MCO P1300.8S Marine Corps Personnel Assignment Policy

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

3000 MARINE CORPS PENTAGON

WASHINGTON, DC 20350-3000

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is

unlimited.

MCO 1300.8

MPO

18 Sep 2014

MARINE CORPS ORDER 1300.8

From: Commandant of the Marine Corps

To: Distribution List

Subj: MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENT POLICY

Ref: See Enclosure (1)

Encl: (1) References

(2) Regulations for Personnel Assignment Policy

1. Situation. This Order provides policy for the permanent assignment of

Marines. This is a complete revision of previous policy; review in its

entirety.

2. Cancellation. MCO P1300.8R.

3. Mission. To implement Department of Defense (DoD) policy and to provide

definitive guidance on the permanent assignment of Marines.

4. Execution

a. Commander’s Intent and Concept of Operations

(1) Commander’s Intent. The Marine Corps will limit the number of

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves to those required to achieve/maintain

combat readiness or to ensure equitable treatment and career development of

individual Marines. This policy further improves combat readiness by

controlling personnel turnover, increasing the stability of Marine families,

and reducing PCS costs.

(2) Concept of Operations. A valid staffing requirement is the basis

for transferring a Marine anywhere worldwide. Fully funded PCS orders will

be directed only when necessary to meet specific requirements. Within the

Continental United States (CONUS), Marines will be reassigned within the same

geographic area when possible through a judicious combination of Low Cost PCS

and No Cost Permanent Change of Assignment (PCA) orders.

b. Subordinate Element Missions. Commanders and Officers-in-Charge

(OIC) will ensure that all Marines under their charge understand the intent

of this Order.

c. Coordinating Instructions. This Order incorporates changes in DoD

procedures and responsibilities pertaining to the assignment and reassignment

of service members. Recommendations are invited and will be submitted to the

Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) (Military Policy Branch (MPO)) via the

chain of command.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

2

5. Administration and Logistics

a. Summary of Revisions. This revision contains a substantial number of

changes. The major modifications to this Order are as follows:

(1) Chapter 1, Paragraph 5. Removes Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS)

El Toro and MCAS Tustin as Low Cost Moves from Camp Pendleton and adds Fort

Meade and Indian Head to the list of Low Cost PCS Moves from Washington DC

Metropolitan Area. Additionally clarifies policy for requesting Basic

Allowance for Housing (BAH) waivers for Low Cost PCS Moves.

(2) Chapter 3, Paragraph 3. Defines tour lengths for officers

serving in Critical Acquisition Positions and as Program Managers for Major

Acquisition Programs.

(3) Chapter 3, Paragraph 7. Adds policy for slating of Active

Component Sergeants Major.

(4) Chapter 4. Provides updated policy on assignment of Female

Marines.

(5) Chapter 5, Paragraph 4. Adds policy for assignment of Marines in

Temporary Limited Duty (TLD) Status.

(6) Chapter 5, Paragraph 6. Reflects policy for assignment to Marine

Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1).

(7) Chapter 5, Paragraph 7. Adds policy for expedited transfer of

military Service members who file unrestricted reports of sexual assault.

(8) Chapter 5, Paragraph 8. Adds policy for administrative

reassignment or transfer of Marines accused of sexual assault or related

offense.

(9) Chapter 5, Paragraph 9. Adds policy for assignment of registered

sex offenders.

(10) Chapter 5, Paragraph 10. Reflects updated assignment policy in

regards to Marines infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

(11) Chapter 6, Paragraph 14. Clarifies procedures for Overseas

Control Date (OCD) Update and Adjustment.

b. This Order can be accessed on-line via the Marine Corps Publications

Electronic Library (MCPEL) at:

http://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/ELECTRONICLIBRARY.aspx

c. Hard copy and CD-ROM versions of Marine Corps directives can be

obtained through Marine Corps Publications Distribution System (MCPDS).

d. Navy/Marine Corps (NAVMC) forms with instructions are available at

https://navalforms.documentservices.dla.mil.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

1 Enclosure (1)

References

(a) DODI 1315.18, “Procedures for Military Personnel Assignments,”

January 12, 2005

(b) MCO 1320.11F

(c) MCO 1000.6

(d) MCO 1301.25C

(e) MCO 1300.64A W/CH 1

(f) 10 U.S.C. Chapter 39, Section 671

(g) MCO 7220.56

(h) MCO 1900.16

(i) MCO 1050.3J

(j) DON Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA)

Operating Guide

(k) MCO P1070.12K W/CH 1

(l) MCO P1326.6D W/CH 1-2

(m) MCO 5000.12E

(n) Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR)

(o) MCO 1740.13C

(p) MCO 1754.4B

(q) SECNAVINST 5300.30E

(r) MCO 1543.2D

(s) MCO 1326.7E W/CH 1

(t) MCO 1752.5B

(u) SECNAV Policy Memo for CMC and CNO dtd 7 Oct 2008

(v) SECNAVINST 1850.4E

(w) MCO 1306.16F

(x) DODI 1315.15 W/CH 1, “Special Separation Policies for Survivorship,”

January 1, 2012

(y) OPNAVINST 1300.14D

(z) MCO 5300.17

(aa) DODD 4500.54E, “DOD Foreign Clearance Program,” December 28, 2009

(ab) SECNAVINST 5820.9A

(ac) MCO 1520.11F

(ad) DIAD 1350.100

(ae) DoD Directive 7000.14-R, “Department of Defense Financial Management

Regulation (DoD FMR),” June 2011

(af) SECNAV M-5210.1

(ag) 37 U.S.C. 481b

(ah) 10 U.S.C., Chapter 38

(ai) 5 U.S.C. 552a

(aj) SECNAVINST 5211.5E

(ak) MCBUL 5314

(al) DOJ National Guidelines for Sex Offender and Registration, July 2008

(am) NavPers 15559

(an) NavPers 15909

(ao) MCO 1800.11

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

i Enclosure (2)

LOCATOR SHEET

Subj: MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENT POLICY

Location: __________________________________________________________

(Indicate the location(s) of the copy(ies) of this Order.)

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

ii Enclosure (2)

RECORD OF CHANGES

Log completed change action as indicated.

Change

Number

Date of

Change

Date

Entered

Signature of Person

Incorporating Change

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

iii Enclosure (2)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IDENTIFICATION TITLE PAGE

Chapter 1 OVERARCHING ASSIGNMENT POLICY.................1-1

1. General.......................................1-1

2. Time On Station (TOS).........................1-3

3. Retainability Requirements....................1-4

4. PCS Assignment Limits.........................1-5

5. Permanent Change of Assignment (PCA) and

Low Cost Move (LCM) PCS Orders................1-6

6. Operating Forces..............................1-7

7. Retirement/Transfer to the

Fleet Marine Corps Reserve (FMCR).............1-7

Chapter 2 OFFICER ASSIGNMENTS...........................2-1

1. General.......................................2-1

2. Assignment to the Office of the Secretary

of Defense, The Organization of the Joint

Chiefs of Staff, and the Defense Agencies.....2-1

3. Assignment to Acquisition Positions...........2-1

4. Officer Resignations..........................2-1

5. Overseas Key Billets..........................2-2

Chapter 3 ENLISTED ASSIGNMENTS..........................3-1

1. General Retainability Requirements............3-1

2. Retainability for

Deployment-Designated Units...................3-2

3. Involuntary Assignments to Deploying Units

Within 12 Months of EAS.......................3-3

4. Marines Completing Only One (5 Months or More)

Unit Deployment...............................3-3

5. Special Duty Assignments/Tours................3-3

6. Equal Opportunity Advisors....................3-4

7. Slating of Active Component Sergeants Major...3-4

Chapter 4 FEMALE MARINES CLASSIFICATION, ASSIGNMENT

AND DEPLOYMENT................................4-1

1. General.......................................4-1

2. Classification................................4-1

3. Operating Forces..............................4-1

4. Supporting Establishment......................4-2

5. Aviation......................................4-2

6. Training Exercises............................4-2

7. Reserves and Inspector-Instructor Staffs......4-2

8. Overseas Dependent-Restricted Assignments.....4-2

9. Pregnancy.....................................4-2

Chapter 5 SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS.......................5-1

1. Dual Military Household Assignment............5-1

2. Single Parents................................5-2

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

iv Enclosure (2)

3. Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)......5-2

4. Temporary Limited Duty (TLD) Status...........5-3

5. Formal Military School Instructors............5-3

6. Assignment to Marine Helicopter

Squadron One (HMX-1)..........................5-3

7. Expedited Transfer of Marines Who File

Unrestricted Reports of Sexual Assault........5-4

8. Administrative Reassignment or Transfer of

Marines Accused of Sexual Assault or

Related Offense...............................5-4

9. Assignment of Sex Offenders...................5-4

10. Assignment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus

(HIV), (HBV), and (HCV) Infected Personnel....5-5

11. Navy Personnel................................5-5

12. Assignment to Hostile Fire Areas and

Sole Surviving Sons/Daughters.................5-6

Chapter 6 OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENTS..........................6-1

