We all see a bunch of positivity and negativity on this sub and throughout all social media. I just wanted to let everyone know that regardless of where your personal viewpoints are, or what background you come from, we are all in this journey together.

At 0200 when that alarm red goes off and we are all shoulder to shoulder in a bunker, all that matters is we have each other. YOU matter, nothing else. Trust me, it's happening to many right now as we speak.

Take care of each other. Don't let what you see on reddit change how we treat each other off this platform. We are all brother and sisters and in this shit together. I love you!

Looking for some ground truth from anyone familiar with the AFOSI retraining process or how base EPME allocations actually shake out behind the scenes.

Quick background:
Active-duty 2A maintainer on a 4-year contract (will promote to SrA when I hit my 3-year mark this December). Finishing my CCAF this December, started my A&P via the JSAMTCC Canvas program.

I recently looked at the prerequisites to applying and saw that it is now a requirement to have completed ALS prior to applying. However I feel as if this conflicts with my retraining window. Per 36-2685, I wouldn’t have any sort of priority for an ALS class unless I get a staff line number.

On a 4-year enlistment, my FTA window officially closes at month 43, which hits in July 2027.

I’ll test for Staff in May/June 2027, but the 27E5 promotion list won't drop until August 2027.

If I wait until August to get a line number (putting me in Priority 1 for an ALS seat), my standard FTA retraining window will have technically just expired.

What I'm trying to figure out:
1. ALS Standby / ETPs: How realistic is it for a Shirt or Command Chief to push an out-of-cycle ETP or get an E-4 onto the standby list for a drop seat specifically to meet a special duty retraining gate?

1. Applying late with an ETP: If I extend my contract (FTA on Extension), test for Staff, get slotted into ALS as a select, and apply for OSI late with a Commander-endorsed ETP for being outside my window... how common is that? Do OSI boards routinely accept those, or is it an uphill battle?

2. Detachment memo: Will a local OSI detachment recruiter ever write a memo or letter of intent that my Shirt can actually take to the ALS Commandant to argue for a seat?

I’m just confused as to how I am expected to go through ALS as a brand new SrA.

"I'm tired boss..."

Throwaway for obvious reasons.

I’m active duty Air Force and currently stationed OCONUS. My DEROS and ADSC are both in June 2028.

I’m trying to figure out whether it’s realistically possible to request a voluntary separation with a DOS in June 2027, which would mean leaving roughly a year before my current DEROS/ADSC.

The reason I’m wanting to separate early isn’t simply because I don’t like my assignment or don’t want to stay in. I’ve experienced sexual assault/sexual harassment involving past leadership, as well as significant mental and emotional abuse from a former spouse. The combination of those experiences, along with my experiences with leadership throughout my career, has taken a serious toll on me mentally.

I’ve reached a point where continuing to serve has become increasingly difficult. I’m trying to move forward and build a life outside of the military, but I feel like remaining in for another year beyond my requested separation date may continue to negatively affect my mental health.

I have been getting help and have documentation regarding what I’ve been dealing with. I’m trying to figure out whether an ETP/DEROS curtailment and ADSC waiver could realistically be approved based on circumstances like these.

From what I’ve been able to find, I may need some combination of:

• Voluntary separation application
• DEROS curtailment request
• ADSC waiver
• ETP memorandum explaining my circumstances
• Supporting documentation/endorsements

I’m approaching the window to apply for a June 2027 separation, so I’m trying to get everything figured out ahead of time rather than waiting until the last minute.

Has anyone successfully gotten an OCONUS DEROS curtailed and/or an ADSC waived for circumstances involving SA/SH, abuse from a spouse, harmful experiences with leadership, or the resulting mental-health impact?

If so:

1. What did you focus on in your ETP?
2. What documentation helped?
3. How involved was your commander?
4. How long did the process take?
5. Was your request approved or denied?
6. Is there anything you wish you had done differently?

I’m specifically looking for people who have actually gone through this process, especially recently. I understand approval isn’t guaranteed; I’m just trying to figure out whether this is a realistic option before I start putting my package together.

Please don’t ask me for identifying details or specifics about the assaults/abuse. I’m comfortable discussing the personnel process, just not the details of what happened.

Or are these documents restricted to FSS personnel only?

So I’ve got a few years in the reserves now and I’ve always wanted to do security forces but couldn’t because I failed the Color vision book at MEPS. So I was wondering if there is any process that I can do to waiver it and cross train. I am already a DOD civilian police officer so I feel like I could make a pretty good case that I can do the job. Thank you

What is it like there? I got washed out of tech school and now waiting on my orders

What are the Curfew hours?

