Space-Available Travel (Space-A Travel)

Space Available (Space-A) travel allows authorized passengers to occupy Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft seats that are surplus after all Space Required (Space-R) passengers have been accommodated. Space-A travel costs nothing but is allowed only on a non-mission interference basis.

In response to COVID-19 concerns, the Department of Defense issued domestic and international travel restrictions March 13 for all Service members, DoD civilians, and their Families assigned to DoD installations, facilities and surrounding areas within the United States and its territories. While the COVID-19 pandemic still presents risk, the improving conditions warrant a more conditions-based, phased approach to personnel movement and travel, yet unless all the conditions of the memo are met, the current stop movement will remain in effect. The conditions to resume unrestricted travel rests on two overarching factors: 1) state and/or regional criteria, based on the administration’s Opening Up America Again guidelines and 2) installation-level factors based on conditions surrounding DoD installations, facilities, and locations .

As of 11 May 2020, Pillow & blanket service has been permanently terminated on all AMC Organic (e.g. C-17, C-5, etc.) Missions. Commercial charter aircraft, (i.e. Patriot Express Missions) have suspended pillow, blanket & hot towel service indefinitely. Passengers are encouraged to bring like-items in their carry-on luggage for use during air travel.

On March 15, 2021, Ms. Stacy A. Cummings signed an updated memorandum establishing Space-A travel program category limitations due to COVID-19. The limitations will remain in effect until a determination is made to safely remove them. The memorandum includes that Category I (items 1-6), IV (items 26 and 27) and VI (items 42 and 46) travelers remain eligible to seek Space-A travel. Travelers under all other Space-A categories are ineligible for travel consideration. These limitations are necessary to preserve force readiness, health and welfare, while limiting the continuing spread of COVID-19. Medical screening protocols still apply to all travelers. Some travel exceptions apply. Additional information found in DoDI 4515.13. See also this AMC article.

Please visit https://www.amc.af.mil/Home/AMC-Travel-Site/Coronavirus/ for more Coronavirus Travel Requirements & Information Advisories.

Benefits Facts

TSGLI

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) provides a one-time, lump-sum, tax-free payment to Wounded Warriors who qualify.

Benefits Facts

G.I. Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible Service members and Veterans for programs such as: college, business, technical, or vocational school; apprenticeship / on-the-job training; correspondence courses; remedial, deficiency, and refresher training (in some cases); and flight training. You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB benefits, but the time limit can be fewer or more years depending on the situation.

Benefits Facts

DTAP

The Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (DoD-TAP) provides information, access to important documents, and training to ensure Service members separating from Active Duty are prepared for their next step in life - whether pursuing additional education, finding a job in the public or private sector, or starting their own business. This redesigned TAP is the result of an interagency collaboration to offer separating Service members and their Spouses better, more easily accessible resources and information to make their transitions more successful.

Benefits Facts

Dual TRICARE and VA

When leaving active duty, Service members may be entitled to or eligible for benefits offered by TRICARE and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), depending on whether the Service member retires or separates.

Benefits Facts

CRDP

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay is the gradual restoration of the retired pay currently being offset by VA disability pay.

Benefits Facts

ACS

Army Community Service helps Soldiers and Families by providing vital services and information during war and peace.

Benefits Facts

CYS

The Army Child and Youth Services (CYS) provides affordable childcare programs for Army Families. Costs are typically based on Family income. Programs range from daycare facilities to sports and fitness programs.

Benefits Facts

Deployment Support

Mobilization, Deployment and Stability Support Operations' mission is to provide training, information and assistance to Soldiers, Civilians and their Families to maintain individual readiness throughout the entire deployment cycle. Deployment and Mobilization provides guidance, resources and training for all; Soldiers, Civilians and their Families; to include parents, Soldier and Family Readiness Group members, Rear Detachment cadre and ACS/Reserve staff throughout the Army Deployment and Mobilization cycle. Whether supporting deploying units by providing pre-deployment information and material to Soldiers, Civilians and their Families; to providing reintegration and RESET training as they reconstitute their Family unit, the Mobilization and Deployment Team is there to provide support.

Benefits Facts

TSP

Benefits Facts

SCRA

The Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act provides Soldiers important rights that cover issues such as rental agreements, eviction, credit card and mortgage interest rates, and more.

Featured: Reunion

The return home from combat can often leave servicemembers feeling out of place with the most important people in their lives - their families.

"In deployment, Soldiers grow accustomed to a new lifestyle and a new 'family' - those buddies that bond together to defend each other," said Maj. Ken Williams, 14th Military Police Brigade chaplain. "This lifestyle change is prolonged and becomes familiar, i.e., the new normal."

The families also change while the Soldier is deployed.

"The family is a system," Williams said. "When one family member is absent, the whole system changes. All members of the family adapt to a new 'normal' way of life."

When the servicemember returns, the family may feel uncomfortable with each other, and the servicemember may withdraw from the family.