Airmen plays a large part in the center’s ability to be successful. Members in the Delayed Entry Program should have a basic knowledge of how assignments work. They can discuss it with their recruiters or perhaps suggest it as a topic for a DEP commander’s call. There are a number of factors that influence the assignments process. They range from personal situations and desires and expanded Air Force missions to an increasing operations tempo, the availability of funds and end strength. All play a part in AFPC’s ability to assign Airmen to the location they desire while satisfying Air Force mission needs. Another driving factor involved in the assignment process includes the return of Air Force members from overseas assignments. After this is taken into consideration, Airmen are assigned to major commands that, in turn, align them to fill their top priorities. Through it all, integrity, fairness and equity are critical. There are no dart boards, secret handshakes or smoke and mirrors. While most assignments are computer generated to the tune of some 90,000 selections a year, an experienced team of professionals at AFPC strives to accomplish its goal. That goal is to make the assignment experience a positive one for Airmen while meeting the Air Force mission needs of having the right people in the right place at the right time.
	European Assignments Offer Cultural Experience	Back to Top
	Airmen lucky enough to spend their first Air Force assignment in Europe get the opportunity to experience different cultures and customs. One of the best ways to experience a new country is to blend in with the local people, learn common phrases, study its history and try the local food. You should also be aware of the local laws and customs that are sometimes different than those in the United States. Each base provides a newcomer’s briefing to ensure service members are familiar with the local country, culture and laws. If living in Europe sounds good, keep these locations in mind when it’s time to list your assignment preferences. U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) is the major command responsible for carrying out the Air Force mission in Europe. It accomplishes its mission with its 16 installations, five of which are main operating bases situated across Europe. More than 42,000 active-duty, reserve and civilian employees are assigned to USAFE. Equipment includes more than 220 fighter, attack, tanker and transport aircraft and a full complement of conventional weapons. Major bases include Ramstein Air Base and Spangdahlem AB, Germany; Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England; Aviano AB, Italy; and Incirlik AB, Turkey.
	Unique Discoveries Await Airmen Exploring Pacific: Bases Stretch from Hawaiian Islands to Alaskan Tundra	Back to Top
	The Air Force offers the opportunity to live and work in diverse countries around the globe. Some of the most diverse duty locations are in the Pacific. These areas offer varied types of cultures and customs and a wide range of temperatures to suit the most discerning Airman. For those who enjoy hunting, skiing and cold weather, the Air Force offers the opportunity for assignments to one of two bases in Alaska. Airmen who are interested in surfing, the Polynesian culture and tropical weather can unwind while relaxing at Air Force bases in Hawaii or Guam. Bases in Korea and Japan offer cultural lessons for those interested in Asian customs and heritage. So, whether it’s ice fishing in Alaska, the hula on Oahu or learning a martial art in Japan, there are many options as a new Airman stationed in the Pacific.