Bump- any info on if the AF side works the same? Or if anyone else has been through the IDES while in japan or overseas..
There does not appear to be any similar requirement to process Airmen CONUS:
AFI 41-210:
"4.71.2. Active Duty Airmen may be considered for potential PCS reassignment to an MTF under one or more of the following conditions.
4.71.2.1. Required medical care is not available at the MTF or reasonably available in the local or regional areas.
4.71.2.2. There is overwhelming medical evidence that suggests a SM is not likely expected to return to Active Duty.
4.71.2.3. When hospitalization beyond the SM‘s Date of Separation is expected. (Contact AFPC/DPAMM to request Medical Hold).
4.71.2.4. For overseas SMs; when the required medical care is not available in the overseas area.
4.71.2.5. For overseas SMs; when hospitalization beyond the member‘s DEROS is expected.
4.71.2.6. When HQ AFPC/DPAMM directs.
4.71.3. General Information: Consistent with the needs of the Air Force, the intent of the patient assignment program is to place SMs in MTFs best suited to address their medical needs. Although placement of the member near family or Home of Record may be considered when appropriate, it is not the goal of this program."
The inclusion of language of possible reasons to assign an OCONUS member stateside indicates to me that there has been no change in AF policy about conducting overseas MEBs.
