I am currently an Active 25B30 stationed at a joint assignment. I submitted a 4187 requesting an IPCOT and it was approved up through our O-6. I am currently 17 months from my ETS so I was going to tie my IPCOT into retention as an overseas assignment because I am currently OCONUS. Who is going to be the final approving authority on this assignment? I've heard that due to the fact that it is joint, it has to go through my branch. I've also heard that it doesn't go through branch if it is tied into retention. What is the right answer? I already have my 4187 signed and ready to go. I just need help on routing it.