Marines can now take annual leave between overseas tours without jeopardizing their eligibility for a paid trip to the U.S. from their new duty station, according to a recent message to the force. Marines who serve back-to-back assignments abroad, called “consecutive overseas tours,” or who extend a previous posting in a foreign country are eligible for incentives, including a government-funded trip home from their next duty station.
Under the previous policy, Marines who took leave in the U.S. while en route to their new overseas assignment lost that benefit, even if they paid out of pocket for the personal portion of the trip.
The benefit is unrelated to the tab for military moves that is paid for by the government. “Marines, and their eligible dependents, authorized COT leave … are encouraged to use their leave incentive during (permanent change of station) travel,” a message issued Wednesday said. Flights between duty stations abroad are typically routed through the U.S. as part of the government-funded PCS itinerary.
Before the recent change, Marines who interrupted that itinerary to take annual leave stateside were considered to have used their consecutive overseas tour benefit. Now, they’re allowed to take leave at any location between duty stations without sacrificing the free trip home.
They’ll also stay eligible for that perk for the entirety of their subsequent overseas assignment, the statement said. However, Marines who voluntarily extend their assignment at the following duty station cannot claim the benefit a second time.
In addition, Marines seeking to remain at an overseas location for more than six years no longer need endorsement from a commanding general. Instead, the request requires only their commanding officer’s approval before being forwarded to Headquarters Marine Corps, the announcement said.
Though the two Marine Corps orders haven’t officially been updated, the message said the changes are effective immediately.