what is a military assignment

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Military TDY: Temporary Duty Assignment Explained

The U.S. Armed Forces issue different types of military travel orders to personnel.

Your military travel orders pertain to changes in your duty location and the duration, and may also impact your military pay.

Military TDY (Temporary Duty) is one common type of military travel order .

Get all your questions answered about Temporary Duty (TDY) status and what you can expect to experience with this type of order.

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Table of Contents

What is TDY?

The U.S. Military has three primary types of military travel orders:

• Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
• Temporary Duty (TDY)
• Deployments Orders

It is important to keep in mind that the three types of military assignment orders are not the same and each has its own characteristics.

Your military orders may affect how long you serve at the post, the specific location, and special duty pay.

Temporary Duty (TDY) is defined by the Department of Defense as:

Duty at one or more locations, away from the permanent duty station (PDS), under an order, providing for further assignment or pending further assignment, to return to the old PDS or to proceed to a new PDS.

Military branches under the U.S. Armed Forces have different references for Military TDY, like TAD (temporary additional duty) or TCS (temporary change of station).

However, they all mean basically the same thing that your military orders are temporary.

The primary difference between Military TDY and other orders is that it grants authorization for a service member to perform work away from the permanent duty station.

The Department of Defense requires the label Military TDY (or one of its variants) to approve travel pay, per diem, and coverage of other expenses to assist the soldier.

Since the assignment is temporary, the service member can expect a shorter stay than a permanent station assignment, however, the length of the orders may vary.

The individual details of TDY orders are fleshed out with each commitment.

The specifics of your Military TDY outline expected duration, amount of travel pay, coverage of expenses, housing and food support, transportation, and other forms of assistance.

How long is a TDY?

Military TDY is temporary for military orders, so the length is generally not longer than 180 days.

Temporary duty orders may range anywhere from a few days to a half year.

Long-term TDY is any orders which specify longer than 30 days.

TDY per diem rates depend on the location you have orders for. It will also include reimbursement for lodging, meals, and incidentals. 

Use this calculator to determine how much you can expect to receive. 

Military TDY is a stark contrast from Permanent Duty Assignments and Deployments, which have commitments of several months or years.

The Department of Defense authorizes TDY through Joint Travel Regulations.

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Is TDY considered a deployment?

Technically there is a difference between a temporary duty assignment (TDY) and Deployment, even though they are both military orders.

Deployments are similar to military TDY, except that the service member is assigned to a specific operation.

Therefore, deployments usually reference combat operations that take place overseas.

When most civilians think of military orders, they commonly associate everything with being deployed, though that’s not always the case based on the actual military definition.

Deployment refers to assigning military personnel from a home station to somewhere outside the continental United States.

Mobilizations are also classified as deployments under the Department of Defense guidelines.

How does a TDY differ from a deployment?

The biggest difference between deployments and temporary duty assignments is the length of the orders.

Military TDY is short-term, with even longer stints requiring less than a half year of commitment.

On the other hand, deployments are typically longer and involve assignments outside the United States.

Additionally, deployments involve assignments to specific operations and usually in combat situations.

However, both types of military orders have similarities.

For example, military personnel must leave their home station for a different location under each type of order.

Military TDY is not always as serious as deployments.

For instance, a temporary duty assignment could mean nothing more than attending school, conferences, or a military-sponsored event.

Or it could pertain to a regular part of military duty where frequent travel is mandatory and the service member hopes to receive some form of compensation for their travel exs.

There are cases where military personnel earn TDY status even when working in the same geographic area as the home base to justify lodging and meal expenses associated with the duty.

Soldiers also rely on military TDY for house hunting and other searches when considering a new permanent change of station or out-processing from military service.

Can I go with my husband/wife on a TDY?

One of the many perks of temporary duty assignments is that you can occasionally bring along the family.

The same is not true of deployments where it would put your spouse or other family members in danger.

If given the chance to bring along a spouse for your temporary duty assignment, you should welcome the opportunity, but keep in mind that pier diem rates are only calculated for the service member.

Military personnel often spend months away from family and friends, so having a unique opportunity like this to spend with a loved one is rare and special.

MilitaryShoppers.com put together a great resource on the topic.

It explains the pros and cons of tagging along with a significant other while he or she is on TDY.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that while you can live with your spouse while on temporary duty assignment, his or her time is still limited and it might drain your budget quickly.

Other than that, it’s an enticing opportunity to catch up after potentially months of separation.

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Will I get paid extra during a TDY?

Despite having to leave your home station, there is nothing more rewarding than a little extra pay in freedom.

It is exactly what temporary duty assignments provide to service members.

In fact, the reason that military personnel may request or seek TDY is the opportunity to put more in their wallet.

Military TDY usually grants per diem pay, which helps cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses.

You get a set per diem pay regardless of what you actually spend each day on daily expenses.

As a result, if you budget accordingly, you can earn extra cash by pocketing whatever per diem you don’t spend on daily living expenses.

What kind of accommodations can I expect during a TDY?

The accommodations of temporary duty assignments are nothing to brag about yet offer incentives that most military personnel don’t get to enjoy.

For example, the potential opportunity to take your significant other along with you when TDY is a major advantage for some.

Military personnel may get the opportunity to stay at furnished apartments or long-term stay hotels.

Long-term stays help save you money on your per diem since you can cook your own meals as opposed to dining out all of the time.

Furnished apartments may also include laundry and other housing services to save even more money.

Service members on TDY may also request a cash advance of 60-80% of the total value.

It helps cover move-in costs as opposed to spending out of their own pocket.

Some military organizations deem anything over 30 consecutive calendar days. 

For this reason, it allows partial reimbursement of living expenses prior to concluding the assignment.

Military TDY, or temporary duty assignments, refer to relatively short-term military travel orders away from a home station.

Temporary duty assignments range from a couple of days to under six months.

Military TDY is a good thing for soldiers despite the travel arrangements, as it helps cover lodging, food, and transportation regarding the orders.

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Military TDY: What it is, How it Works, and What to Expect

Table of Contents

What is military tdy, how does military tdy work, what to expect during military tdy.

Military TDY is a common term used in the United States military to refer to temporary duty assignments that require service members to leave their home station and travel to a different location for a short period of time. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what military TDY is, how it works, and what service members can expect when they are assigned to TDY.

Military TDY, or Temporary Duty, is a type of assignment that requires service members to travel away from their home station for a period of time ranging from a few days to several months. TDY can be for a variety of reasons, including training, special assignments, temporary duty with other units or organizations, or for mission-related travel.