1. General.......................................6-1

2. Overseas Screening............................6-1

3. Obligated Service.............................6-2

4. Area Clearance................................6-3

5. Command-Sponsorship of Dependents.............6-4

6. Acquired Dependents...........................6-5

7. Non-Command-Sponsored Dependents..............6-5

8. Tour Lengths..................................6-6

9. Tour Election.................................6-6

10. Entitlements..................................6-11

11. Tour Completion...............................6-16

12. Consecutive Overseas Tours (COTs).............6-17

13. Extensions of Overseas Tours..................6-20

14. Overseas Control Date.........................6-23

15. Joint Household Tour Lengths..................6-26

16. Curtailment of Overseas Tours.................6-26

17. Early Return of Dependents....................6-27

18. Evacuation of Dependents from Overseas Area...6-30

19. Overseas Integrated Disability

Evaluation System (IDES) Referrals............6-30

APPENDIX A DEFINITIONS...................................A-1

APPENDIX B OVERSEAS SCREENING CHECKLIST..................B-1

APPENDIX C FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR CORPORALS AND BELOW

ORDERED TO AN OVERSEAS TOUR...................C-1

APPENDIX D DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR PRELIMINARY

OVERSEAS SCREENING............................D-1

APPENDIX E QUICK REFERENCE TABLE: BASIC ENTITLEMENTS

INCIDENT TO OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENT...............E-1

INDEX ..............................................I-1

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

1-1 Enclosure (2)

Chapter 1

Overarching Assignment Policy

1. General. The Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, (DC, M&RA)

fulfills Marine Corps manpower requirements determined by the Deputy

Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (DC, CD&I). Compliance

with this policy improves combat readiness by controlling unit personnel

turnover and ensuring equitable treatment and career development of

individual Marines. Combat readiness is further improved by increasing

stability of Marine families and reducing PCS costs. Additionally, policies

contained within this Order may be replaced with temporary policies required

to best support periods of contingency.

a. A valid Marine Corps staffing requirement must exist as the basis for

transferring a Marine anywhere worldwide. Marines will be assigned to valid

requirements based on their qualifications and ability to fill them. Factors

such as availability, volunteer status, Time on Station (TOS) and other

criteria are secondary in nature.

b. PCS orders will be directed only when it becomes absolutely necessary

to meet requirements within one of the following categories: Outside

Continental United Stated (OCONUS), Global Force Management, Special Duty

Assignments, Formal Schools Training, Retention, Joint, Promotions/Command,

and Inspector/Instructor Staffs. With respect to assignments within the

Continental United States (CONUS), Marines will be reassigned within the same

geographic area whenever possible through judicious use of a combination of

Low Cost Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and No Cost Permanent Change of

Assignment (PCA) Orders.

c. Qualified volunteers may be considered for all assignments.

Volunteers not meeting the TOS requirements may be considered before

qualified non-volunteers who meet TOS requirements.

d. Normally, Marines complete prescribed tours of duty. When possible,

on a case-by-case basis, Marines may be allowed to extend any assignment

voluntarily beyond the prescribed tour upon approval of Commandant of the

Marine Corps (CMC) (Officer Assignments, MMOA; Enlisted Assignments, MMEA; or

Reserve Affairs Personnel Management, RAM).

e. The Marine Corps will ensure equal opportunity in assignments for all

Marines without regard to color, race, ethnicity, religion, age, national

origin, marital status (except for military couples), gender and orientation

(except where prohibited).

f. The assignment of Marines to and from Monitored Command Codes (MCCs)

will only be made by the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM).

g. Except when required for actual separation from the Marine Corps, PCS

transfers and reassignments must not be made for the sole purpose of

retirement/transfer to the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve (FMCR). Refer to

Chapter 1, Paragraph 7 for further guidelines concerning retirement/transfer

to the FMCR.

h. Promotion through the grades of lieutenant colonel for officers and

gunnery sergeant for enlisted Marines, must not be the sole reason for PCS

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

1-2 Enclosure (2)

transfer before tour completion if a valid requirement for that specific rank

and MOS exists within the local geographic area.

i. In accordance with reference (a), service members who are former

members of the Peace Corps (includes former Peace Corps volunteers, volunteer

leaders and staff members) must not be permanently assigned to the

intelligence occupational field for a four year period following service in

the Peace Corps. Applicable Marines who are later classified into the

intelligence occupational field must not be assigned duties in any foreign

country the Marine previously served in the Peace Corps. Marines will not

be assigned duties in an intelligence capacity to any foreign country where

he or she was trained to serve in the Peace Corps, whether overseas service

with the Peace Corps was conducted or not.

j. Where other considerations are not overriding, each PCS transfer

requirement must be met with the least use of PCS funds. Further, only one

PCS involving Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is authorized during a fiscal year

unless the CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) determines an additional PCS move is required.

This limitation does not apply to Marines ordered to, from, or between formal

courses of instruction conducted, controlled or managed by one or more of the

Uniformed Services.

k. Marines in receipt of PCS orders requiring them to fill billets

requiring a security clearance who are also in receipt of a Letter of Intent

or Determination (LOI or LOD) to deny or revoke security clearance

eligibility should not PCS until either the Department of the Navy Central

Adjudication Facility (DONCAF) mitigates all issues and issues a letter to

that effect, or the appeals process is completed. Failure to delay such PCS

orders risks transferring Marines into positions requiring clearance

eligibility when Marines may not have the required eligibility for a length

of time or may be stripped of clearance eligibility entirely if the Personnel

Security Appeals Board (PSAB) rejects the appeal.

l. When practical within operational and other military requirements,

PCS moves for Marines in the process of adopting an unrelated child under 18

years of age should occur at a time that allows for completion of the

adoption proceedings, or avoids disruption of the proceedings.

m. Assignments of Marines must not be affected by the employment,

educational, or volunteer service activities of a member’s spouse, or solely

because of a member’s marital status. Reference (a) provides specific

exceptions.

n. Gaining commands will assign appropriate sponsors to inbound Marines

per reference (b).

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

1-3 Enclosure (2)

2. Time on Station (TOS)

a. TOS requirements are established to stabilize the movement of Marines

and their family members, and to reduce PCS costs. TOS is computed from the

month of arrival to month of departure at a permanent duty station, inclusive.

When filling CONUS requirements, qualified Marines with the longest TOS must

be considered. In all PCS moves, TOS requirements must have been met by the

departure month, unless waived by the CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) prior to the

Marine’s departure.

b. There is no maximum tour length prescribed for CONUS tour lengths.

The minimum TOS requirement for all assignments within or from the CONUS is

36 months. Waivers may be issued individually on a case-by-case basis by the

CMC provided it is determined that the Marine is the most qualified person

available. For assignments within or from CONUS, TOS requirements may be

waived by CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) for Marines who have or will have less than

three, but more than two years of TOS. The Director, Manpower Management

Division (MM) and Director, Reserve Affairs (RA) retains waiver authority for

Marines having less than two years TOS. This authority may not be delegated.

c. Exceptions to the TOS requirements may be authorized only by the CMC

(MM/RA). The Marine Corps may, under certain circumstances, transfer Marines

prior to completing the minimum TOS requirements. Examples include, but are

not limited to the following:

(1) Marines transferred to an overseas, at sea, or deployment-

designated Operating Forces unit/tour.

(2) Marines accessed, transferred to a different duty station for

initial training, or separated. The specific TOS requirement for

retirement/resignation is one year if the former command was overseas or two

years if the former command was in CONUS. Hawaii and Alaska are considered

overseas for this purpose.

(3) Marines transferred to a different duty station for training or

educational purposes, or upon completion or elimination of a training or

education program.

(4) Marines transferred as a result of a major weapons system change

or unit conversion (e.g., a change from one type of aircraft to another).

Moves associated with replacing a Marine selected to operate a new weapons

system or unit moves are not covered by this exception authority.

(5) Marines assigned to either the Office of the Secretary of Defense

(OSD), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), or a Defense Agency

where the tenure is limited by statute or the provisions of this Order to a

shorter tour.

(6) Marines transferred for humanitarian reasons, including sponsors

requesting TOS waivers due to the needs of their Exceptional Family Member.

(7) Marines transferred to a different duty station in preparation

for a unit deployment.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

1-4 Enclosure (2)

(8) Marines disqualified for duty as a result of loss of security

clearance, professional certification, Personnel Reliability Program

certification, or medical qualification to perform where it has been

determined that no vacant position exists within the limits of the same

geographic location in which the Marine may serve pending re-qualification or

re-certification or as prescribed by reference (c).

(9) Marines rendered as excess due to changes in manpower

requirements may be reassigned to other activities located in the same

geographic area or be transferred to the nearest installation having a

requirement for their respective skills.

(10) Marines transferred following Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

positive diagnosis.

(11) Tour lengths for Marine aviators assigned to duty as Forward Air

Controllers (FAC) will be modified per reference (d).

(12) Marines reassigned as prisoners including assignments to and

from confinement or for purposes of standing trial.

(13) Marines reassigned from patient status.

