Soldiers can ASK for assignment

The Army last week launched a Web-based program that gives enlisted soldiers an online voice to "ask" for their next duty assignment.

The Assignment Satisfaction Key (ASK) Internet tool enables soldiers, for the first time, to post assignment preference information directly onto the Total Army Personnel Database.

ASK went live Oct. 12 at www.perscom.army.mil, and soldiers will need to use their Army Knowledge Online account password to gain access to their information.

Under the old system, soldiers could choose from 230 continental U.S. locations and 280 overseas locations on assignment preferences. ASK requires soldiers to select three continental U.S. locations and three other preferences outside the continental United States.

Preference locations are used if and when a soldier has to change locations or perform a special duty.