Communication with your Command
Make sure if you are applying for positions that require a Command endorsement that you engage your supervisor in time for them to endorse your e-resume before the November 9th deadline. Chances are they have numerous e-resumes to endorse at the unit level and will not have enough time to endorse your e-resume if you submit it last minute. Recommend members submit their e-resumes the last week of October to give their Command time to do the endorsement in Direct Access. Keep watching the shopping list up until the deadline and if your dream job opens up the first week of November before the 9th you can still apply for the position. Create another e-resume before the deadline, in the comments section tell us that you are applying for the last minute opening of STA VACATION as your #1 pick and see previous e-resume dated 30 October 12. If you were favorably endorsed by your Command on all of your other FSO picks and you are applying for the same type of position then you are good to go. If you are applying for a different position that requires a Command Endorsement and wasn’t addressed in the first Endorsement then you will need a NEW Command endorsement to address the different position or special duty positions.

Special Duty Assignments

COMDTINST M1000.8 1.E.2. Qualifications

Instructor Duty

COMDTINST M1000.8 1.E.6

FSAT Team Positions

COMDTINST M1000.8 1.C.13

Advancements/Cuts
If you are above the cut, you should be listing positions on your E-Resume for the new pay grade. You should not place pay grade mismatch positions on your E-resume as one of your picks. If you would like to be considered for a pay grade mismatch that your command endorses will provide a service/unit need, then you can request that in your comments section of the E-resume but not as a pick. If you are in doubt about what pay grade positions to put on your E-resume due to your high placement on SWE list but are not above the cut due to low cuts or even lack of cuts, then you can use this as an example. “Picks 1-10 are listed for my current rank of E-6 and picks 11-20 are for E-7 positions should I become above the cut for advancement.” This should be noted in your comments section as well. The number of picks listed here is just an example, you can put as many billets on your e-resume as you want. Obviously the more billets the more “realistic” your e-resume will be. If you want the term “realistic” defined I highly encourage individuals to set up an appointment for career counseling.

Sea Time
There is a Sea Time requirement for advancement. You need 24 months to advance to E-6 and 36 months RATED to advance to E-7. We have over 120 afloat billets aboard patrol boats, many more independent duty jobs afloat on “Black Hulls” and Large/Medium Cutters as well, plenty of opportunities to get your sea time. Recommend that career minded individuals get their required sea time as soon as possible so they can compete for FS1 and FSC accordingly. No sea time wavier for advancement is authorized as per the current RFMC, EPM, and CG-1111.

"A" School Candidates/Strikers
Members completing the FS striker program should expect transfer from their current unit. All strikers will be treated the same as "A" School graduates. All newly advanced FS3 candidates coming from either the "A" school or the FS Striker Program should expect to receive orders for two year land assignments or full tour afloat assignments. You will be expected to have two years of obligated service upon graduation from "A" school.

Command Issues-Backfills
We make every effort to avoid pay grade mismatches, however with current and projected shortages in the FS rate; you should expect to receive an FS3 out of "A" School for most backfills, including FS2 positions that are not FSO positions. We cannot always guarantee an immediate replacement; however each backfill will be slated based on severity and unit/service needs.

Assignments with Respect to Newly Promoted Members
In an effort to reduce the churn in the workforce, we attempt to leave members for complete tours. However, this is sometimes very difficult particularly for the newly promoted personnel especially FS2's/FS1's. We use the following as general guidelines for newly promoted members:

- Newly promoted FS2's/FS1's have a greater potential to complete their current assignment if they are independent duty afloat. However, an assessment of FS2's/FS1's to FS2/FS1 billets for your unit will have to be done. Critical vacancies in the field may override the ability to provide this convenience.

-Newly promoted FS2's will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We will consider time in current assignment, current tour length, service need and member's sea time, and favorable Command Endorsement or not recommended.

- Newly promoted FS1's currently assigned to WPB's or any other FSO positions have the potential to complete their tours as well, and will be reviewed on a case by case basis as well. Remember, we advance to vacancies.

-Fleet-ups, whether at current unit or another unit in the locale, will be maximized. Fleet-ups do not change rotation dates.

Assignment Extensions
For members requesting their first extension, the extension will usually be granted provided your Command favorably endorses the extension request. For members requesting a second extension must compete with their peers in order to obtain back to back extensions. Of course these are general guidelines and are subject to the FS AO’s discretion. Approved extensions, just like any other orders, will be made available in your PeopleSoft airport terminal. Please do not call about your tour extension request.

Special Needs Program
The Special Needs program ensures that members having dependents with a verified special need are assigned to a geographic area in which the need can be addressed. The specifics of the Special Needs Program are outlined in COMDINST M1754.7A. Your AO will communicate with the Work-Life Staff to ensure that members enrolled in the Special Needs Program are assigned in an area that their special needs can be addressed. We must reemphasize; the program does not guarantee a specific unit or assignment, and it will only ensure that the assignment is in an acceptable area. Furthermore, we do not discuss specific assignments with the Work-Life. If you are enrolled in the special needs program, list only positions/units that are located in areas that can address the need. Your active collaboration with the local Work-Life staff is encouraged to ensure that only acceptable areas are listed on the E-Resume.

Obligated Service Associated with Orders
Members are required to obligate service (OBLISERV) to execute orders. If a member is not willing to obligate service as noted on the orders please follow the guidance on ALCGENL 051/10. (You will only have 5 business days to refuse & you may be discharged in 30 days.)

The OBLISERV policy is as follows:

-Members having less than 6 years of active service and assigned INCONUS must obligate service equal to full tour length

- Members having more than 6 years of active service and assigned INCONUS must obligate 1 year of service.

Any member assigned OUTCONUS, Instructor, or Special Assignments must obligate service to equal a full tour length.

Retirement (RILO) or Separation in Lieu of Orders
If you are placing a retirement letter dated for anything outside of the normal retirement window of September through December, then ensure you have your Commands endorsement acknowledging they may be accepting a potential gap. If this is not done, the process is delayed considerably. Retirement eligible members (> 20 years active duty) in receipt of orders may request retirement in lieu of orders. The member must request the RILO within 5 days of receiving PCS orders. If the retirement request is approved, the member will be retired by 01Sep of the current year. Approval is based on service need.