(14) Marines whose tour is curtailed within the best interests of the

Marine Corps, i.e. lack of required medical care. Note: in the case of

overseas assignments, when dependents return to CONUS prior to completion of

the prescribed overseas tour length, the Marine is still required to complete

the prescribed overseas tour length. Refer to Chapter 6 for requirements

regarding Early Return of Dependents.

(15) Marines involved in incidents that cause serious adverse

publicity or embarrassments for the U.S. Government that may jeopardize the

mission, or that indicate that the Marine is a potential defector.

(16) Marines or their dependents that are threatened with bodily harm

or death and circumstances are such that military and civilian authorities

are unable to provide for their continued safety (verified by appropriate

authority).

(17) Assignment to or from Commanding Officer Billets in accordance

with reference (e).

(18) Marines appropriately relieved for cause.

3. Retainability Requirements

a. CONUS-to-CONUS. Prior to the execution of PCS orders, Marines must

have a minimum of two years obligated active service commencing upon arrival

at the gaining duty station. Marines being assigned from shore to sea duty,

must have a minimum of one year obligated military service. Upon execution

of PCS orders, Marines incur a two-year service obligation.

b. CONUS-to-Overseas. Marines must not depart CONUS or other departure

ports unless they have the retainability or obligated military service for

serving the prescribed tour, whether on an accompanied or unaccompanied

tourunless waived by the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) per this Order.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

1-5 Enclosure (2)

c. Overseas-to-Overseas. Marines must not be approved for a Consecutive

Overseas Tour (COT) unless they have the retainability or obligated military

service for serving the prescribed overseas tour length at the subsequent

overseas location.

d. Overseas-to-CONUS. Career Marines are required to have a minimum of

12-months retainability or obligated military service to execute orders from

overseas to CONUS. Marines stationed overseas, who upon their scheduled

return to the CONUS have more than one-month but less than 12-months

obligated military service remaining, may receive an early separation.

Requests for early separation must be in conjunction with an approved early-

release program. To better employ those Marines with limited retainability

or obligated military service, the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) is authorized to

extend involuntarily the Marine's overseas tour. Refer to Chapter 6,

paragraph 13 for further guidance regarding involuntary extension of overseas

tours).

e. Marines assigned CONUS-to-CONUS or overseas–to-CONUS as a result of

humanitarian reasons, or as prisoners or patients who cannot effectively be

used at, or in the vicinity of, the installation.

f. Waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis or on a group basis

when a unit moves or deactivates or in the event of a base closure or when

surplus personnel are involved. Waiver authority has been delegated in the

same manner as for TOS requirements, as outlined in Chapter 1, Paragraph 2.

4. PCS Assignment Limits. Reference (f) stipulates that no member of the

Armed Forces must be assigned to active duty on land outside the United

States, and its Territories or Possessions, until he or she has completed

basic training requirements of the Armed Force of which he or she is a member.

First term Marines are further limited by DoD regulation to the number of PCS

assignments they may be given during their initial active duty obligation.

a. Marines with an initial active duty obligation of four years or more

may be assigned to no more than two duty stations following the completion of

Recruit Training or The Basic School and initial skill training (i.e. primary

MOS qualification).

b. Marines with an initial active duty obligation of less than four

years will be assigned to no more than one duty station following the

completion of Recruit Training or The Basic School and initial skill training

(i.e. primary MOS qualification). These Marines may be assigned to a maximum

of two duty stations (following primary MOS qualification) if one of the two

PCS assignments is either as 12-month overseas tour or a deployment-

designated Operating Force unit tour.

c. The following circumstances are excepted:

(1) Reassignment to a different duty station to or from training

based on the needs of the Marine Corps.

(2) Joint Spouse assignments.

(3) Marines reassigned for humanitarian reasons, to include needs of

their Exceptional Family Member.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

1-6 Enclosure (2)

(4) Marines disqualified for duty as a result of security clearance,

professional certification, nuclear certification or medical qualification.

(5) Marines reassigned to or from Prisoner or Patient status.

d. The criteria listed above may be waived by CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM).

5. Permanent Change of Assignment (PCA) and Low Cost Move (LCM) PCS Orders

a. Effective management of available resources requires that the Marine

Corps issue either no cost PCA or low cost move (LCM) PCS orders directing a

change of duties when possible.

(1) PCA is a transfer between MCCs, usually aboard the same military

installation, wherein the authority to move household goods or the

entitlement to travel payment does not exist.

(2) LCM orders are a reassignment to a new permanent duty station

(PDS) within close proximity of the previous PDS. These orders do not

authorize a household goods (HHG) shipment at Government expense, and the

entitlement to travel payment does not exist. For purposes of this policy,

the PDSs must be connected by either a common commuter system, base housing

directorate, or bases within proximity (approximately 50 miles) of each other.

The distance will be measured from the front gate of the old PDS to the front

gate of the new PDS and is calculated by using the Defense Table of Official

Distances (DTOD), which is the only authorized source for computing mileage.

Where the Marine resides in relation to the PDS is not a factor in this

calculation. A Marine’s gaining command may submit a request to CMC

(Manpower Management Integration Branch; MMIB or RAM) on behalf of Marines

identified in Base Orders or SOPs as filling time-sensitive, mission critical

billets, for such orders to be modified to fully funded orders. The movement

of HHG must be mission essential, in the best interest of the Government and

not primarily for the Marine’s personal convenience. When a military housing

directorate determines that a member currently residing in military housing

who is in receipt of LCM orders cannot remain in current military housing due

to location of the new PDS, local Operation and Maintenance (O&M) funds will

be used to allow the member to vacate housing and move to a new location

convenient to the new PDS.

(3) LCM orders will be issued when assignments are directed between:

(a) California: MCAS Miramar, MCRD San Diego, Coronado, or North

Island and Camp Pendleton.

(b) MCCs on Okinawa, Japan if certified that the Marine's work

site changes from the northern to southern housing areas or vice versa.

(c) North Carolina: Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River and Cherry

Point.

(d) Washington DC Metropolitan Area: Pentagon, VA and Annapolis,

MD; Fort Meade, MD; Indian Head, MD; or Quantico, VA.

(e) Other PDSs that are located 50 miles or less from each other.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

1-7 Enclosure (2)

(4) No cost PCA orders will be issued when assignments are directed

between or within:

(a) MCCs located within the same city, town, base, air station,

or metropolitan area.

(b) MCCs on Oahu, Hawaii.

(c) MCCs on Okinawa, Japan if the Marine's work site does not

change or changes only one housing zone, e.g., southern to central, central

to northern, etc.

(d) Washington DC Metropolitan Area.

(5) Marines assigned LCM and PCA orders will be authorized to apply

for government housing at the new base/installation regardless of the type of

orders issued. There is no requirement that the Marine have fully funded PCS

orders to be eligible to occupy these quarters. If Government housing is

approved, and CMC (MM) has denied the movement of HHGs, the HHGs must be

moved at personal expense or a request can be sent to the installation

commander that controls the housing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) funds.

(6) Incident to issuance of LCM orders, a Marine may request a Basic

Allowances for Housing (BAH) waiver to retain the higher BAH rate when the

Marine is assigned to a new permanent duty station in a location where the

BAH rate is lower than the rate at their last permanent duty station for the

Marine's rank and dependent status. This request must be submitted to the

CMC (MMIB or Reserve Affairs Personnel Plans and Policy (RAP)) per reference

(g). For BAH waivers for other circumstances, refer to reference (g) as well.

b. Other LCM and PCA orders and waivers to the above, may be authorized

on a case-by-case basis by the CMC (MMIB/RAP).

c. Generally, TOS for LCM and PCA assignments is a continuation of TOS

having commenced from the initial PCS assignment to the current area.

6. Operating Forces. Personnel stability within the Operating Force is of

paramount concern due to the debilitating effect on combat readiness caused

by excessive turbulence. All Commanders, U.S. Marine Forces (COMMARFOR)

staffs are considered non-operating force commands for assignment purposes.

7. Retirement/Transfer to Fleet Marine Corps Reserve (FMCR)

a. CONUS-CONUS. Prior to leaving active service, retirement/FMCR

eligible Marines must have a minimum of two years TOS following a PCS within

CONUS. Marines who retire/transfer to FMCR in lieu of PCS orders execute

retirement/transfer to the FMCR no later than the last day of the month

following the estimated date of arrival to the new duty station. Otherwise,

the Marine will be retained at the present CONUS duty station until separated.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

1-8 Enclosure (2)

b. Overseas-CONUS

(1) Marines returning from overseas assignments (including Alaska and

Hawaii) who desire to retire/transfer to the FMCR in CONUS must do so within

60 days of return to CONUS or will be required to serve for a minimum of one

year at the new CONUS duty station prior to retirement/transfer to the FMCR.

A Marine may extend the overseas tour in order to fall within the 60-day

period. Marines to be retired involuntarily or under selective early

(mandatory) retirements may not extend overseas; however, the 60 day period

in CONUS may be extended to include periods of permissive temporary

additional duty (PTAD) and accrued leave (i.e., terminal leave). Marines may

take pre-separation leave per references (h) and (i).