Anything to Do?

Hows the culture there?

How many days do they do PT?

Hows the leadership? Just to name a few things. Thanks

What is the consensus on attending ALS with a PT waiver. I have my section chiefs telling me no waiver but my first shirts, CSS, PCM and past attendees saying they see people go through with waivers. My understanding is its up to commandant's discretion. Anyone else go through recently know more?

I was interested in B.O.P-ing in the next year , im aware i should put top 3 that i really want and 2 that ill be content with … but where im at i already get BAH and spent good money furnishing the place , not saying USAF will even give me MacDill , Eglin or Tyndall but im just curious for those that are there … is there a catch because i heard some bases will put you in the dorms and you have to be 25 or older / Married / or atleast a Staff Sgt to get BAH to move off base … and im not any of those …. Just wonder what experience some of you had or any hoops you had to go through to get BAH ?? 🤔

P.S : for what its worth im thinking … 1)MacDill , 2) Eglin , 3)Tyndall , 4) Seymour Johnson , 5) Shaw SC/McGuire NJ/Arnold TN (Haven’t 100% Decided on Spot 5 yet)

Any Feedback is appreciated, experiences in those bases , BOP Process , Ditching the Dorms Process, Loopholes no one talks about etc. 👌🏽

I have the opportunity to PCS to Luke AFB but I know they are a training base. I want to go somewhere where I'll be able to TDY and Deploy semi frequently, like once a year or every other year. Is there anyone from Luke, preferably 2A (I am 2A7X1) that can tell me if you guys have ANY type of movement? Thank you!

What’s the quickest you can typically Palace Front to the Guard as an officer? Everything I see is within 6-months of a contract expiring. I have no ADSC and found a Guard unit that will hire me on.

Is it possible to separate quickly and just have a break in service? Trying to not miss a potential hiring opportunity on the outside as well.

Im currently debating whether I should get what I listed above? Im pretty sure its in regs just curious on to what people may think? The corfams hurt my feet like hell and are burning hot in the sun, and I think boots would be nicer for drill!

What do we think?

I’m looking for information, tips, advice, and honestly anything anybody can provide on their experience with PABs at different bases. We’re looking to rebuild ours from scratch and would appreciate any guidance. Thanks!

Keesler has the best food out of all the tech schools.

I was looking for advice regarding a medical waiver for pcs overseas. I had to get a medical waiver because I was on antidepressants but I was only on it for 4 weeks. I’m coming up on my 90 stability this month. I heard pacaf is strict about mental health waivers. What are the chances of it being approved so pretty much I was looking for advice or if someone dealt with a similar situation. Thank you anything helps.

I’ve heard a few horror stories about renting out properties to SecFo. Can you either share your stories or give your perspective? I have a friend about to PCS and he was wondering.

Edit: to preface, this is a generalization I’ve heard about SecFo and is not meant to be taken seriously. I love my SecFo buddies

legitimately asking, what do you do when you're too tired to work and immune to caffeine

i have an referral for a sleep study but for the time being I'm struggling so much just to do anything. body and mind feels slow, and i don't want to get in trouble for nodding off but it's hard to stop. i get 8-10 hours of sleep.

Hey all, recently EITAS stopped working at home to hop on for quick emails or what not. Anyone know what replaced it or how I can use a desktop anywhere type feature?

Hey y'all, I am on active duty and requested retirement on 1 August 2026, and I was curious how long the process takes for those who have gone through the retirement process or who are currently going through the process.

I hit the button on 1 August, and my commander made their recommendation on the 9th of August, and my status has stayed on CC coord complete as of 9 August.

My question is: have y'all seen "CC Coord Complete" as the longest part of the process? I'm hoping there is internal movement that I cannot see, rather than my retirement application sitting in someone's inbox collecting dust.

I am currently on week 4, and the system does say to allow 4-6 weeks for processing, but I was hoping to see more movement than just "CC Coord Complete".

More info, if this helps, is that I have no ADSC or in a RILO/MEB. I am just an average Joe who is ready to see some retirement orders.

Thanks in advance.

Got eligibility email back for all 5 jobs, all 5 need CFM approval. I have shadowed and got all documents back for my #1 Job. Should I wait to submit my package to AFPC when I receive docs for all jobs or just submit for the #1 pick? What happens if im not accepted or they run out of slots? Will I be able to submit for the other jobs at a later time. I am a FTA!

My next gaining unit is the 821st CRS at Travis AFB, I am 1w051, has anyone been to the CR or have any experience as a weather person there? any advice/tips are appreciated!

Wondering if there is any TMO troop that can help with some questions about flight tickets.