Command Sponsorship
What is Command Sponsorship (CSP)?
Command Sponsorship applications are done at the losing duty station and are typically not initiated in Korea. Without Command Sponsorship, dependents (except ROK citizens) are considered tourists on a 90-day Visa, with limited support from US Forces Korea (USFK).
Being granted Command Sponsorship means that family members are approved to accompany a DoD member to their next duty station (typically when it’s outside the Continental United States) for the length of their tour. Command Sponsorship is not guaranteed, as CSP billets are limited, and service members must apply by obtaining approval from their gaining unit commander followed by an Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) screening for each accompanying family member.
Even if a military member is not granted Command Sponsorship (CSP), they have the option to bring their family Non-Command Sponsored, or NCS. However, this decision should not be made lightly, since NCS dependents have access to limited benefits. Members should talk with their units and EFMP to make an informed decision on what is best for them and their family. Review “CSP vs NCS: Making an Informed Choice” in the Helpful Links below for an overview on access to benefits for NCS families.
Outpatient Mental Health care is routinely available to Active Duty military only. Mental Health needs are addressed much differently off base than in the United States. Carefully consider all options with your current mental health provider to determine if relocation to Korea is able to meet your specific needs.
How do I apply for CSP?
Priority 1 (Key Billets) CSP billets are assigned to certain pre-determined positions where the continued presence of that position is determined to be essential (e.g., commanders). Contact your CSP Area Manager to notify them of your selection to a Key Billet. You are still required to submit the application and obtain family member medical clearance.
Priority 2 CSP billets are typically designated for mission continuity requirements. Notify your sponsor that you plan to request command sponsorship so they can notify your gaining commander. Submit your AF Korea CSP application with all required documents for review to the gaining location CSP Area Manager. The Area Manager will coordinate with your inbound commander to determine your eligibility and your unit commander will determine whether you will receive billet.
Can I apply for CSP after I’ve already arrived on station?
Yes. However, members will pay out of pocket for any expenses to bring family and accompanied household goods if approved for CSP after having already reported for duty in Korea.
Can I still apply for CSP if I have a follow-on/home-basing assignment?
Airmen who accept a follow-on/home-basing assignment before arriving in Korea will not be considered for a CSP billet.
What are determining factors that make my application more competitive?
CSP selection can be very competitive, and several factors are weighed in determining who will fill a vacant billet. The justification you provide in Block 12 of the CSP Application should be brief and pointed to communicate your situation in a few sentences. Describe why choosing you to be Command Sponsored will benefit mission readiness and unit continuity. Include any information that is not already addressed in the application including number and dates of previously unaccompanied short tours, recent deployments, unique family situations, etc. Justifications that refer to how spouses or children would enjoy Korea are not acceptable justifications.
What does a tentative CSP offer mean?
A tentative offer means that your dependents are approved for command sponsorship with the understanding that you must still obtain medical/EFMP clearance for your dependents in a timely manner. If your family members are unable to obtain medical clearance or your situation changes, notify your unit immediately so they can reallocate your projected CSP to another member.
If I’m approved for CSP, do I have to live in base housing?
Only personnel assigned to Key Billets are required to reside on base. Personnel with Priority 2 billets may reside on or off base depending on housing availability and occupancy rates.
How does my approval for CSP affect my eligibility for Korea Assignment Incentive Pay (KAIP)? Am I authorized KAIP while filling a CSP billet?
All command-sponsored Airmen will serve a 24-month tour. Airmen projected to a Key Billet must serve the 24-month tour regardless of accompanied status and are not eligible for KAIP. Military members who are projected or currently filling Priority 2 CSP billets may apply for KAIP if they serve a 36-month accompanied tour.
Is CSP offered to Air Force members assigned to Area IV (Daegu)?
Yes, CSP is offered to Air Force members assigned to areas other than Area V (Osan). CSP guidance for all Air Force members is located on the 7 AF Webpage.
Are there any limiting factors preventing more Airmen from coming to Korea on Command Sponsored tours?
Limiting factors vary by location. The primary factors limiting CSP billets at Osan are space and support function capabilities (i.e. medical support, childcare facilities, school capacity, etc.).
Is it true that officers get higher priority than enlisted for CSP?
No. Priority 1 Key Billets are reserved for commanders and other positions where the continued presence of a position is determined to be essential. Priority 2 billets are open to all ranks.
If I am assigned to a different area, but all CSP billets are full, may I apply for an Area V CSP billet?
No. You may only apply for CSP in the area where you are projected or currently assigned.
I heard there is a waiting list for CSP?
There are no waiting lists for CSP. CSP managers will approve/deny based on availability and mission requirements at the time of application.
Are Join Spouse eligible for CSP in Korea?
CSP for join spouse assignments is available at non-dependent-restricted locations. Only one member can apply for CSP per family at non-dependent-restricted locations. In most cases, the ranking member should submit the CSP application. When a member selected for assignment to Korea requests and receives CSP (or was selected to fill a key billet), the service member spouse has 10 duty days from the CSP approval notification date to request join spouse consideration (application available on vMPF) through the appropriate assignment officer/NCO. If a join spouse assignment is supported, both members will serve the same tour length.