New options available for accompanied Korea tours

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Gina Vaccaro McKeen
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
Air Force members headed to certain locations in Korea can now request an accompanied tour and serve with their families for two or three years.

Current base facilities, such as housing, schools, and support activities, will limit the number of Airmen authorized to serve the accompanied, command sponsored tours initially. As the base infrastructure grows, the number of available command sponsored positions will increase.

As an incentive, Airmen who elect to serve the accompanied 36-month tour will be eligible to receive Korea Assignment Incentive Pay of $300 per month during their tour. Airmen serving the unaccompanied tour will also be eligible to participate in the KAIP program if they elect to increase their tour length in Korea by at least 12 months.

"The increased tour length benefits Airmen and their families," said Bill Warner, the Air Force Personnel Center's Assignment Programs and Procedures Section chief. "The extended tour length provides family stability, improves continuity in the mission, enhances mission readiness and warfighter capabilities, and strengthens U.S. relations with Korea."

In addition, officials say the increased tour length is in line with other accompanied overseas tours and will reduce costs by moving families less often.

Airmen currently assigned to Osan Air Base, Seoul, Camp Humphreys and Yongsan AB who desire to serve an accompanied tour may request a command sponsored position through their servicing military personnel section. If a CSP is available and offered, Airmen can then elect to serve either a 24 or 36-month tour with dependents.

The formal implementation date is June 2, 2009. Airmen with projected assignments to a location in Korea impacted by the tour length change will be offered the opportunity to participate in the new tour length options.

All Airmen who receive an assignment to a location in Korea where the accompanied tour is an option may request a CSP and concurrent travel to bring their families with them at government expense. If an Airman is offered a CSP he or she will have the option to choose a 24 or 36-month tour.

Airmen who elect the 36-month accompanied tour will receive long tour credit as well as KAIP. Those who elect the 24-month tour will not receive incentive pay.

Additionally, Air Force officials announced long range plans to improve facilities and infrastructure at the various U.S. military facilities in Korea to increase their ability to support more families.

"The facility upgrades are just another way the Air Force is taking care of its people," Mr. Warner added.

To view the updated policy or for more information visit AFPC's "Ask" Web site and click on "Korea Tour Length Change" in the "Quick Links" section. Or, visit the US Forces in Korea Web site.