I know there are some petty and small minded commanders who justify your apprehension, and that’s unfortunate. I believe crossflow (assuming it’s the members choice) is ultimately in the best interest of the Air Force because people do better when they want to be somewhere.
I recommend simply talking to your boss and functional. It is a risk, but embrace that risk and be bold. Here are approaches that will resonate with your CC:
1. In what circumstances would you support a cross flow out of our community?
2. I desire to cross flow into xxx program because I think that type of service is suited to my skills. What can I do to receive your endorsement?
Item one allows you to grasp the perspective from their viewpoint. The goal is information gathering so you can manage expectations and strategize your next approach.
Item two keeps the focus on mission and how you can better serve. What organization wouldn’t want people to serve in ways which best match their personalities and skills? Keep it professional, but don’t be afraid to ask direct questions.
I’ve worked a lot of these; here are some observations: you have to be good at your current platform. Not “ok” and not just good in your mind. Be in the top 25% strat-wise, but also be actually good at your mission. Both your commander and functional must agree, as well as the gaining functional (meaning, you need to know their pipeline throughout capacity, what that does to your timing). Keep a professional attitude and be up front to your commander.
“Up front” doesn’t mean you have to accept the dictate of your commander if they are the rare petty breed discussed earlier: you can simply tell that person “I’m going to continue to try everything I can to move into XX community.” But those are rare. More often I see members trying to be sneaky and play people against each other and end up getting sideways with their commander. Not a good spot to be, the commander is extremely influential in this process but not solely determinative. Also it matters how you leave your last community to your gaining commander.
My final recommendation is have a specific platform in mind. Commanders are busy and so are functionals, they aren’t going fishing for you. Have something specific you want and do your homework on the timing, both your own personal timing (PDE, TOS, upgrades, etc.) and the general timing of new FTU. “I want to do something different but I don’t know what” is going to get you white jets.
Big picture: be professional, straightforward about your desires and rationale, and be very good at your existing job. That is how you best position yourself; then luck in timing will hit your plan and who knows what happens. Good luck, I wish you the best.