(2) In accordance with reference (h), Marines serving overseas whose

permanent residence is overseas may request separation from the Marine Corps

activity nearest their home rather than returning to the United States.

(a) Marines who are residents of and stationed in Alaska or

Hawaii shall separate from Alaska or Hawaii.

(b) Marines stationed in Alaska who are not state residents of

Alaska will separate from Alaska. Approval authority to separate from an

alternate separation site rests with CMC (MMIB).

(c) All Marines stationed in Hawaii shall be separated from

Hawaii, regardless of state residency.

c. Marines eligible to retire/transfer to the FMCR who are issued PCS

orders, but who do not accept the orders, must request to retire/transfer to

the FMCR. Notification will be provided to CMC (MMOA/MMEA/MMSR) no later

than 10 working days after receipt of orders. The effective date for the

retirement/ transfer to the FMCR may not be later than the last day of the

month the Marine would otherwise arrive at the next assignment or upon

completion of any obligated service, whichever is earlier per reference (h).

Marines not eligible to retire, but who will be eligible within 12 months of

their expected date of arrival at the new duty station, may request a

retirement/transfer to the FMCR date on the last day of the month after

initial eligibility per reference (h).

(1) A Marine will not be required to accept PCS orders if a request

to retire or transfer to the FMCR has been approved.

(2) When a request to retire/transfer to the FMCR results in the

cancellation or non-issuance of PCS orders, a later request to withdraw the

retirement/transfer request will not be given favorable consideration.

(3) Marines with more than 12 months before initial eligibility for

retirement/transfer to the FMCR will be required to execute PCS orders and

complete the required minimum tour at the new duty station.

d. Refer to Chapter 6 for further guidance regarding special provisions

applicable to Marines serving overseas who are accompanied by their family

members.

e. Policy and procedures for Reserve Marines on active duty may be found

within references (h) and (ao).

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

2-1 Enclosure (2)

Chapter 2

Officer Assignments

1. General. Monitors make officer assignments based on the following

priorities (listed in order of precedence):

a. Needs of the Marine Corps.

b. Career Progression (Operating Forces, Supporting Establishment,

Seniority).

c. Overseas Control Date (OCD).

d. Individual preference.

e. Restricted officers (warrant officers and limited duty officers) must

only be assigned to restricted officer billets within their respective MOSs.

2. Assignment to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Organization of

the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Defense Agencies. Policy and procedures

for these assignments are contained in reference (a).

3. Assignment to Acquisition Positions

a. Assignment to a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP) requires a tenure

agreement to remain in that position for at least three years. Assignment to

a CAP must be indicated in the officer's PCS orders and acceptance of these

orders constitutes acceptance of tenure agreement for the required service

obligation. Officers assigned to CAP must meet tour length provisions

prescribed by reference (j). Early release of officers assigned to such

billets requires approval by the Director Acquisition Career Management

(DACM), ASN (RD&A).

b. Per reference (a), officers who are assigned as program managers of

major defense acquisition programs and assigned to Key Leadership Positions

(KLP) are required by law to serve a tour of duty of not less than four

years, or completion of a major program milestone. Waivers may only be

granted by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (RD&A).

4. Officer Resignations. Resignation eligibility is contained in reference

(h). Resignations will normally not be approved if:

a. PCS orders have been issued to the officer prior to the date of the

officer's request. Officers who are eligible to resign and have been issued

PCS orders may request cancellation of the pending assignment provided a

request for resignation be submitted at least four months prior to the

effective date of arrival at the new duty station. Notification will be

provided to CMC (MMOA/MMSR) no later than 10 working days after receipt of

orders. The requested effective date of resignation must be no later than

the last day of the month of the scheduled arrival at the new duty station.

b. The officer is assigned (joined or attached) to a unit located within

CONUS which is scheduled to deploy outside its immediate geographical

location in excess of three months, and the officer submits a resignation

request within four months, or in the case of a carrier deployment within

nine months, of the date that deployment is scheduled to commence.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

2-2 Enclosure (2)

c. The officer is serving overseas and desires separation prior to

completion of the minimum tour length prescribed by this Order (Note: an

officer is required to serve only one year at a CONUS duty station, for the

retainability requirement, after serving overseas). Officers who voluntarily

extend their overseas tour will not be eligible to resign prior to completion

of that extension.

5. Overseas Key Billets

a. Unrestricted or warrant officers assigned to key billets at overseas

duty stations are required to serve a 24 month tour length, regardless of

marital/dependent status or choice for dependents to accompany the Marine or

not. Marines ordered to these positions will be apprised of this requirement

by the CMC (MMOA/RAM). A position will not be designated as a key billet

unless:

(1) Government-furnished quarters are available.

(2) Concurrent travel of family members is authorized.

(3) The accompanied tour length is at least 24 months.

(4) The tour meets the criteria and is designated as a key billet by

reference (a).

b. Requests to designate key billets will be forwarded to the CMC (MP).

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

3-1 Enclosure (2)

Chapter 3

Enlisted Assignments

1. General Retainability Requirements. The retainability requirement for

the transfer of Marines requires that they reenlist or extend prior to the

execution of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move if they do not have

sufficient obligated military service to complete the prescribed tour length.

a. Marines receiving retention on station as their reenlistment

incentive are guaranteed that they will not be transferred for a one-year

period from their present geographic location code.

b. Marines who received a Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) who are

serving out of their Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) during

the reenlistment for which they received SRB, who desire to extend their tour,

must request approval from the CMC (MMEA).

c. Marines permitted to conduct a lateral move into a different

Occupational Field or Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) must

have a minimum of one year TOS prior to executing PCS orders.

d. First-Term Marines. If required by expiration of active service (EAS)

circumstances, first-term Marines must execute either an extension of

enlistment for obligated service, or an early reenlistment prior to execution

of PCS orders. First Term Marines reenlist or extend during the fiscal year

of their EAS. The extension or early reenlistment will guarantee,

contractually, that the obligated military service or retainability

requirement will be satisfied. However, reenlistment is preferred and

encouraged over extension, as an extension exhausts and only temporarily

fills a boat space that would have otherwise been filled by a Marine

committing to a reenlistment. Requests for extension of enlistment must be

carefully scrutinized by CMC (MMEA/RAM) especially if the extension of the

Marine’s EAS crosses the new fiscal year.

e. Career Marines. The CMC assumes all career enlisted Marines will

remain on active duty until Enlisted Career Force Controls (ECFCs) are met or

until notified by official correspondence that a Marine will separate per the

current publication of reference (ak). Career enlisted Marines in receipt of

PCS orders issued by the CMC who do not have sufficient obligated service to

complete the prescribed tour will be immediately afforded the opportunity to

extend/reenlist in order to have the required active service. When Marines

state that they do not desire to extend/enlist, the CMC (MMEA/RAM) will be

promptly notified within 10 days of the date the orders are received at the

command reporting unit level. Career enlisted Marines who do not

extend/reenlist in order to qualify for assignment will sign the following

page 11 Electronic Service Record (ESR) entry, per reference (k). A signed

copy of the page 11 entry will be expeditiously forwarded to the CMC (MMEA/

MMRP/RAM):

"I have been assigned reenlistment eligibility code RE-3O per MCO 1900.16.

Reason: I will not reenlist/extend to comply with PCS orders. I have been

advised that Marines assigned this code are not eligible for promotion,

reenlistment, commissioning or warrant officer programs, special education

programs, or involuntary separation pay unless specifically authorized by the

CMC (MMEA/RAM). I have been given the opportunity to submit a statement and

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

3-2 Enclosure (2)

that statement, if submitted, will be filed in my OMPF. I choose to/not to

submit a statement."

(1) In signing, the Marine requests retention at the present duty

station until the expiration of current enlistment, because the Marine does

not intend to reenlist. The Marine understands that permission to extend a

current enlistment will not be granted, and reenlistment without specific

approval by the CMC (MMEA/RAM) will not be authorized. This entry does not

pertain to Marines on their initial contract. Only CMC (MMEA/RAM) may remove

the RE-3O code. If the RE-3O is subsequently removed, the page 11 will

remain a permanent part of the Marine’s record.

(2) Marines who are on their initial contract or extension thereof

will not sign the above page 11 entry and will not be assigned an RE-3O

reenlistment code.

2. Retainability Requirements for Deployment-Designated Units

a. First-term Marines assigned to a deployment-designated Operating

Forces unit who have an EAS that will occur during the next scheduled unit

deployment, or which will occur prior to the ”EAS Cutoff Date” as established

by the unit’s implementation message, will be considered non-deployable for

personnel assignment purposes but not unit reporting and will not sign the

above page 11 entry and will not be assigned an RE-30 reenlistment

eligibility code.

b. Career enlisted Marines in a deployment-designated Operating Forces

unit, who have an EAS which will occur during the next deployment of that

unit, will be afforded the opportunity to extend/reenlist, if eligible, to

have the required obligated service to participate in the entire deployment.

Should these Marines express a desire not to extend/reenlist the following

instructions apply:

(1) Notify the CMC (MMEA/RAM) no later than 90 days prior to “Lock On”

(date unit is to staffed for scheduled deployment).

