How long to find out about orders?

Question

So we've been in for quit a few years now. We have been to a couple of bases, but there was always a reason other than just putting in orders. So my husband just put in for orders overseas for his first time and I was wondering about how long it may be until we find out if we're going anywhere and are our chances high for going? He's a cop and put in for overseas extended long (he put in for 4 bases in the same area.)

We're AF, been in 11 years, E-6. Yes the bases he put in for are accompanied (that's why he put in for extended long, so we'll be there for 4 years so they don't have to move us as often.) And he only picked locations that are on the Equal listing for his rank and job. So there are spots available. He is currently deployed. I told him I'm going to apply for our regular passports now 'cause I know the gov't ones are only for the country we are stationed in. We are really hoping to move this winter. He's never been stationed overseas, but with the AF trying to save money that doesn't seem to matter anymore.

We've been at our current base for almost 6 years. In the AF for 11 1/2. I was stationed in PacAf years ago, but once we married we did joint spouse to his base, then I got out and he changed jobs and went to another stateside base. He just put in the other day. However before he was contacted a few days before that asking him about applying for a special duty assignment. He doesn't want to take it, so he's not applying. He just made rank and wont have a job at our current base, so we have to go somewhere.

He put in for all USAFE bases. We plan on traveling a lot and will need our passports. My sister goes to college in Italy and my parents visit yearly, they travel a lot, so it'll just be easier to join them.

Answer 1

If he put in back in May for the Jan 08 cycle, the list should be out any day now. If he put in after May 18, then he won't be considered until the next cycle.

Remember, they just changed the time on station to 4 years. If you will have been at this base for less than 4, you won't be getting orders.

Also, you can travel on official gov't passports while stationed in USAFE. Don't know about PacAF, though. While it is highly recommended to get tourist passports, it is not required. And you really ought to wait until he has orders in hand before you start the passport process. Even once it comes down the line that he has orders, they can still be changed, up until he has his hard copies, usually 60 days out.

EDIT:
You know the drill then if you are former active duty. Check with the orderly room to see if he got them in in time for the last cycle. According to the AFPC website, the cut off was 18 May. Otherwise the next one isn't for another 2 or 3 months. As for the passports... in 7 years of overseas we never had a problem traveling in Europe, especially if driving. The borders are basically nonexistant... I've got a pretty much empty passport to prove it! Airline travel or travel to the UK is the only time you'll need the passport.

Answer 2

which branch? how many dependents do you have? how close are you to rotating out of your current Duty Station? what paygrade is he? are the bases he put in for typically Acompanied(Like Germany) or Unacompnied(like Korea)?

when we got orders to Japan.. we had 30 days to get everything done.. Overseas screening, No fee passports, regular passpoorts, setting up the HHG ship, arranging to store the car..etc.
the only thing you can do without orders is get regular tourist passports for everytbody. and sicne they take about 12 weeks right now.. best get on it fast.

Answer 3

Probably within a month. (8 yr vet.)