Military TDY can be initiated by a service member's unit, a higher headquarters, or by a specific mission requirement. Once a service member is selected for TDY, they are typically provided with orders that outline the purpose of the TDY, the location they will be traveling to, the duration of the assignment, and any other special instructions or requirements.

When traveling for TDY, service members are typically provided with transportation to and from their TDY location, as well as lodging, per diem for meals, and any other necessary support. While on TDY, service members are expected to perform the duties assigned to them and follow all applicable military regulations and policies.

When assigned to TDY, service members can expect to be away from their home station for the duration of the assignment. Depending on the location of the TDY, service members may be required to travel by commercial airline, military aircraft, or ground transportation. Upon arrival at their TDY location, service members will typically check in with their sponsor or point of contact and receive a briefing on the local area and any specific requirements or restrictions.

Service members will be responsible for performing the duties assigned to them during the TDY, which may include training, operational missions, or support functions. While on TDY, service members are expected to maintain a professional appearance and conduct themselves in accordance with military regulations and policies.

Military TDY is a common type of assignment in the United States military that requires service members to travel away from their home station for a temporary period of time. TDY can be for a variety of reasons, including training, special assignments, and mission-related travel. Service members selected for TDY can expect to receive orders outlining the purpose, location, and duration of the assignment, as well as any special instructions or requirements. While on TDY, service members are expected to perform the duties assigned to them and follow all applicable military regulations and policies.

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The Military Wallet

Temporary Duty Assignments – Understanding Your Pay & Benefits While on TDY Orders

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TDY is the three-letter acronym that often leaves servicemembers and families confused. Get to know the various types of Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY) or Temporary Assignment Duty (TAD) to keep your finances and sanity from teetering into the red when you are on TDY orders.

Fully  understanding your military assignments and benefits is the benchmark of a seasoned servicemember. Pay increases or decreases, what per diem covers, and whether or not family members could or should accompany are all factors to fully grasp before going TDY.

Three Types of Military Orders

There are three primary types of military orders:

• Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
• Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY)

Of the three, TDY orders are likely the most complex, as they can be issued as an add-on to additional orders like a PCS. In addition to complexity, TDY orders also offer the most flexibility for servicemembers and their dependents to determine how they will handle assignments, placing them in a location anywhere from just a few days to six months.

There are likely dozens of situations where TDY may be issued. Some examples include additional schooling, career specialties that require frequent travel, or completing special assignments for the military. In nature, the assignments are meant to be short in duration and non-permanent.

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Financial Considerations of TDY Orders

The financial characteristics of TDY are perhaps the most important piece to understand. Consider TDY orders to be similar to travel for professional civilian jobs (like conferences). The organization, in this case, the military, will authorize a certain dollar amount per day called “per diem” for everyday expenses such as food, lodging, and transportation. Essentially, additional TDY pay on top of your regular pay is an additional fixed budget given to you per day. It is the servicemember’s responsibility to budget adequately.

You may be eligible for per diem even if you are temporarily assigned in the same state as your current duty station depending on the situation.

While on assignment, it is critical to keep the following receipts so you can have them validated for reimbursement upon return.

• Meal receipts
• Taxi/Uber/shuttle expenses
• Any travel costs like flights, subway, etc.
• Daily mileage totals (if you are traveling in your own vehicle)
• Incidental expenses or any unexpected costs directly related to daily operations

According to the Department of Defense , “A Service member ordered to a U.S. installation must use adequate and available Government quarters.” This means that if lodging is available, you will likely be required to stay in military housing, such as the barracks, or in installation hotels or accommodations. While exceptions to policy (ETP) do happen, it is largely dependent on a host of factors.

Exceptions to Policy (ETP)

Let’s say, for example, that following his commission , a soldier receives TDY orders to Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC) which requires a six-month stay. The soldier has a family and would prefer they accompany him to the training and he requests to stay in off-installation accommodations for the duration of the training course.

While it is not guaranteed, this is a strong case for ETP to be considered. Off installation accommodations would offer greater flexibility to find budget-friendly options within per diem that also include benefits such as on-site laundry and kitchenettes.

When overages or excessive fees are incurred or circumstances constitute an exception to policy, the Authorizing Official (AO) will need to pre-approve the charges before they will be reimbursed. You may not be reimbursed if you are not given pre-authorization, so it is essential to communicate prior to making decisions that will incur costs.

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Per Diem – What is Covered on TDY Orders?

Knowing what is not covered in per diem is just as important as knowing what is.

The military will not cover alcohol purchases in stores or in restaurant establishments. If a servicemember chooses to consume alcohol with their meal, a separate receipt would likely be the best choice, additionally, any charges will be the full responsibility of the individual. Additionally, when deciding to consume alcohol, a full understanding of what hours are considered on and off duty is the responsibility of the servicemember.

Family Separation Allowance (FSA) is an additional benefit offered to servicemembers when they are on assignment away from their family greater than 30 days. It is important to note that if a servicemember’s family accompanies the active duty member for the entire duration of the TDY, FSA would not be considered. However, FSA benefits do apply when dependents visit the servicemember for less than 30 consecutive days.

The eligibility for FSA may be extended to National Guard and wounded warriors, depending on the type, length, and restrictions of the TDY assignment.

Meal rates are based upon location, just like in the civilian world. Speaking with the Authorizing Official (AO) before going TDY to get a precise dollar amount for per diem is highly recommended. A portion, but not always the full amount of gratuity is also included in travel-related expenses.

An often-forgotten component of TDY rates includes factoring in “included” meals provided by the conference or government in your stay. If two out of three meals will be provided, rates may be reduced per day as well as any additional meals. Religious or dietary requirements are an exception to the policy if the traveler meets all requirements. All servicemembers should speak with their local Authorizing Official, command, and financial office to ensure they are fully up to speed.

Going TDY can provide an interesting change of pace and has the potential to put some extra cash in your pocket depending on your budget and personal preferences. If you are someone who likes to cook for yourself in a kitchenette you can save some money. But if you are expected to attend formal functions, eating out often, TDY can get expensive. With a little planning, your TDY experience can be a good one.

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Samantha Peterson

Samantha Peterson is a regular contributor for military publications such as The Military Wallet, Military Families Magazine, We Are The Mighty and more. She feels passionately about telling compelling stories and crafting captivating narratives. Living life one PCS at a time, she’s travel schooling her children while tackling careers in the nonprofit and environmental sector all as military life allows.

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How airmen are assigned jobs gets a fresh look from new Air Force panel

A new Air Force panel will rethink how the service assigns airmen to new jobs, including for troops in complicated situations like dual-military relationships, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass said Monday.

“We’re about to have an assignment working group,” she said in a livestreamed question-and-answer session with Chief of Staff Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown. “What do we expect assignments to look like as we look into the future of our Air Force? What should assignments look like in 2030? We’re kind of backward planning.”

