I was wondering if you could explain how things work after graduation, in relation to base assignments. From what I know, at the beginning of your senior year you appy for AEGD and get a list of bases to preference out (do you do this for both AEGD locations, as well as non-AEGD locations in case you aren't accepted?).
You apply to the AEGD early. When you apply, you list your preferences. If you are not accepted or choose not to attend an AEGD, you will then get a list of openings at other bases to prioritize.
So, assuming you do an AEGD, you got to that base for 1 year. At what point in that year do you request your next assignment? Then, after AEGD, are you at your next base for 2, 3, or 4 years? Do you have the opportunity to move during that time?
You start looking at assignments in Jan-Feb timeframe. AFPC releases a list to the program directors to discuss with residents. Usually have to have your top 3 choices in by Feb. AFPC puts together a map showing all the bases and how many people have put each base as their #1, 2 or 3 choice and what bases no one has selected. This gives you a chance to reorder and/or rank the remaining bases. You usually know where you are going in April. This is important. For example, I had 2 residents once that said they were ok with any base in the U.S., but didn't want to go overseas. Once they saw the map, they reordered some of the U.S. bases that no one had ranked in their top 3. Both were successful at staying in the U.S.
How long you are at your next base depends on where you go and how much time you have left on your commitment. If you go overseas, you will have a 2-3 year minimum tour (1 year in Korea). Sometimes it is possible to extend at those bases. CONUS tours are 4 years minimum time on station.
Oh, and you had mentioned earlier in this thread that if you do your AEGD in Alaska, then there's a strong possibility you will be stationed there afterwards. Would that assignment be the normal duration (say 3 or 4 years) or is it shortened 1 year d/t your time at the base for AEGD?
Still a possibility. If you stay, it would be for the 3 year tour. AEGD year + 2 years.
I also heard that overseas assignments are difficult to get (ie...germany, england, etc). Is that your experience as well? I know Aviano is near impossible to get.
Not necessarily. Depends on what is open and what the base needs. Aviano is hard to get, but not impossible. I had the opportunity to visit Germany a couple of years ago and toured all the bases there. I didn't go to a single base that would be a bad assignment. England was nice as well. Your skill level when graduating from the AEGD can make a difference on where you go. If a base needs someone with strong exodontia or endo skills, they will let AFPC know and how you perform in those areas can make a difference.
Thanks for your help. Sorry for the laundry list of questions.