DOD extends travel restrictions for all service members

Photo By Sgt. Gabino Perez | U.S. Marines visit the Distribution Management Office (DMO) to ask questions about their upcoming moves on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 16 2019. Transitioning service members go to DMO to receive services such as shipment, receipt, pickup, delivery and storage of all personal property. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gabino Perez)  

CAMP PENDLETON , CA, UNITED STATES

04.20.2020

Story by Lance Cpl. Andrew Cortez 

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

In a move to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense have extended restrictions on personnel movement until June 30.

Defense officials announced the newest restrictions during a press briefing April 18. The DOD originally set travel restrictions in March stopping travel for all military members through May 11. The Marines published their own guidance April 21 with the release of Marine Administrative Message 254/20.

The MARADMIN applies restrictions to all official travel, including temporary duty and permanent change of station moves. It also includes personal leave and non-official travel for uniformed personnel outside the local area.

All personnel stationed on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton have additionally been restricted to travel within a 30 mile radius from their individual residence, and have been instructed to limit travel to essential needs.

The MARADMIN also established exceptions to the policy for Marines in their initial training pipeline and those reporting for duty as recruiters or drill instructors. Marines who had already started their PCS or TDY orders are authorized to continue traveling to their final destination.

Defense officials acknowledge the possibility restrictions could be lifted early or extended depending on how the global situation develops, and will review the need to release updated guidance every 15 days.

“Never say never,” said Matthew P. Donovan, the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, during a press conference over the weekend announcing the ban when asked about restrictions being extended or shortened.

For more information about travel restrictions or the process to submit waivers, visit marines.mil.

• Date Taken: 04.20.2020
• Date Posted: 04.20.2020 21:55
• Story ID: 367916
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON , CA, US