Policy revision reduces chance of 365 day deployments Published Sept. 25, 2009 By April Rowden Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - Airmen returning from a 365-day deployment will now have at least six months at home station before they can deploy again, a move that officials hope will help generate a more predictable deployment tempo for all Airmen. A recent revision in policy reduced the 365-day deployment deferment from 12 to six months for active-duty Airmen, mirroring the existing six-month deferment policy for Airmen completing an unaccompanied short tour of similar length. "We are constantly reviewing officer and enlisted assignment policies to ensure that the Air Force fosters an environment of consistency and fairness across the active-duty force," said Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Carlson, superintendent of Assignment Policy and Procedures at the Air Force Personnel Center here. "By making this adjustment to our governing Air Force Instruction, our Airmen are guaranteed unbiased and impartial consideration for the next round of deployments." An increase in manning demands worldwide has also helped drive this policy change. When the 12-month deferment policy was instituted, less than 200 Airmen were deployed for 365 days or more. Today, more than 1,600 Airmen are filling the 365-day requirement. "By pulling those Airmen out of the deployment pool for 12 months, we felt we were bringing excessive hardship on our Airmen who were being deployed multiple times," said Sergeant Carlson. "In the Air Force, it's very important that we continually work to take care of our people and create a culture where Airmen receive the same treatment and same opportunities." For more information on the 365-day deferment policy, call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102 or visit AFPC's secure ASK Web site.