(2) Enter and have the Marine sign the following statement on page 11

of the Marine's ESR, per reference (k):

"I have been assigned reenlistment eligibility code RE-3O. Reason: I

will not reenlist/extend to deploy. I have been advised that Marines

assigned this code are not eligible for promotion, reenlistment,

commissioning or warrant officer programs, special education programs, or

involuntary separation pay unless specifically authorized by the CMC

(MMEA/RAM). I have been given the opportunity to submit a statement and that

statement, if submitted, will be filed in my ESR. I choose to/not to submit

a statement."

(3) In signing, the Marine requests reassignment to another unit

prior to the deployment of his/her present unit and acknowledges that

extension of current enlistment or reenlistment without specific approval of

the CMC (MMEA/RAM) will not be permitted.

(4) A signed copy of the page 11 entry will be expeditiously

forwarded to the CMC (MMEA/RAM and MMRP).

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

3-3 Enclosure (2)

(5) Career Marines who do not extend/reenlist in order to complete a

deployment with their present unit will normally be reassigned within the

current duty station and retained until EAS.

3. Involuntary Assignments to Deploying Units Within 12 months of EAS

a. First-term Marines will not normally be involuntarily assigned to a

unit deployment within six months of their updated Overseas Control Date

(OCD).

b. Career enlisted Marines will not normally be involuntarily assigned

to a unit deployment within 12-months of their updated OCD.

4. Marines Completing Only One (Five Months or More) Unit Deployment

a. First-term Marines who have completed only one unit deployment

overseas of a minimum five months duration will not normally be considered to

serve a 12-month PCS dependents-restricted tour until at least six months

have elapsed following return from the unit deployment overseas.

b. Career enlisted Marines who have completed only one unit deployment

overseas of a minimum five months duration will normally not be considered to

serve a 12-month PCS dependents-restricted tour until at least 12 months have

elapsed following return from the unit deployment overseas.

c. Marines with a current OCD may volunteer to participate in additional

TAD unit deployments overseas provided they sign the following statement on

page 11 of their ESR per reference (k):

(1) "I hereby volunteer to participate in unit deployment with (unit)

and I understand the consequences of this action as explained in MCO 1300.8."

(2) In signing, the Marine waives the provisions of Chapter 3,

Paragraph 3, as applicable. The Marine further acknowledges that there is

sufficient obligated service remaining to complete the subject deployment and

he/she will not be removed from the subject deployment by his/her own

volition.

5. Special Duty Assignments/Tours. Special Duty Assignments (SDAs) are an

integral part of a Marine’s career. It is imperative for a Marine who

desires an assignment within a specific SDA to either volunteer or ensure the

specific SDA is annotated as a Preferred Duty Code within Marine Corps Total

Force System (MCTFS)/Marine Online (MOL)/Marine Assignment Support System

(MASS). SDA tour lengths commence upon graduation of formal school courses.

a. For details on SDAs refer to reference (l).

b. Marines who successfully complete a tour of duty in a SDA will be

given a CONUS assignment. If assigned to an Operating Forces unit, CMC (MMEA)

will make every effort to ensure Marines will not be scheduled for a six

month or more deployment outside CONUS, or Hawaii/Alaska for the first six

months of their Operating Forces tour unless they volunteer.

c. Normally Marines will not be assigned back-to-back special duty

assignments as this is detrimental to the Marines’ MOS credibility, and

limits the number of Marines within a particular MOS the opportunity to

compete for a special duty assignment.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

3-4 Enclosure (2)

d. Transfer of Marines assigned to Marine Corps Districts.

(1) In accordance with reference (c), commanding officers of Marine

Corps Districts are authorized, without prior authority of CMC, to transfer

enlisted 8411 Marines between personnel procurement activities in their

respective districts within the number of moves allocated by the CMC (MCRC)

(not applicable to the Active Reserve). This includes ordering these Marines

to perform travel in connection with their duties within the allotments

authorized by HQMC.

(2) Marines requiring a second Dislocation Allowance within the same

Fiscal Year (FY) will not be transferred without prior approval of CMC (MMIB).

6. Equal Opportunity Advisors (EOA). EOAs are assigned to major Marine

Corps commands to provide information, assistance, and advice on all equal

opportunity (EO) matters. Staff noncommissioned officers (excluding first

sergeants and sergeants major) may request assignment as an EOA via

Administration Action (AA) Form submitted through the appropriate chain of

command to the CMC (MMEA-25). Marines selected for assignment as an EOA will

attend the 10-week EOA course at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management

Institute (DEOMI), Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. The tour length for EOAs

is 36 months.

7. Slating of Active Component Sergeants Major

a. The assignment of active component sergeants major to billets

directly working for a general officer will be filled by a slating process.

b. Slating will take place as required per the following criteria:

(1) CMC (MM) will establish criteria for required dates of rank and

obligated service.

(2) CMC (MM) will publish billet vacancies, submission and

eligibility requirements via MarAdmin.

(3) Eligible sergeants major will submit their prioritized personal

preferences to all listed billets via the appropriate sergeants major in

their reporting chain. Negative responses are required. Preferences

received directly from eligible sergeants major will be forwarded to the

appropriate component sergeant major for action. Sergeants major who desire

to be considered, but require a waiver of service limits (i.e. 30 years) must

submit an administrative action form through their chain of command to CMC

Manpower Management Separations and Retirement Branch (MMSR).

(4) Sergeants major in the reporting chain will forward submitted

responses with recommendations as required.

(5) The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SMMC) will convene a

board to consider all eligible sergeants major. The board will consist of

the SMMC, designated component sergeants major and the sergeant major,

Manpower Management Division.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

3-5 Enclosure (2)

(6) The draft slate will be forwarded to the CMC via the Director

(MM), D/C M&RA, and Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps (ACMC). The

ACMC will coordinate with the component commanders to obtain their

concurrence. Upon final approval, the slate will be published via ALMAR.

(7) SMMC will designate certain O-6 level billets for special

consideration due to their high visibility and mission. These billets will

be published via the MMEA 8999 hotfill list as required. CMC (MM) will

annually publish a MarAdmin advertising those billets designated as high

visibility, along with qualification and submission requirements.

(8) Sergeants major and first sergeants assigned to intelligence

battalions or radio battalions are required to be U.S. citizens and must be

eligible for a top-secret security clearance and access to sensitive

compartmented information (SCI) predicated upon a single scope background

investigation (SSBI).

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

4-1 Enclosure (2)

Chapter 4

Female Marines Classification, Assignment and Deployment

1. General. Female Marines will be eligible for employment in all roles

except those explicitly prohibited by this Manual. This Manual will be

updated as billets and/or MOSs are opened to female Marines.

2. Classification

a. Female Marines may be classified within any occupational field for

which they may be qualified and are not restricted.

b. Female Marines will not be classified within the following combatant

occupational fields: 03 (infantry), 18 (tank and assault amphibian vehicle)

and certain specialties within 08XX (artillery).

c. Female Marines will not be given any MOS requiring a Necessary MOS

(NMOS) that is otherwise restricted.

3. Operating Forces

a. Female Marines will not be assigned to the following units or any

sub-element thereof unless the statutory notification to Congress has been

satisfied for specific billets resident in these units:

(1) Infantry Regiment

(2) Artillery Battalion

(3) Tank Battalion

(4) Assault Amphibian Battalion

(5) Battalion Reconnaissance

(6) Marine Special Operations Company

(7) Combat Engineer Battalion

(8) Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

(9) Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion

(10) Air/Naval Gunfire Liaison Company

(11) Force Reconnaissance Company

(12) Ground Sensor Platoon

(13) Combat Assault Battalion

b. Female Marines may be assigned to the command element or headquarters

of any Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), division, wing, or logistics

group.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

4-2 Enclosure (2)

c. Female Marines may be assigned to Operating Forces that provide

detachments for any element of the MAGTF except for support

units/detachments/elements that are expected to maneuver with the infantry

regiment or its subordinate units.

d. Female Marines having a PMOS of 1302 (Engineer Officer) or 1371

(Combat Engineer) will not be assigned to billets below the Marine Division.

4. Supporting Establishment. Female Marines may be assigned to any

supporting establishment unit or duty station for which qualified by rank,

MOS, or other special criteria.

5. Aviation. Female Marines may be designated as pilots/aircrew members and

assigned duties aboard any aircraft.

6. Training Exercises. Female Marines may participate in all MAGTF training

exercises provided appropriate transportation and berthing are available.

Their participation in the training exercises should be a reflection of

anticipated employment in wartime, and the training requirement for all

Marines to be fully qualified in their MOS.

7. Reserves and Inspector-Instructor Staffs. The assignment or affiliation

of female Marines to integrated billets within MARFORRES units must be

consistent with the assignment criteria established in this Chapter for “like”

active component units with similar missions.

8. Overseas Dependents-Restricted Assignments. Female Marines are eligible

for assignment to overseas dependents-restricted tours of duty based on rank

and MOS requirements.

