It has indeed changed then, thanks. Sucks big time, BTW...

>I will have to verify, but last year it required 12 uninterrupted months outside the continental U.S. However, that was specific to contracted positions for companies contracted by the state department (DynaCorp which is the same company the civilian contractors that died recently worked for - they do a lot but typically provide 'personal' security to diplomats). You could leave Afghanistan and take a vacation in London for instance, but you could not return to the states within the 12 months. Hopefully that has changed!
>>Tracy,
>>
>>Last time I applied for the exemption (it has been a while now), it allowed for 1 month out of 12 stateside without disqualifying you. Has that changed?
>>
>>>I think a lot of people look at the $ (for contracted positions anyway) and intend to stay for the entire 12 months. However, living under those conditions after 6 months very few stay without a trip back to the good ol USA to get away...
>>>