While Bass did not elaborate on the issues the group will tackle, she stressed the Air Force wants to make the assignment process more flexible and transparent. She pointed to her own experiences hashing out military assignments with her husband, Rahn Bass, a retired Army first sergeant.

“I felt like the [Air Force Personnel Center] was very transparent,” Bass said. “They will do everything that they can to ensure that families can stay together, to include sister services.”

That effort will go hand-in-hand with a new enlisted force development plan due out this summer to better shape the careers of those airmen. Career policy discussions come as the Air Force considers how to meet its combat and peacetime needs while improving quality of life for servicemembers and their families.

Service leaders anticipate a future without much growth in the total workforce. Some career fields are stretched thin by low staffing, high turnover, and a hectic operations schedule, while the Air Force faces record-high retention at the same time.

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Leaders have already begun tweaking some aspects of the assignment process, like growing its searchable online database of job opportunities, and better connecting airmen with bases where they most want to serve.

Earlier this year, the Air Force lengthened the amount of time airmen and Space Force guardians without dependents spend at certain bases overseas from 24 to 36 months. Stretching out those tours of duty at 21 locations is meant to bolster training and better integrate troops into the local community, the service said.

Brown likened the considerations to other personnel management changes the Air Force has rolled out, including a recent overhaul of the promotion system.

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“There’s going to be some folks that’ll get a little upset … but the key part is, what are we doing to ensure we are helping our airmen?” he said.

The service is also taking a fresh look at professional military education, Bass said, hoping to create good supervisors as well as good followers. Brown suggested there’s an opportunity for leaders to learn how to give their subordinates helpful feedback for better professional development.

Perhaps there are certain tasks the Air Force can move off of its plate because they aren’t unique to the service, Bass added.

“I think our manpower standards and how we look at managing manpowe need a relook as well,” she said. “Every unit can do that at their level.”

Rachel Cohen is the editor of Air Force Times. She joined the publication as its senior reporter in March 2021. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, the Frederick News-Post (Md.), Air and Space Forces Magazine, Inside Defense, Inside Health Policy and elsewhere.

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Duty Stations & Deployment

After service members complete Basic Training and hone their skills during Advanced Training , like AIT, “A” School and “C” School, they’ll move on to apply their specialties where they’re needed at their first duty station. Each assignment involves a “movement order,” and there are three types: permanent change of station , temporary duty and deployment .

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Permanent change of station, temporary duty.

Permanent change of station (PCS) is a long-term assignment or transfer of an active-duty service member to a permanent duty station (PDS) location that typically lasts between two and four years. This can be from one state to another within the U.S. or even to another country . 

Duty stations are typically bases or other installations where service members both live and perform their work. Though service members can sometimes choose from several preferred duty stations, the needs of the Military are often the deciding factor. 

Moving between duty stations can be a big life step for many individuals. If this is the case, knowing a few helpful tips can make this transition more comfortable.

Temporary duty (TDY) is when a service member is temporarily stationed at one or more locations away from their permanent duty station (PDS). It can also be referred to as temporary change of station (TCS) or temporary additional duty (TAD). After completing TDY, a service member will return to the original PDS or proceed to a new one. The duration of a TDY assignment can be anywhere between 30 days and six months.

Deployment is the movement of military units or individual service members to locations outside of the continental U.S. and its territories for the purposes of accomplishing specific missions. Contrary to popular belief, not all deployments are combative in nature. Service members can also make an impact by being deployed on peacekeeping missions, citizen evacuations, joint training exercises and even bolstering security at U.S. high commissions and embassies abroad. 

Deployment can last from anywhere between 90 days and 15 months, and there are no limits to the number of times that active-duty members can be deployed.

Deployment: From Notification to Movement

Deployment is a multi-stage process that typically consists of three phases: 

• Warning order: This is a formal and official government alert sent to Service branches that their help is required. From here, Services “prepare to deploy” by identifying personnel to satisfy the mission requirements, conducting health tests, getting their equipment ready and more.
• Notice to deploy: This formal deployment notification follows the warning order and carries the details of the type of unit to be deployed, the destination and the time of deployment.
• Movement: This is when the convoys/units begin their journey toward their deployment destination.

Depending on the need of the mission and the urgency, the time between the warning order and the movement can be anywhere from months to weeks to days.

Deployment Ceremony

A few leaders from the Army’s 326th Financial Management Support Center share their thoughts during a deployment ceremony.

Transcription

Good morning. So, I'm Master and Rivera. I'm the Senior financial management advisor for 3 26 F . M . S . C. Today, uh is our deployment ceremony. I'm excited to be taking the team forward. We have trained up to this point and I feel confident that we're ready to take over the mission from the 266. I know I will miss my family, but this is something that gives me meaning so they understand that. So they'll be happy to see me when I get back. Hello, My name is Captain Danny . Nam. I just got promoted. I'm just very excited just to get to play with our unit. Very excited for the whole process, thankful for everything that the 3 to 6 has done for me and my family and um yeah , I'm really excited to learn and kind of make the best of the moment that we have and the opportunity that we get Sergeant first class David Ramirez at the 3 26 F . M . S . C . I've been serving as a unit movement officer for the past nine months in preparation for this deployment. This will be my fourth deployment to the centcom A . O . R . I'm really excited about going overseas with this unit for the third time. I'm looking forward to it. I will be leaving behind my wife and my five year old and seven year old who I'm gonna miss but I know I will be able to communicate with them. I'm excited about this opportunity to be overseas and represent my unit and the army.

Predeployment Training

Each deployment is a new assignment, and service members undergo special predeployment training before they leave. These trainings prepare them for the mission ahead and can have the service members working on new skill sets if need be. Predeployment training is mandatory before every deployment, no matter how many times a service member has previously deployed.

Deployment for Reserve & Guard Members

Reservists and Guard members who get activated for a mission can be deployed to support combat missions, domestic emergencies, humanitarian efforts, homeland security operations and more. The length of deployment depends on the occupational specialties and operational units required at that time.

Humanitarian Missions

Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief are core Department of Defense capabilities. While service members often respond to large-scale emergencies affecting civilian populations, they also assist in international humanitarian missions, which are aimed at strengthening and growing relationships between nations.

Bringing Dental Care to Guatemala

Active duty and reservist personnel from the Army and Air Force administer healthcare to local populations in Guatemala.

