Details

1. Officers selecting Timing Flexibility will receive a one-time-use authorization to shorten or extend the time at a future (non-command) assignment by up to 24 months.

2. Officers intending to use this authorization must contact their career manager. This should be done well before and no later than 3 months prior to the opening of the ATAP marketplace that the officer desires to participate in. Earlier contact will enable greater options.

3. Officers with the Timing Flexibility authorization have two options at the start of each marketplace cycle: (1) enter the market; (2) do not enter the market.

a. Officers who enter the market are included in the unit’s Officers Identified to Move and should prepare to enter the marketplace. Officers may use the Timing Flexibility authorization only once to enter a marketplace cycle that is different from the one associated with their original Year Month Available to move (YMAV) date. Officers may speak with their career manager about possible positions that may be available to them.

b. Officers who do not enter the market prior to their original YMAV date will continue serving in their existing unit. They will have the opportunity to enter the next market.

c. Officers seeking to delay entry into the market beyond their original YMAV date must obtain approval from their O-5 or O-6 commander. Approval to continue in the same assignment may be based on satisfactory performance and behavior, as well as the nature of the assignment. If continuing in the same assignment is not feasible, and if the officer qualifies for other available jobs at that duty station, the commander may facilitate the officer’s transition to another assignment or job responsibilities at the same location to satisfy this option. Career managers may also assist.

d. Officers may delay entry into the market by a maximum of 24 months beyond the market associated with their original YMAV date (tour lengths at some locations may be subject to shorter limitations on assignment length). Officers reaching the fourth marketplace cycle beyond the market associated with their original YMAV date will be included among the Officers Identified to Move for that market (unless the unit has a specific need to retain the officer longer).

4. This option may be used for assignments occurring after the completion of the Captains Career Course. It expires upon the officer’s selection for promotion to Major (O-4).