COVID-19: The Impact on Travel Restrictions and PCS’ing

2020-03-31T12:01:44-04:00

Things are changing fast in the military world. New information pours in daily and it seems every day there are new restrictions or updates about the coronavirus. Many military families have been impacted by the limits on travel and PCS. As a military spouse, I know it can be hard to decipher all the lingo and keep up with the latest information, so I’m here to shed some light on what may be impacting you, your family or friends.

Leave: All travel has been put on hold until May 11. This is the date to keep in mind, for right now. If you had any trips planned anytime between now and May 11, consider them on-hold. Although, it’s worth noting that people who are already on leave (domestically) do not need to cancel their trip and come back. Normally, you would not need to get a pass or permission to go out of town if you were going somewhere within a 250-mile radius (could be different mileage for your location); however, continue to monitor your local installation as the mileage for approved travel will likely decrease.

PCS’ing: All PCS orders set to begin before May 11 have also been put on hold. This means that there are many families stuck in limbo, as they were already in the midst of a move when restrictions were put into place. However, there are options available to people in this situation – first, contact your unit for further instructions – local commanders will be able to make recommendations based on your situation. Also, DoD is doing everything it can to support families who are stuck in temporary housing, and you may be able to use your travel card for these expenses. Bear in mind that some orders will be changing, and overseas installations may be cancelled.

Staying Informed: Local authorities have the most up-to-date information and are responsible for monitoring their locations. Virtual townhalls are now being required – they are streamed on social media and will likely be recurring. Make sure to follow your installation and its senior leaders on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. Military OneSource has also created a page for resources and updates, with articles to help disseminate this information. (https://rly.pt/2WX6O6E)

As a military community, we have lived with uncertainty and have learned that we cannot control every detail of our lives; plans change, and we remain adaptable. Although this situation feels out of the ordinary, we are well-versed in fluctuating circumstances and uncertain environments. This is a great opportunity to encourage our civilian communities by standing firm in strength and resiliency. Restrictions are likely to continue to change, so it’s important to stay informed. Remember, we are stronger together!

Written By Katelyn Nixon- Army Spouse
Katelyn has been a military spouse for six years and enjoys the adventurous lifestyle. To share her experiences with other spouses, she started a blog in 2018.

COVID-19: Coronavirus Info for the Military | Military OneSource

The military community can get coronavirus guidance and information from official sources, such as CDC and the Military Health System.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 31 at 2020 12:03 PM

2020-03-31T12:03:43-04:00

Thank you for the share Ms Katelyn.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2020 12:07 PM

2020-03-31T12:07:34-04:00

Katelyn Nixon Thank you for sharing this great information!

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Mar 31 at 2020 12:08 PM

2020-03-31T12:08:05-04:00

Thanks for sharing, retirement has taken me away from those worries.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 31 at 2020 12:35 PM

2020-03-31T12:35:25-04:00

Very well said. I believe the families stuck in limbo due to a canceled PCS can be put on TDY orders to receive per diem. I don't know if this is a manual or DTS process. Now that I think of it, I don't know if dependents can be inputted into DTS for entitlements.

https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/Docs/perdiem/browse/Travel_Regulations/Regulations_Changes/Immediate/UTD12-20(R).pdf

UTD12-20(R).pdf

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Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Mar 31 at 2020 1:43 PM

2020-03-31T13:43:44-04:00

That must be hard for families who had PCS orders that began before May 11th. Glad to hear there is support at the base level to cover expenses that might come up while being stuck in limbo.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 1 at 2020 7:37 AM

2020-04-01T07:37:23-04:00

My days of that are over. I do not envy the current folks having to deal with this

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Apr 5 at 2020 9:09 PM

2020-04-05T21:09:10-04:00

CW5 Cardwell, I'm in the same boat as you. I'm fully retired at 63.

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Apr 12 at 2020 12:31 AM

2020-04-12T00:31:51-04:00

Thank You for sharing this Very Informative Post!!!

Response by Kenn Evans made Apr 12 at 2020 11:51 AM

2020-04-12T11:51:09-04:00

Remember there are many museums and discovery centers that are online offering free virtual tours, many of these institutions are also Blue Star participants. It's a great way to experience what a museum has and makes trip planning for the future easier. If they are a Blue Star participating facility, I would give them preference, not because its free for Blue Star families but they have made a choice to support our service members and their families. Please if you don't have to travel at this time, don't. I have had four friends including my pharmacist and pastor die from this COVID 19 and until more is understood, and we are learning more about it each day, shelter in place as long as possible.

Response by Cpl Eric Day made Apr 12 at 2020 1:47 PM

2020-04-12T13:47:27-04:00

stay home or get hazed

Response by Jack Powell made Apr 17 at 2020 7:45 PM

2020-04-17T19:45:03-04:00

madeintheusabyveterans.com needs a partner so they can roll nationwide.

Response by SFC William Vannortwick made May 8 at 2020 8:41 AM

2020-05-08T08:41:29-04:00

71-72 Vietnam war not much good to say out of high school and dropped into horror, hated by all, and found the brotherhood. served 8 more years in the national guard follered by 9 years in the NY state guard. just wanted to belong to a unit that helps, like a person belongs to the fire department, father 22years army

Response by SFC William Vannortwick made May 8 at 2020 9:00 AM

2020-05-08T09:00:41-04:00

a country torn apart by a virus shame, we have had many in 250 years. America and the world were attacked by the communist Chinese. it is time to nuke them as we did in Japan to save lives. remember our flag has 250 years of patriots blood on it. a country of Christians and freedoms, now the left is picking at the constitution in the shadows of COVID 19. no more shades of gray just right and wrong. a civil war is looming like in 1865 for freedom. thanks for a place to run my mouth