Travel for military families restricted until mid-May

The Department of Defense has issued domestic and international travel restrictions for military families, keeping some families from joining their soldiers overseas.

“All DoD service members and civilians, and their family members will stop all official travel,” read the memo from the Department of Defense. 

Travel for medical leave is still allowed, but travel for Permanent Change of Station and Temporary Duty has been halted. Families who were in the process of joining their soldiers for any overseas PCS will be required to wait for at least the next 60 days. 

“The department is committed to doing our part in the administration’s comprehensive fight against the coronavirus by enhancing the safety of our personnel, helping them stay healthy, and making sure they’re able to continue executing the mission,” said Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper.

“Compelling cases” may be given exceptions – These cases could include travel considered mission essential, humanitarian, or warranted because of extreme hardship. Those who have already requested or been approved for leave during this period will only be allowed to travel locally. 

The Department of Defense is enhancing safety and sanitation measures for military and DoD contracted aircrafts returning from CDC Level 3 and Level 2 designated areas. Pre and post-travel screenings, along with some additional procedures, have been put in place for people returning from these areas. 

Read the full DoD memo here.