We are on a humanitarian mission in Guatemala and we are providing dental services at this site. And we are cleaning teeth, doing extractions and in cases where cavities are really small. We can do silver diamond fluoride which basically helps arrest the cavity. So it doesn't spread. We're making a small event in their population. I wish we could stay longer and do more. It's been at times intense and I say that because there's just such a great need. We really work hard to try to see everybody. I think it's good for the U. S. Military that comes with missions like these because it helps strengthen the relationships and we get to learn a lot about their culture. They get to learn a lot about our culture. So it's really great  I am so happy to have this opportunity. When you look at the very essence of why we became providers often times we've done it because we felt like we wanted to contribute to society to help people and when you're in an environment like this, I mean that is exactly what it's all about. Yeah.

Sea duty refers to an assignment where service members are either aboard commissioned vessels or attached to ready-to-be deployed units at their base port. This specific type of duty is not limited to Navy service members. Members of other Service branches, both active duty and reserve/guard, can also acquire creditable sea duty time while serving aboard vessels of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command (MSC), and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Sea duty can last in excess of 150 total days per year.

Voting While Abroad

U.S. citizen service members who find themselves overseas and away from home during election seasons are still able to cast their votes using tools and resources provided through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) .

Eligible family members of service members who are also stationed abroad are able to receive voting assistance through FVAP too. 

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SPECIAL DUTIES. EXTRAORDINARY ROLES.

Marines often serve in a variety of special capacities, whether protecting our Nation’s embassies abroad, recruiting the next generation of United States Marines, or even serving the United States Special Operations Command as a MARSOC Raider. These duties are earned by Marines who have proven their exceptional ability to fight and win in the primary Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) .

Every Marine takes on a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) for which he or she is optimally trained, but beyond these roles are the opportunities to take on special duty assignments. Many of these advanced opportunities are called “B” Billets, a designation separate from a Marine’s primary MOS. Explore these critical but atypical roles in the Corps.

Recruiting duty is a vital assignment in the Marine Corps, as it puts Marines in the position of ensuring the standards of our Corps remain high. Those Marines selected for recruiting duty carry the essential duty of screening, selecting, and preparing the next generation of Marines for the physical and mental rigors of recruit training.

Those Marines selected to serve on Drill Instructor Duty carry the essential responsibility of directly shaping the future of the Marine Corps, providing guidance, discipline, and direction for future Marines.

“These recruits are entrusted to my care. I will train them to the best of my ability. I will develop them into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained Marines, thoroughly indoctrinated in love of Corps and country. I will demand of them, and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality and professional skill."

—Excerpt from Drill Instructor's Creed

The Marine Corps is the only military service that is entrusted with the responsibility of providing security for U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world. Marines selected for these special duty assignments will have the opportunity to serve at embassies and consulates located in various countries around the globe.

Security Force duty is among the most challenging the Corps offers, and Marines who take on this opportunity must be highly-trained in advanced security procedures. Our Nation places special trusts in these Marines, as they are assigned the responsibility of maintaining a worldwide presence, guarding and protecting key naval assets and special strategic weapons.

MARINE CORPS SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

Ready to stand on the frontline of any battle, the Marine Raiders of MARSOC are built up in their Corps ethos, warfighting philosophy and values and represent the Marine Corps contribution to the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Two of the prominent roles within the Marine Raider community include Critical Skills Operators, who support the full spectrum of special operations on a global scale, and Special Operations Capability Specialists, who provide combat support expertise in intelligence, fire support, communications, EOD, and canine operations.

Gain direct access to a Marine Recruiter who has fought alongside Marines and is prepared to show you how to become one.

One doesn't consider an endeavor of this magnitude without having questions. Here are some of the most common.

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First Duty and Future Assignments in the Military

There are circumstances where military members can request assignment

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Future Assignments

Follow-on assignment, hardship assignments, joint spouse assignments, permissive reassignments, base of preference, travel entitlements, privately owned vehicle shipment.

Rod Powers was a retired Air Force First Sergeant with 22 years of active duty service.

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First duty station selection is made (in either basic training or technical school/AIT/A-School), based ​upon your preferences, and the needs of the service. While the services will consider your preferences, the overriding deciding factor is where the military needs you the most.

Some Navy jobs  allow your assignment to be based on your class-standing in "A-School." And of course, it goes without saying that assignments are based on valid vacancies. If you have the job of tank-fixer, you're only going to be assigned to bases that have tanks to fix.

After the first duty assignment, subsequent assignments are done a little differently. In most cases, you'll have a little more say in future assignments, than you have for the first duty assignment . There are a few restrictions, however.

First-term (those in their first enlistment ) enlisted members assigned to a continental (CONUS) U.S. location must have 12 months time-on-station before being eligible to move to an overseas location and must have 24 months time-on-station before being allowed to move to another continental U.S. location.

Career (those who have re-enlisted at least once) enlisted members assigned to the continental U.S. must have 24 months time-on-station to move to an overseas location and must have 36 months time-on-station in order to move to another continental U.S. location.

The length of time one spends on an overseas tour depends on the location. For example, most of Europe and Japan are considered standard overseas tours. The length of the assignment is 24 months for single people, or those with dependents who elect not to bring their dependents, and 36 months for those who bring their dependents.

Another type of overseas assignment, like most assignments to Korea, is considered remote. On a remote tour one cannot bring their family at government expense, and the tour-length is 12 months. On the other hand, those returning from a remote tour usually get assignment preference over those returning from a standard tour.

For standard overseas tours, one can generally increase his or her chances of being selected by volunteering for the extended tour length. This is the standard tour, plus 12 months.

Of course, one can be involuntarily assigned overseas as well. In general, this is done based on the military member's last overseas return date. 

A follow-on assignment is an assignment after a remote tour. Those with orders for a remote tour can apply for their next assignment before they even depart to the remote tour.

When is assigned to a 12-month remote tour, military members can move their dependents anywhere they want to live in the United States, at government expense, while the member is away. The government must then pay again to relocate the dependents from where they are living to the new assignment when the member returns from the remote tour. Single people, even though they don't have dependents can use the follow-on program, as well.

It's important not to confuse assignments with deployments , which are of course based on many factors such as geopolitical situations and the need for U.S. military troops around the world. 

Each of the services also has procedures for hardship assignments. This allows a military member to apply for reassignment to a specific area/base, due to a valid family hardship. The military's definition of hardship is when there are extreme family problems such as illness, death, or extremely unusual circumstances that are temporary in nature and the specific circumstances necessitate the military member's presence.

If the problem is not one that can be resolved within one year, a  hardship discharge  will be considered, rather than a hardship assignment.

When one military member is married to another military member, both must apply to be assigned together. This is called a joint spouse assignment. The military will try to assign spouses together, but there are no guarantees. The success rate for joint spouse assignments is about 85 percent.

Joint spouse assignments are obviously much easier to accommodate if both spouses are in the same branch of the military. 