9. Pregnancy. The Marine Corps general policy on pregnancy and parenthood

is contained in reference (m). Assignment policies and procedures for

pregnant Marines are set forth below:

a. Pregnant Marines will not be ordered to dependents-restricted or

unaccompanied tours.

b. Pregnant Marines stationed in CONUS and Hawaii will not be detached

or reassigned after 36-weeks of pregnancy. Specific instructions relating to

PCS orders modifications/cancellation will be obtained from the CMC

(MMEA/MMOA/RAM).

c. Pregnant Marines serving overseas may be reassigned at their normal

RTD, provided they do not have to fly after the 28th week of pregnancy per

reference (m). Where apparent that the overseas tour of a pregnant Marine

will be involuntarily extended because of her condition (i.e., delivery date

approximates RTD), the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) may authorize a tour curtailment.

Normally, CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) will not approve early return of an overseas-

restricted tour because of pregnancy where the female Marine has completed

less than nine months of her tour unless justified and substantiated by a

Health Care Provider (HCP).

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

4-3 Enclosure (2)

d. A Marine on an unaccompanied overseas tour, who is subsequently

confirmed pregnant during her tour, will be reassigned if there are

inadequate civilian/military medical facilities with obstetrical capabilities

and family housing. The new assignment may be to another overseas location

in order to receive credit for an overseas tour. A pregnant Marine has no

actual entitlement to family housing until she has an eligible family member,

and only then if the CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) converts her unaccompanied tour to

an accompanied tour. The reassignment will be requested by the command to

the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) and will state the reasons the reassignment would be

in the best interests of the Marine Corps and the individual.

e. Pregnant Marines are non-deployable. Pregnant Marines are afforded a

six-month deployment/restricted tour deferment option, from the date of

delivery. The option is provided to the Marine, not the commander. The

Marine may, however waive the deployment deferment period.

f. Refer to Chapter 6 of this Order for policies regarding overseas

command sponsorship of dependents and dependents who are acquired/non-

command-sponsored while serving overseas.

g. Refer to reference (m) for other duty restrictions, to include

shipboard and aircraft assignments.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

5-1 Enclosure (2)

Chapter 5

Specific Considerations

1. Dual Military Household Assignment. Although the importance of family

unity is recognized, military service by its very nature involves family

separation.

a. When both spouses are active duty service members (and either one or

both are Marines), efforts will be made to minimize separations that may be

longer than those normally encountered by Marines with civilian spouses.

b. Military couples will be provided a reasonable opportunity to

establish a joint household with due regard to the requirements of the

service. It must be recognized that staffing considerations are paramount;

there must be a valid requirement (grade and MOS) for the Marine at the

spouse's duty station.

c. Military couples are advised that the Marine Corps’ ability to co-

locate them is sometimes limited, particularly when one is a member of

another service. The manpower assignment representatives of both service

members must be contacted prior to orders being issued on either member.

Additionally, military couples are advised that decisions relating to further

service, career development, or family planning must be based on the

assumption that co-location is not guaranteed.

d. Preferential treatment in assignments and duty stations will not be

given based on marital status. Military couples may expect normal career

assignments to include school, and unaccompanied overseas tours.

e. To ensure members receive a combined household goods weight

entitlement, a statement will be included in their PCS orders to indicate the

orders establish a joint household per the provisions of reference (n).

f. A Marine’s spouse who is also a service member must not be considered

a family member for assignment purposes.

g. Military couples who are not stationed within close proximity to each

other's duty station may request a transfer for the purpose of establishing a

joint household.

(1) Close proximity is defined, for the purpose of this policy as

follows: the distance traveled between the military couples’ duty stations

is approximately 50 miles.

(2) Requests must be submitted to the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM).

(3) A request from either member of the military couple will be

considered as a request by both and, as such, the transfer of either or both

Marines will be considered.

(4) The service members must be married at the time the request is

submitted.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

5-2 Enclosure (2)

(5) Requests to establish a joint household will be favorably

considered provided the following conditions exist:

(a) A valid requirement (grade and MOS) exists for one service

member at or in close proximity to the duty station of the other service

member.

(b) The Marine transferring must have completed the CONUS TOS

requirements contained in Chapter 1, Paragraph 2, or served a minimum of one

year from the date of marriage at the current duty station or, if currently

assigned to an overseas area, must have completed the prescribed tour.

(6) Married personnel accompanied by their dependents/military

spouses may not occupy bachelor housing on a permanent basis.

h. Assignment of a Marine mother to an overseas tour may be deferred for

six months from the date of birth of a child when a Marine is directed to a

dependents-restricted tour or to an accompanied tour where concurrent travel

of the child is denied. In the case of adoption, assignment of one parent of

a dual service couple to a dependents-restricted or unaccompanied tour may be

deferred for six months following the date the child is formally placed in

the home. Marines may waive the deferment if they desire.

2. Single Parents

a. Single parents will be assigned based on the same policies and

procedures applicable to all other Marines. The Marine Corps recognizes the

unique situations that occur when single parents are assigned to some types

of duty and duty stations; however, a preferential assignment policy

regarding single parents would create an inequity with other Marines.

b. A Marine may be processed for discharge by reason of parenthood, per

reference (h), if it is determined that the Marine is unable to perform

his/her duties satisfactorily or is unavailable for worldwide assignment or

deployment.

c. Marines who become a single parent as a result of unforeseen

circumstances, (i.e., death of a spouse) may apply for an assignment

deferment or reassignment based on humanitarian/hardship reasons per

reference (c).

d. Assignment of a single Marine mother to an overseas tour may be

deferred for six months after the date of delivery when a Marine is directed

to a dependents-restricted tour or to an accompanied tour where concurrent

travel of the child is denied. Likewise, a single Marine who adopts a child

may be deferred from assignment to a dependent-restricted overseas tour or an

accompanied overseas tour when concurrent travel is denied, for six months

from the date the child was formally placed in the home. Marines may waive

the deferment if they desire.

e. Marines with custody of children must establish a childcare plan per

reference (o). Single parents that do not establish a family care plan must

be processed for separation in accordance with reference (h).

3. Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). Per reference (p), enrollment

in the EFMP assists CMC in the proper assignment of Marines to meet the

mission of the Marine Corps while ensuring continuum of care for family

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

5-3 Enclosure (2)

member(s) enrolled in the program. The Marine Corps recognizes the unique

situations of enrolled families in this program and every effort is made to

support those members and their families in the assignment process.

Enrollment in the EFMP will not prejudice advancement or promotion

opportunities.

4. Temporary Limited Duty (TLD) Status

a. Per reference (v), Marines in a TLD status may be eligible for PCS

orders if the attending physician produces appropriate documentation

addressing the following circumstances:

(1) The Marine can receive the same level of medical treatment at the

new Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) as is being received at the current MTF.

(2) Re-locating the Marine will not, in any way, aggravate or worsen

the illness/injury.

(3) The Marine will most likely return to full duty within no more

than two periods of TLD.

b. Once a Marine has been referred to the Integrated Disability

Evaluation System (IDES) for Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) determination,

they shall not execute PCS orders, unless approved by CMC (MMSR-4).

5. Formal Military School Instructors. All Marines assigned as instructors

at formal military schools are required to have an adjudicated investigation

(NAC, NACLC, SSBI) per reference (q). Additionally, Marines assigned as

instructors to any Naval Air Maintenance Training Group (NAMTRAGRU) must

comply with reference (r).

6. Assignment to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1). Reference (s)

outlines the selection and screening criteria for HMX-1. All Marines

assigned to HMX-1 must meet specific and very stringent criteria. The

Commanding Officer, HMX-1, is solely responsible for evaluating and screening

Marines to determine their initial qualification for assignment.

a. Command Element. Marines will be assigned to the HMX-1 Command

Element in accordance with Chapter 1 of this Order. The normal tour length

for the Command Element at HMX-1 is 36 months. The CMC (MMOA/MMEA) retains

the authority to reduce or extend the tour length as necessary.

b. Presidential Support Detachment. The normal tour length for Marines

assigned to the Presidential Support Detachment is 48 months. The CMC

(MMOA/MMEA) retains the authority to reduce or extend the tour length when

necessary. Only Marines capable of receiving a Yankee White security

clearance are eligible for assignment to the Presidential Support Detachment.

Prior to selection by CMC (MMEA) and the issuance of orders, HMX-1 Internal

Security will determine the clearance eligibility for enlisted Marines.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

5-4 Enclosure (2)

c. Non-Presidential Support Detachment. The normal tour length for

Marines assigned to the Non-Presidential Support Detachment is 36 months.

The CMC (MMOA/MMEA) retains the authority to reduce or extend the tour length

when necessary. Marines assigned to the Non-Presidential Support Detachment

will be a direct-assign from CMC (MMEA) but are still required to contact

HMX-1 Internal Security per reference (s) for screening and clearance

requirements.

d. All individuals in receipt of orders to HMX-1 will be required by

orders text to complete a Standard Form 86 (SF86) Questionnaire for National

Security Positions and fingerprint card via HMX-1 Internal Security in the

timeframe specified by the text and reference (s).

