SOME FIRST-TERM,UNACCOMPANIED TOURS EXTENDED

摘要

The Air Force is extending the length of first-term, unaccompanied tours for airmen and guardians in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Japan from 24 months to 36 months. The change is designed to give the service member additional time to train with the unit and provide newer troops with greater "stability," the Air Force said. "During these moves, service mem- bers not only have to adjust to their new jobs, but also to a new culture and country, which takes time," Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, said in an Air Force news release Feb. 11. "A 24-month tour was not adequate for our new Airmen and Guardians to thrive, nor was it enough time to provide the continuity needed for the unit," Kelly said. "The change was made to support the mission and to ensure our members receive a longer transitional period."