A permissive reassignment is one that doesn't cost the government any money. Most permissive reassignments are in the form of swaps, which is when one military member finds another with the same rank and job, currently assigned (or with orders) to a base they want to go to.

Both members who agree to swap must pay for their own move. This includes shipment of personal property. Usually, military personnel offices maintain lists of military people worldwide who are looking to swap. In order to be eligible for a swap, one must have the required time-on-station mentioned above. In other words, a first-termer must have 24 months time-on-station to swap with someone at another continental U.S. location.

Before a military member re-enlists, he can apply to move to a base of his choice. The military, of course, wants this person to re-enlist, so they try to accommodate such base of preference requests. If approved, the member must then re-enlist to accept the assignment. 

When you graduate technical school, the military will pay the authorized costs for you to go to your next duty assignment or, to the port of your military flight for overseas assignments. 

The military does not pay you for travel on leave. They pay you for direct travel from your old duty assignment to your next duty assignment. If you travel home on leave, any additional cost is out of your pocket.

If you own a vehicle and get an overseas assignment, the military will either ship the vehicle for you or store it while you are away. 

Some locations don't allow the shipping of a personal vehicle and others restrict this privilege to certain ranks. In these cases, the military will store the vehicle for you for free while you are assigned overseas.

The military will pay to move your personal property from your home location to your first permanent duty station, or, you can rent a truck, move it yourself. In such cases, the military will reimburse you a portion of what it would have paid a contractor to move the vehicle.

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The Military Has a Vocabulary All its Own. Here are Some Common Terms and Phrases

How would you respond if you heard someone say, “I’m a 90A, and I just finished up as the S1 for the 728th. I ran the battalion PAC and was responsible for OERs, NCOERs, awards and all MILPO actions”?

The military jargon used to communicate systems, positions, geography and terminology is plentiful. Within the military, it’s a shorthand that makes communication more efficient, although to civilian listeners, it can be confusing to say the least.

The U.S. military uses many unique items and concepts that civilians aren't exposed to. Because of this and the need for expedient, clear communication, service members are immersed in a linguistic world apart from the daily life of a civilian. Some are self-explanatory and others are completely cryptic, but they each have a specific and important (sometimes) meaning.

Be sure to check out Military.com's Glossary of Military Acronyms .

If you want to know more, check out our complete guide to the military alphabet .

What is Military Slang?

Military slang refers to the unique jargon and expressions commonly used by service members in the armed forces. Military slang is a way for soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coasties to not only communicate more efficiently, but also as a way to build camaraderie with “insider” language.

Military slang typically includes abbreviations and other shortened ways of saying things, such as acronyms, nicknames for equipment, and more. It’s often direct and tinged with dark humor, reflecting the culture.

Military jargon and slang can change from region to region, and sometimes evolve over time and with different missions.

Military Terms, Slang, and Jargon

11 Bullet Catcher/Bang-Bang -- An Army infantryman.

40 Mike-Mike -- An M203 grenade launcher, usually mounted under an M-16 or similar weapon.

Air Picket -- Any airborne system tasked with detecting, reporting and tracking enemy aerial movements within a certain area of operation.

Alpha Charlie -- Military alphabet used to represent ass chewing. Defines getting verbally reprimanded.

Anymouse -- A lockbox on Navy ships where sailors may drop anonymous suggestions.

Ass -- Armored vehicles such as Strykers and Tanks.

Ate-Up -- Describes a service member who follows regulations so closely that they disregard the context of the situation. Conversely, may describe a service member who doesn't understand regulations at all.

Band-Aid -- A Vietnam-era term for a medic.

Bang-bang -- An Army term describing a pistol or rifle.

Big Voice -- Term used to describe the loudspeaker on a military base. The Big Voice warns of everything from incoming attacks to scheduled ordnance disposal.

Bird -- Helicopter.

Bitchin' Betty -- Most U.S. military aircraft feature warning systems that frequently utilize female voices. The phrase is derived from the same anthropomorphizing applied to GPS units in cars, only Bitchin' Betty's alert pilots to life-threatening situations.

'Black' on ammo, fuel, water, etc. -- A common phrase denoting a particular resource is gone.

Blowed up -- The state of being hit by an IED.

Blue Falcon -- A euphemism for buddy **** or buddy ****er, which is slang for a backstabber.

Bolo -- A derogatory remark for recruits who cannot pass marksmanship training. The idea being that if one cannot use a rifle, one must resort to a bolo.

Bone -- A B-1 bomber.

Bull**** Bomb -- A package intended to disperse propaganda leaflets.

Bullwinkle Badge -- Another name for the Air Assault Badge.

Burn Bag -- A bag used to hold shredded documents, designed to be burned. May also refer to a useless person.

Cannibalize -- The act of taking workable parts of one item and using them in another.

Chancre Mechanic -- Medical officer who checks service members for venereal diseases.

Charlie Foxtrot -- Commonly used expression utilizing the military alphabet to stand for clusterf***.

Chem-Light Batteries -- A mythical object that would be extremely, functionally pointless. Often the source of fruitless hunts embarked upon by hapless privates.

Chest Candy -- Ribbons and medals worn on a uniform. Can be insulting or applauding.

Chicken plates -- Sheets of protective material, called Small Arms Protective Inserts, which are used in the Interceptor body armor system.

Comics -- Term used to describe maps presented by military intelligence. The term is fairly derogatory in nature as a slight against the accuracy of the maps. It also refers to the brightly colored layouts and symbols usually included.

Commo -- Communications equipment or the individuals who operate it. Usually given to communications officers on U.S. Navy vessels.

CONUS -- Continental United States, the 48 states on the U.S. mainland (not including Alaska or Hawaii.)

Crank -- Navy term for a sailor pulling temporary duty in the galley.

Crumb Catcher -- Military slang describing the mouth.

Crusher -- Hats worn by pilots during World War II. The hat's wide top brim would need to be crushed down to allow for headsets to be worn.

DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) -- Every separated service member receives a Department of Defense (DD) Form 214 upon retirement, separation, or discharge from military service. This document states all the information related to their time of service (such as assignments, awards, dates of service, etc.) as well as the type and characterization of the discharge.

Dear John -- Common term referring to a significant other breaking up with a service member through a letter.

Demilitarized Zone -- A specific area in which any type of military force -- including but not limited to personnel, hardware and infrastructure -- are banned.

Digit Midget -- Usually used with a number as a prefix. X digit midget refers to the number of days till an individual goes on leave or retires.

Digies -- Digital camouflage worn by soldiers and Marines.

Dittybopper -- A term in the Army referring to signals intelligence radio operators trained to utilize Morse code. Also used as a verb to describe soldiers marching out of synch with a cadence.