7. Expedited Transfer of Marines Who File Unrestricted Reports of Sexual

Assault. Reference (t) outlines the policy and procedures for victims of

sexual assault to request temporary or permanent reassignment from their

assigned command or base. Upon receipt of the approved request for expedited

transfer from CMC (Marine and Family Programs Division, Sexual Assault

Prevention and Response (MFB)), the request will be effected by CMC

(MMOA/MMEA/RAM).

8. Administrative Reassignment or Transfer of Marines Accused of Sexual

Assault or Related Offense. Reference (t) outlines the policies and

procedures for administrative reassignment or transfer of Marines accused of

sexual assault or related offense. PCS orders should be used to facilitate

transfers only in extreme cases, when no other options are available. The

Sexual Assault Initial Disposition Authority (SA-IDA) of the accused may

authorize and effect intra-unit or unit transfers (i.e. transfers within the

same Monitored Command Code (MCC). Only CMC (MM/RA) may effect PCA or PCS

orders. An endorsement from the first General Officer in the chain of

command of the accused is required if it is determined that PCA or PCS orders

for the accused is appropriate. Endorsed requests will be forwarded to CMC

(MM/RA).

9. Assignment of Sex Offenders

a. Per reference (u), for the purposes of this Order, the term “sex

offender” is defined as a person having been convicted of a criminal offense

according to reference (al), and applies to all persons who are required to

be registered as sex offenders according to these same guidelines.

b. Any Marine known as a sex offender per reference (u) must not be

assigned outside the 50 United States, and any Marine whose sponsored

dependents are sex offenders must not be assigned outside of the 50 United

States on accompanied orders, unless waived by the Deputy Commandant,

Manpower and Reserve Affairs. This authority may not be delegated. Refer to

Appendix B for further guidance regarding screening for overseas assignment.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

5-5 Enclosure (2)

10. Assignment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus

(HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infected Personnel

a. In accordance with reference (q), Marines with serologic evidence of

HIV or with evidence of chronic HBV or HCV infection shall be referred for

medical evaluation regarding continued service and appropriate treatment. If

fitness for continued service is in question, Marines will be processed via

the IDES for determination of fitness to continue naval service. If the

medical facility does not have a fitness concern or the Marine is found fit

for full duty by the IDES, Marines will be returned to their unit for duty.

If found unfit for continued service by the IDES, Marines will be processed

for medical separation.

b. HIV antibody positive Marines retained on active duty will be

assigned to supporting establishment type units within the United States

including Hawaii and Alaska, and within one-day ground travel of a Naval

Medical Treatment Facility designated by the Surgeon General. Specific

assignments will be made on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration

medical advice on treatment/evaluation, confidentiality, and humanitarian

concerns. Additionally, HIV antibody positive Marines will not be assigned

to ship detachments, deployments overseas, extended deployments afloat,

individual augments, or special duty assignments. This policy does not

prevent HIV antibody positive Marines from embarking on ships for short

duration training exercises or from participating in training deployments

within the United States or its territories (i.e., a combined arms exercise).

The following exception applies per reference (q):

(1) Selected Marines who are considered to have controlled HIV

disease, an established history of medical compliance, and a history of

professional attitude may, on a case-by case basis in consultation with the

treating HIV Evaluation and Treatment Unit (HETU), Navy Bloodborne Infection

Management Center (NMIBC), and CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM), be assigned to selected

large ships and OCONUS commands as agreed on by all three consultants. The

following will be considered:

(a) There is no demonstrated risk of transmission of disease in

normal daily activities.

(b) An investment in training of these members has been made.

(c) The previous policy of denying deployments has made these

personnel less competitive in achieving career milestones.

(2) These Marines will not be considered for individual augmentee (IA)

tours given the austere environments where they potentially could be deployed.

c. Marines with untreated chronic HBV or HCV infection are not eligible

for assignment to deploying units, OCONUS units, or IA tours. Marines who

have received treatment and are found by the evaluating Medical Treatment

Facility (MTF) to be cured will have no limits on subsequent assignments.

11. Navy Personnel. Navy personnel assigned to Operating Forces units will

be subject to the tour lengths listed in the current edition of reference (am)

for officer personnel, and reference (an) for enlisted personnel.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

5-6 Enclosure (2)

12. Assignment to Hostile Fire Areas and Sole Surviving Sons/Daughters

a. Hostile Fire Area Assignment Restrictions. Assignment to duty in

hostile fire or imminent danger areas must be shared equitably, when feasible,

by all similarly qualified Marines except as follows:

(1) If a Marine or a service member of the Marine's family is killed

or dies while serving in a designated hostile fire area, other service

members of the same family must be exempt on request from serving in

designated hostile fire areas or, if serving in such an area, must be

transferred from there. Similarly, family members must be exempt, on request,

when another family member is in a captured or missing status, or is

determined by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) or a military service

to be 100 percent physically or mentally disabled.

(2) Marines qualifying as sole surviving sons or daughters per

Appendix A of this Order and requesting non-combat duty, or not waiving a

request submitted by a parent or spouse, must be subject to the restrictions

in Chapter 6, Paragraph 6 of this Order.

(3) Assignment of conscientious objectors must be subject to the

restrictions in the current edition of reference (w).

(4) Requests for combat deferment must be submitted in writing to CMC

(MM) within 15 days of receiving orders, assignment instructions, unit alert

or scheduled movement. Requests for combat exemption may be submitted

anytime. Marines submitting either request will be held in place until

action on his or her application is finalized.

b. Family Members. For the purposes of assignments per paragraphs 1 and

6 of this Chapter, family members include the following:

(1) Parent. This includes stepfather, father by adoption, stepmother,

mother by adoption, or those who have stood in loco parentis for at least

five years before death to the service member or former service member.

(2) Brothers and Sisters. This includes stepbrothers, brothers by

adoption, half-brothers, stepsisters, sisters by adoption, or half-sisters.

(3) Spouse.

(4) Children

(a) Legitimate child.

(b) Legally adopted child.

(c) Stepchild, if a member of the household at the time of death

of the service member or former service member.

(d) A child of a female service member or a female former service

member born out of wedlock.

(e) A child born out of wedlock to whose support a male Service

member is ordered or decreed judicially to contribute, decreed judicially to

be the father, or must acknowledge in writing under oath that he is the

father.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

5-7 Enclosure (2)

(f) A person for whom the Service member stood in loco parentis

for at least five years.

c. Wounded Marines

(1) Restrictions

(a) Marines who have been hospitalized outside a hostile fire

area 30 days or more due to wounds resulting from combat service must not be

returned to such service during the prescribed tour in which they were

wounded.

(b) This provision does not apply to personnel hospitalized due

to injury, accident, or illness not attributable to hostile fire action.

Marines in this category will be returned to the hostile fire area when

medically qualified.

(c) Hospitalization aboard a hospital ship stationed within a

designated hostile fire area is considered hospitalization within the hostile

fire area.

(2) Waivers

(a) Marines may request a waiver of the preceding restriction and

volunteer to return to a hostile fire area if medically and mentally

qualified. Based on the severity of the injury, psychiatric review will be

conducted prior to returning a wounded Marine to combat in the same area

where the injury was obtained. The request will be forwarded to the CMC

(MMEA/MMOA/RAM) via the Marine's commanding officer. The request will

contain a fitness for duty in a combat zone finding by competent medical

authorities attesting to the Marine’s physical and mental well-being and must

contain the following statement signed by the Marine:

"Having been hospitalized (number) days, I request reassignment to

(designated hostile fire area) in the same manner as if I had not been

wounded."

(b) Final determination on requests for waivers will be made by

the CMC (MMEA/MMOA) after giving full consideration to the best interests of

the Marine Corps and the individual Marine.

(3) Eligibility for Subsequent Hostile Fire Area Assignment. Marines

who have been hospitalized as described in Paragraph 3.a.1 of this Chapter

are eligible for subsequent combat tours, if required, on an equitable basis

with other Marines who have been credited with a combat tour.

d. Reporting Date Last Tour Combat (LAST TOUR CBT). The date LAST TOUR

CBT must be entered in the MCTFS per the MCTFSPRIUM.

e. Credit for a Complete Tour Hostile Fire Area. The minimum time to

receive credit for a complete tour in a hostile fire area is six consecutive

months (180 consecutive days).

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

5-8 Enclosure (2)

f. Assignment of Sole Surviving Sons/Daughters

(1) Eligibility Criteria. A Marine acquiring or retaining sole

surviving son or daughter status, as defined in Appendix A, must not depend

on the existence of any other living family member, including a sole

surviving son with one or more surviving sisters or including a sole

surviving daughter with one or more surviving brothers. The continued

existence of a family unit must not be required for qualifying as a sole

surviving son or daughter. The Marine may qualify as a sole surviving son or

daughter through either the Marine's father or mother. The parent through

whom the Marine seeks to qualify need not be living, but the Marine must be

the only remaining son or daughter, natural or adopted, of that parent.

