Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am looking to PCS to Europe. (Active Army, 88N, E-4) I will have just under 2 years left on my contract when I return from Iraq in July.  Is there a way to PCS to Europe by only extending a few months on my ETS date? Or not at all?

ANSWER: Dear Ryan --

You will not be allowed to PCS to Europe unless you extend your active duty term to coincide with at least the minimum tour length of your new duty station.  For Europe that's usually two but can be up to three years.  For Korea unaccompanied that's usually one year, but can be two years.

Since you have just under two years left on your service obligation, you could extend a few months so that your remaining period of service coincides with your tour in Europe, if you request a two year duty assignment.

You should contact your branch manager and discuss your PCS and duty options now, so you have a Request For Orders (RFO) awaiting you when you return in July, if you really want to PCS to Europe this summer.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you and thank you for your service.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ma'am,
What is the best way to contact my branch manager, and can I be guaranteed a RFO?

Answer
Dear Ryan --

Go to the Army Knowledge Online website (www.us.army.mil) and log-in.  If you do not have an AKO account, request one.  Once you are in go to the pull down tab of self service.  Go to personnel services.  Keep going through the tabs till you get to your branch page.  On your branch page will be a point of contact e-mail address and phone number for enlisted personnel.  Use that number or send an e-mail to begin discussions of your follow-on assignment.

There is no guarantee that you will get an RFO for Europe.  However, since you want to go, and you are making a direct request, if they have slots in Europe opening this summer, you could well get one.

Good luck to you.  Write back, if you have other questions or concerns.