Dope on a Rope -- Derogatory term used for air-assault soldiers.

Dust-off -- Specifically, a medical evacuation by helicopter.

Duty Station -- the geographic location at which a service member is conducting official duties. This may be a temporary location for professional military education or training, or it may be permanent (i.e., home station).

Dynamited Chicken -- Term originating in the Navy referring to chicken cacciatore or chicken a la king.

Embed -- When a reporter stays with the military in order to conduct journalistic business. They typically are provided with security and basic necessities provided by the unit they are embedded with.

Expectant -- A casualty who is expected to pass die.

Eagle Keeper -- Maintenance crew chief of an F-15 .

Fang -- A verb to describe being rebuked, called out or otherwise disparaged.

Fangs -- A Marine Corps term for one's teeth.

Fart Sack -- Refers to a sleeping bag or an airman's flight suit.

Farts and Darts -- Refers to the clouds and lightning bolt embellishments found on Air Force officer caps.

Fashion Show -- A Naval punishment where a sailor is required to dress in each of his uniforms over a period of several hours.

Fast Mover -- A jet fighter. Aptly named due to the rapidity of a jet fighter's movement.

First Light -- The time of nautical twilight when the sun is 12 degrees below the horizon.

Flaming ***hole -- An Air Force term to describe the fiery effect of a jet plane turning on its afterburners during combat or any other military operation.

Flight Suit Insert -- Air Force slang for a pilot.

Fitty -- An M2 .50 caliber machine gun.

Five-Sided Puzzle Palace -- The Pentagon.

FOB (Forward Operating Base) -- Larger than a COP (smaller base located in a particularly hostile area.) A FOB typically offers more resources and comfort provisions such as hot meals, hot water and laundry facilities.

Football Bat -- An individual or way of doing things that is particularly odd.

Force Projection -- The ability of a nation-state to extend military force beyond their borders.

Fourth Point of Contact -- From rolling after a successful parachute drop: a term to describe an individual's buttocks. The first three points are feet, calves and back of the thigh.

Fruit Salad -- Slang for a service member's display of medals and ribbons on a dress uniform.

Fugazi -- Completely out of whack, ****ed up, screwy. This term originated during the Vietnam War and experienced limited use by civilians.

Galloping Dandruff -- An Army term used since World War I to refer to crab lice.

Geardo -- An Army term for a soldier who spends an inordinate amount of money on gear, regardless of actual need.

Gedunk -- Refers to snack foods, such as candy and chips, as well as the place they're sold. Associated with the Navy and can be used in the phrase "gedunk sailor" as a pejorative remark for inexperienced sailors.

Gofasters -- A term for sneakers used in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

GOFO -- Literally stands for "grasp of the ****ing obvious."

Gone Elvis -- A service member who is missing in action.

Grape -- A term with two meanings; one for the Air Force and one for the Navy. A Navy Grape is an individual who refuels aircraft. An Air Force Grape, on the other hand, refers to an easy assignment and can be used as a compliment when a service member makes something look easy.

Great Mistakes -- The name sailors have given the Great Lakes Naval Training Center north of Chicago. It references the closing of two other training facilities in San Diego and Orlando, which both feature far more enjoyable weather.

Grid Squares -- A nonexistent item recruits typically are told to go find.

Groundhog Day -- Term originating from the titular movie that refers to deployment s that seem to proceed in the exact same way despite attempts to change them.

Gum Shoe -- Navy slang for a sailor cryptology technician. The first CT school was located on top of a building where tar would get stuck to the bottom of students' shoes.

Gun -- Term for a mortar or artillery piece. Must never be used within the military to describe a pistol or rifle.

Gunner -- A service member who operates a crew-served weapon, such as a piece of artillery or ship's cannon.  

Hangar Queen -- An aircraft that is used primarily for spare parts to repair other planes.

Hardball -- A hard-surfaced road.

Hardened Site -- A structure usually built under rock or concrete designed to withstand conventional, nuclear, biological and chemical attack.

Hat Up -- To change one's location. Refers to the need to wear a hat for the intended destination.

Hawk -- Term for cold weather. Commonly referred to as "the hawk."

Helo -- Short-hand term for a helicopter.

High Speed -- An individual who is highly motivated and at or near peak efficacy. Can be used sarcastically.

Hit the Silk -- Ejecting from an aircraft and utilizing a parachute.

IED (Improvised Explosive Device) -- A popular weapon with insurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan, IEDs are roughly-organized, inexpensive bombs that are be easily modified to exploit an enemy’s vulnerabilities.

Inactive Status -- Members of the Reserves who are unable to train for points, receive pay and cannot be considered for promotion.

Ink Stick -- Marine Corps term for a pen.

Iron Rations -- Rations used in an emergency survival situation.

Jawa -- Term for an Army soldier who is stationed in a desert area, named after the desert-dwelling aliens of "Star Wars."

Jesus Slippers -- Military-issued shower footwear.

Jockstrap Medal -- Derogatory term for medals given by the military to active CIA members.

Joe -- Army term for a soldier. Shortened from G.I. Joe.

Joint Operation Planning -- All type of planning involving joint military forces in regard to military operations, including, but not limited to, mobilization, deployment and sustainment.

Kinetic -- Slang adjective meaning violent.

Klicks -- Kilometers.

Latrine Queen -- Air Force specific term for a trainee in basic who is in charge of the team responsible for cleaning bathrooms.

Left-Handed Monkey Wrench -- A nonexistent tool. Often the object of fruitless searches undertaken by recruits at the behest of more experienced service members.

Long Pig -- Slang for when a human being is used as a source of food. Typically this happens in extremely desperate situations.

Major Nuclear Power -- Any nation-state with a nuclear arsenal capable of being delivered to any other nation in the world.

Meat Identifier -- A dish or sauce that identifies what type of meat is being served. For example, cranberry sauce indicates turkey while applesauce indicates pork chops.

Meat Wagon -- Slang for an ambulance or any other medical emergency vehicle.

Moonbeam -- Marine term for flashlight.

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) – Military jobs are classified by codes that attach to their specialty. The Army, Marines and Coast Guard call this an MOS (military occupational specialty) or MOC (military occupation code); the Air Force calls them Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC). The Navy uses a system of ratings and the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) system. The Department of Defense lists more than 7,000 codes representing various job skills someone might perform while on duty.

Moving Like Pond Water -- Moving so slowly that a unique term is required to describe it.

Mustang -- Term referring to any officer who was promoted from the enlisted ranks. Can be used respectfully or pejoratively.

