Command Sponsorship maximizes mission readiness Published April 20, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The United States Forces Korea Command Sponsorship Program Policy leaves a limited amount of billets open for Airmen to bring families with them while they serve on the peninsula. The intent of the program is to maximize mission readiness and continue to provide a high quality of life, and members should follow directions carefully in order to obtain the billet. In a letter signed by Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, 7th Air Force commander, the billets are assigned according to priority, and volunteering for a tour in Korea does not automatically guarantee a spot for family members. Priorities are as follows: Priority 1: Key billets shall be reserved for only those positions where the continued presence of an officer or warrant officer is determined to be absolutely essential to the mission of the activity, unit or to the U.S. presence in that area. Priority 2: Component Commander Mission Continuity Requirements. These billets are reserved for military jobs from which commanders would benefit most by having personnel stay for 24 and 36 month tours, such as officer and enlisted leader who require lengthy pre-or post-arrival training or certification in order to perform their job in Korea. Priority 3: Component Commander-Managed Command Sponsored billets. Commanders will have discretion in selecting the remaining number of command-sponsored positions authorized by current tour normalization availability. The commander will consider factors such as personnel returning from deployments or remote-unaccompanied tours, dual military with children, single parents, consecutive overseas tours, and junior rank opportunities. There are numerous considerations when considering signing up for a command sponsored billet, and each should be weighed carefully. For additional information on the command sponsorship program, visit www.osan.af.mil.