Nut to Butt -- The instruction used to tell soldiers to line up in a tight, forward-facing line wherein one's nuts are in extreme proximity to the butt of the soldier before them.

OCONUS – “Outside of the Continental United States”

OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) – The combat operation that Veterans may have deployed to in support of the War on Terror, where the theater of operations was in Afghanistan.

Officer's Candy -- Navy term used by sailors to describe the scented cake placed in urinals.

Officer of the Deck -- Any officer charged with the operation of a ship. Reports to the commanding officer, executive officer and navigator for relevant issues and concerns.

OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) -- The combat operation that Veterans may have deployed to in support of the War on Terror where the theater of operations was in Iraq.

Over the Hill -- Missing in action or someone who officially has gone missing from their post.

Oxygen Thief -- A biting piece of slang for someone who's useless or talks too much.

Pad Eye Remover -- A nonexistent item used by sailors to trick new service members into a fruitless search. Pad-eyes are used to secure airplanes with chains.

PCS (Permanent Change of Station) -- When a service member and their family from one geographic unit location to another due to orders for a new assignment. This is not temporary; thus, the use of the word “permanent.

People Tank -- A U.S. Navy term for the inner hull of a submarine.

Pill Pusher -- A U.S. Navy term for a hospital corpsman.

Pink Mist -- A distinct effect created by certain types of gunshot wounds.

Pogey Bait -- Snack food. A "pogue" is an individual who does not serve on the frontlines and performs non-combat-oriented roles. "Pogey bait" is, subsequently, a bribe given to these individuals in exchange for expedited or high-quality services.

Pollywog -- A sailor who has not crossed the equator on a U.S. Navy ship.

Puddle Pirate -- Member of the Coast Guard . So called due to a fallacious belief that the Coast Guard never operates in deep water.

PX Ranger -- An individual who purchases, from the Post Exchange, paraphernalia unique to certain prestigious ranks or occupations and passes them off as though they earned the items.

Quay -- A man-made structure between a shore and land that can be used by ships to berth and is typically an area for handling cargo.

Rainbow -- A new recruit in basic training.

Red Team -- A body of experts on a specific topic who are instructed to research and suggest alternative methods regarding a planned course of action.

Remington Raider -- A somewhat derogatory term used for Marines given the harrowing task of performing office duties.

Rocks and Shoals -- U.S. Navy rules and regulations.

Rotorhead -- A helicopter pilot.

Ruck Up -- "Ruck" is short for "ruck sack," which refers to backpacks service members sometimes wear. To "ruck up" is to get through a particularly challenging or stressful situation.

Salad Bar -- Service ribbons found on a military uniform.

Sandbox – A desert area, specifically either Iraq or Kuwait. To say this is a short list is an understatement. Having a “cheat sheet” of commonly used terms is helpful for your hiring managers to refer to and use in interviewing and hiring. As an employer, work with your veteran hires to teach them common lingo and jargon for your company and industry, and accept that it might take time for your veteran employees to break old habits.

Scrambled Eggs -- The embellishments found on some officer's caps.

Self-Propelled Sandbags -- A derogatory term for a Marine based on their emphasis on fighting on the front lines.

Shavetail -- Second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. It primarily refers to the haircuts received in Officer Candidate School. The term's origins date to the time when the Army used pack animals, and handlers shaved the tail of newly broken animals to distinguish them from those more seasoned.

Shellback -- A sailor who has crossed the equator on a U.S. Navy ship. Responsible for turning all Pollywogs into Shellbacks once they cross the equator themselves.

Snake Eater -- Member of the U.S. Army Special Forces .

S*** on a Shingle -- A piece of toast with gravy.

Sky Blossom -- A deployed parachute.

Slick Sleeve -- A sailor who has not yet earned a rank that requires decoration on the sleeves.

Smoke -- To punish a service member with excessive physical work due to a minor infraction.

Snivel Gear -- Any equipment meant for use in cold weather.  

Soap chips -- A psychological operations (PSYOPS) tactic where fake letters from an enemy's home country are written and placed on bodies and battle wreckage. They include sentimental content, hint at the infidelity of loved ones back home and are designed to demoralize combatants.

Soup Sandwich -- An individual, object, situation or mission that has gone horribly wrong. The thrust of the term's meaning derives from the fact that it is incredibly difficult, some would say impossible, to make a sandwich out of soup.

Swoop -- Marine term for a weekend trip off base.

Taco -- An Air Force term for receiving an "unsatisfactory" grade on a training exercise due to the vague taco-shape of the letter "u."

Tango Uniform -- Slang for "tits up," which is the position dead bodies tend to face. The term can be applied to the deceased as well as broken pieces of equipment.

Target Discrimination -- The capability of a surveillance or guidance system to choose certain targets when multiple options are presented.

Trench Monkey -- A derogatory term referring to a member of the U.S. Army.

Twidget -- A sailor who repairs electronic equipment. Suggested by user X-USN-DS1 .

Un-Ass -- To move immediately or leave one's current position.

Uncle Sam's Canoe Club -- A U.S. Navy term for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Unit Identification Code -- An alphanumeric, six-character string that identifies all active, reserve, and guard units of the United States military.

Voice in the Sky -- Term referring to military base announcements broadcast over speakers.

Voluntold -- An assignment that is technically voluntary but understood to be mandatory.

Weapons of Mass Destruction -- Weapons that can cause destruction or death beyond the ability of conventional weapons. These typically are nuclear, biological, chemical, radiological or high-yield explosive in nature. This definition does not include the vehicle, or transportation method, of delivering the weapon.

Zone of Action -- A smaller section of a larger area. Typically these are under the purview of a tactical unit, usually during an offensive maneuver.

Zoomie -- Term used by non-flying service members for anyone who operates a flying vehicle.

Lida Citroën and Tiffini Theisen contributed to this report. 

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National Personnel Records Center

What is an Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)?

Personnel Record Portion: The Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) is primarily an administrative record, containing information about the subject's service history such as: date and type of enlistment/appointment; duty stations and assignments; training, qualifications, performance; awards and decorations received; disciplinary actions; insurance; emergency data; administrative remarks; date and type of separation/discharge/retirement (including DD Form 214, Report of Separation, or equivalent ); and other personnel actions. Detailed information about the veteran's participation in battles and their military engagements is NOT contained in the record.

Starting in 1995, the military service departments gradually began retaining their personnel records in electronic format; and all, but the Coast Guard, have stopped transferring them to the NPRC. Requests for these records should be submitted to their respective service departments (see Records Location Table for a listing and location of military service records). Please note: the Department of the Army has granted the NPRC access to the electronic OMPFs of its former military personnel (except for General Officers) to respond to reference requests.

Health Record Portion : Some OMPFs contain both personnel and active duty health records. Health records cover the outpatient, dental and mental health treatment that former members received while in military service. Health records include induction and separation physical examinations, as well as routine medical care (doctor/dental visits, lab tests, etc.) when the patient was not admitted to a hospital. In comparison, clinical (hospital inpatient) records were generated when active duty members were actually hospitalized while in the service. Typically, these records are NOT filed with the health records but are generally retired to the NPRC by the facility which created them (see clinical records for more information).

In the past, all of the military services retired the individual health record, along with the personnel record, to the NPRC upon a service member's separation from active duty. The Army and the Air Force retired its health records with the Official Military Personnel File, while the Department of the Navy retired these files separately to the NPRC until the 1980s. In the late 1980s, the Department of the Navy (like the Army and Air Force) began retiring health records of individual Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service members with the OMPF.

However, in the 1990s, the military services discontinued the practice of filing the health record with the personnel record portion. In 1992, the Army began retiring most of its former members' health records to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Over the next six years, the other services followed suit - Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps in 1994 and Coast Guard in 1998 (see Records Location Table for a listing of personnel and health records holdings and locations). In 2014, the military services discontinued the practice of retiring the records to the Department of Veterans Affiars (VA). In order to determine where a medical record is located, please see the chart below:

As currently scheduled, all medical treatment records are temporary (non-permanent) records. However, any medical records filed with the OMPF are considered part of that record and are maintained with it.

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General Officer Announcements

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations:

Air Force Lt. Gen. John D. Lamontagne for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.  Lamontagne is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and deputy commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as chief of the National Guard Bureau, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.  Nordhaus is currently serving as the commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, and commander, First Air Force (Air Forces Northern), Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Randall Reed for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.  Reed is currently serving as deputy commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael L. Ahmann for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, and commander, First Air Force (Air Forces Northern), Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.  Maj. Gen. Ahmann is currently serving as director, Programs and Resources, J-8, National Guard Bureau, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael L. Downs for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as associate director of the Central Intelligence Agency for Military Affairs, Washington, D.C.  Downs is currently serving as vice director for the Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Evan L. Pettus for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as military deputy commander, U.S. Southern Command, Doral, Florida.  Pettus is currently serving as commander, Twelfth Air Force, Air Combat Command, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Rebecca J. Sonkiss for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general with assignment as deputy commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Sonkiss is currently serving as deputy commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Army Maj. Gen. Gregory J. Brady for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as the inspector general, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, D. C.  Brady currently serves as the chief of staff, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

Army Maj. Gen. Edmond M. Brown for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Futures Command, Austin, Texas.  Brown currently serves as the chief of staff, U.S. Army Futures Command, Austin, Texas.

Army Maj. Gen. Curtis A. Buzzard for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, Security Assistance Group – Ukraine, Operation Atlantic Resolve, Germany.  Buzzard most recently served as commanding general, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Moore, Fort Moore, Georgia.

Army Maj. Gen. Gavin A. Lawrence for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commanding general/chief of staff, U.S. Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.  Lawrence currently serves as the commanding general, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Army Maj. Gen. Joel B. Vowell for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.  Vowell currently serves as the commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq.

Space Force Brig. Gen. Devin R. Pepper for appointment to the grade of major general.  Pepper is currently serving as the deputy chief of staff, Strategic Plans and Policy, Supreme Allied Command Transformation, NATO, Norfolk, Virginia.

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Mike Trout leaving rehab assignment, returning to Southern California to be re-evaluated

Shane Lantz

Associated Press

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout sits in the dugout during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Oakland Athletics, Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

SEATTLE – Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout will not play Wednesday night for Triple-A Salt Lake and is leaving his minor league rehab assignment after one game to be re-evaluated in Southern California.

Trout began a rehab stint Tuesday with Salt Lake but exited after just two innings because of soreness in his surgically repaired left knee.

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Before the Angels' game Wednesday in Seattle, manager Ron Washington said Trout reported he was feeling better, and Washington hoped the three-time MVP would be able to serve as the designated hitter for Salt Lake that night.

But later on Wednesday, the Angels announced that Trout would not be in the lineup and was returning to Southern California.

Trout went on the injured list April 30 with a torn meniscus after hitting .220 with 10 homers and 14 RBIs in 29 games. It's the latest in a long line of injuries for the Angels superstar over the past several seasons.

Last season, Trout played in just 82 games because of a broken hamate bone. He spent five weeks on the IL in 2022 with a back injury and missed most of the 2021 season with a strained calf muscle.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) Title 12 - LAW ENFORCEMENT, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, AND MILITARY AFFAIRS (§§ 12-1-101 — 12-88-109) Subtitle 4 - MILITARY AFFAIRS (§§ 12-60-101 — 12-64-852) Chapter 61 - MILITARY FORCES (§§ 12-61-101 — 12-61-306) Subchapter 3 - STATE DEFENSE FORCE (§§ 12-61-301 — 12-61-306) Section 12-61-305 - Assignments

All officers and enlisted personnel of the organized militia not otherwise assigned may be assigned to the Arkansas State Defense Force for such time and in such manner as prescribed by rules promulgated by the Governor as he or she deems necessary.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 931, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1969, No. 50, § 44; 1985, No. 670, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 11-505.

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Advertisement

Secret Service Under Scrutiny After Assassination Attempt on Trump

President Biden calls for a review of the protective agency’s actions after the attack, which left an audience member dead and two critically wounded.

• Share full article

By Zolan Kanno-Youngs David A. Fahrenthold Hamed Aleaziz and Eileen Sullivan

The reporters have covered presidential security over various administrations.

• July 14, 2024

President Biden on Sunday called for an “independent review” of security measures before and after the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump, while directing the Secret Service to review all of its security measures for the Republican National Convention this week.

Mr. Biden’s directive, though brief and without specifics, is likely to increase the scrutiny of the decisions and possible failures of the agency charged first and foremost with protecting the lives of the country’s current and former leaders, and their families.

Less than 24 hours after Mr. Trump was injured at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., members of Congress were promising hearings and former law enforcement officials were questioning why the warehouse roof where the would-be assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pa., fired shots was not covered by the Secret Service’s security perimeter, despite being within the range of some guns.

Mr. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, was herded off the stage and pronounced fine, but the gunman came shockingly close to succeeding. A spectator was killed in the shooting and two others were critically wounded.

“Congress will do a full investigation of the tragedy yesterday to determine where there were lapses in security and anything else that the American people need to know and deserve to know,” Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican of Louisiana, said Sunday on NBC.

The chair of the House oversight committee also asked the Secret Service director, Kimberly A. Cheatle, to testify at a hearing on July 22.

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