(2) Assignment Restrictions

(a) A Marine who is a sole surviving son or daughter must not be

assigned to any overseas area designated as a hostile fire or imminent danger

area or to duties involving actual combat with the enemy including assignment

to sea duty aboard ships operating in a sea area designated a hostile fire

area, unless he/she volunteers and requests a waiver.

(b) A parent or spouse may request restrictive assignment of a

sole surviving son and/or daughter, i.e., assignment to an area outside a

designated hostile fire area; however, such a request may be waived by the

individual Marine concerned. Upon a request approval, a sole surviving son

and/or daughter must not be assigned to any overseas area designated as a

hostile fire or imminent danger area or to duties that regularly may subject

him/her to combat with the enemy. When a sole surviving son and/or daughter

is serving in a hostile fire or imminent danger area or when performing

combat duties, the sole surviving son and/or daughter will be reassigned upon

request approval for assignment restriction.

(c) A Marine who voluntarily enlists, reenlists, or extends the

period of active duty with the Marine Corps after the date of notification of

the family casualty on which the sole surviving status is based, must be

considered as having waived the rights for the restrictive assignment

provisions under this paragraph. Refer to Paragraph f (5) of this Chapter

for specifics regarding commissioning, appointments, enlistments, extension

of enlistments, or reenlistments.

(d) A Marine who has waived the status as a sole surviving son or

daughter may request reinstatement of that status at any time.

(e) This policy does not prevent the assignment of sole surviving

sons and/or daughters to overseas areas where combat conditions are

nonexistent.

(3) Requests

(a) Requests for restrictive assignment made by a Marine will be

submitted to the CMC (MM/RA), via commanding officers, for final action.

(b) Request for restrictive assignment of a Marine made by a

parent or spouse will be submitted directly to the CMC (MM/RA). Final action

on such requests will be taken only after the Marine concerned is afforded

ample opportunity to waive rights as a sole surviving son or daughter.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

5-9 Enclosure (2)

(c) All requests will include the following:

1. An affirmative statement from the applicant that the

Marine concerned is a sole surviving son or daughter as described herein for

the purpose of restrictive assignment.

2. Full name, grade or rating, social security number (SSN),

date of birth, and branch of service of each member of the Marine's family

killed, captured, missing in action, or permanently disabled as a result of

hazards incident to service in the armed forces, together with documentation

as to date of such occurrence. In the cases of persons other than those

killed, the person's present status, e.g., where captured, VA hospital

locations, etc., and in cases of natural death, a photo static copy of proof

of such death will be required.

(4) Waiver/Reinstatement of Designation as a Sole Surviving

Son/Daughter

(a) A Marine may request a waiver of privileges as a sole

surviving son or daughter. The request will be submitted to the CMC (MM/RA)

via the commanding officer. The request must contain the following statement:

"I hereby waive my rights to restrictive assignment as a sole surviving

son/daughter per MCO 1300.8."

(b) A Marine who has waived status as a sole surviving son or

daughter may request reinstatement of that status at any time. Requests for

reinstatement of that status will not provide a basis for discharge at the

Marine's request but will qualify the individual for the assignment

restrictions contained in Paragraph 6.b of this Chapter. Final disposition

as to assignment/retention of Marines who request reinstatement of sole

surviving son or daughter status will be determined by the CMC (MM/RA). The

following statement must be signed and submitted to the CMC (MM/RA) by the

Marine requesting reinstatement of sole surviving son or daughter status:

"I hereby revoke the waiver of my sole surviving son/daughter status and

request reinstatement of that status per MCO 1300.8.”

(c) A Marine who has waived rights as a sole surviving son or

daughter to qualify for enlistment in the Marine Corps and has not been

officially designated a sole surviving son or daughter by the CMC (MM) must

include all information required by paragraph 6.c of this Chapter in the

request for reinstatement of rights.

(d) Notation in the Service Record. Make appropriate entries

concerning the designation as a sole surviving son or daughter and revocation

of this designation on page 11 of the service record per reference (k).

(e) Unit Diary. Appropriate unit diary entries reporting the

duty limitation must be submitted per the MCTFSPRIUM.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

5-10 Enclosure (2)

(5) Commissioning, Appointment, Enlistment, Extension of Enlistment,

or Reenlistment

(a) A sole surviving son or daughter is not eligible for

enlistment, extension of enlistment, or reenlistment unless the privileges

provided herein are waived. This policy also applies to commissioned

officers.

(b) In all cases where an applicant for enlistment, extension of

enlistment, or reenlistment indicates that the individual's father/mother

and/or brothers/sisters are deceased, captured, missing, or disabled, the

recruiting officer or commanding officer will ensure that the applicant is

thoroughly questioned about the circumstances of such deaths and briefed on

the contents of this Order to verify the applicant's sole surviving son or

daughter status.

(c) Prior to executing an oath of enlistment or agreement to

extend, the Marine must execute the appropriate waiver as contained in

reference (x) and Paragraph 6.d of this Chapter.

1. A notation of this waiver will be made in the "Remarks"

section of the Department of Defense Form 1966/4 (DD Form 1966/4), Record of

Military Processing – Armed Forces of the United States, and the Marine's

original signed waiver will be forwarded to the CMC (MPP/CMT) with the

Department of Defense Form 4 (DD Form 4), Enlistment/Reenlistment Document --

Armed Forces of the United States.

2. The execution of another waiver is unnecessary upon the

extension of enlistment or reenlistment if a previously executed waiver has

been entered on the DD Form 1966 or page 11 of the service record.

(d) The provisions of this section are intended for the benefit

of the Marine Corps only and are not intended to confer any benefits or

rights, such as the right to discharge, to an individual who enlisted or

extended in violation of requirements set forth in this paragraph.

(6) Discharge. Policy for discharging sole surviving sons or

daughters as contained in references (h) and (x).

g. Concurrent Assignment of Family Members to Same Unit or Ship

(1) Same assigning of service members of the immediate family to the

same unit or ship in a hostile fire area are not prohibited and may be

approved where a military requirement exists and good order and discipline

are upheld.

(2) Requests for reassignment to a different unit or ship in a

hostile fire area may be approved for all but one member of the same

immediate family.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-1 Enclosure (2)

Chapter 6

Overseas Assignments

1. General. Reference (f) stipulates that no member of the Armed Forces

must be assigned to active duty on land outside the United States, and its

Territories or Possessions, until he or she has completed basic training

requirements of the Armed Force of which he or she is a member. The Marine

Corps will ensure equitable distribution of overseas assignments. With the

exception of unit moves, every effort must be made to minimize the periods of

forced family separation and the adverse effects of overseas service that may

be encountered by Marines and their dependents. Tour length will be approved

before departure of the Marine or their dependents to an overseas location.

2. Overseas Screening. The overseas screening process may take up to 60

days or more; therefore Marines shall commence overseas screening immediately

upon receipt of orders. In order to ensure the Marine reports to the

overseas station by the required date, the importance of complete and timely

screening cannot be over-emphasized. Commanding officers must ensure

Marines are qualified for overseas assignment per reference (y) and

Appendices B through D of this Order. The commanding officer's

recommendation for disposition of orders and availability for worldwide

assignment shall not be delegated. Marines and dependents of Marines

assigned to Hawaii or Alaska do not require screening. Dependents of Marines

assigned to unaccompanied or dependent-restricted tours do not require

screening.

a. If the Marine or family member(s) is not qualified to execute the

orders, the detaching command will notify the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) within 5

days of the determination. Commanding officers may not waive requirements

for overseas medical and educational screening. Assessments must be as

detailed as possible to permit equitable determination.

b. If an accompanied tour is authorized and desired by the Marine, the

Marine’s dependents must be screened as well. Dependents must become command

sponsored in order to officially accompany the Marine to the overseas

location. Command sponsorship shall only be granted after completion of

overseas suitability screening and include only those dependents who have

received a favorable determination regarding their medical and educational

suitability. Coordination for both transoceanic travel and transportation

for a Marine’s dependents and household goods (HHG) will not commence prior

to completion of successful screening and granting of area clearance. Note:

the average medical screening process for a family takes between 50 and 60

days. Screening is valid for 12 months from the date of completion.

c. Commanding officers must ensure Marines desiring to serve an

accompanied tour are family advocacy screened for open Severity Level III and

above substantiations of domestic and/or child abuse. This screening

enhances the stability for Marines and their units, and can offset the costs

of Early Return of Dependents when overseas location services are inadequate

to meet the needs of the Marine or family members. Individual Marines who

have successfully completed mandated treatment for Level III and above

substantiated incidents of domestic and/or child abuse, and have experienced

no subsequent incidents of abuse for six months are considered qualified for

overseas duty.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-2 Enclosure (2)

d. Marines who have experienced no drug or alcohol-related incidents

following successful completion of a formal treatment program are considered

qualified for overseas duty. Refer to reference (z).

e. Commanding officers must ensure Marines meet the requisite security

clearances for the overseas tour. Marines who are in receipt of a Letter of

Intent or Determination to deny or revoke security clearance eligibility

should not PCS until either the Department of the Navy Central Adjudication

Facility (DONCAF) favorably adjudicates all issues and issues a letter so

stating, or the appeals process is completed. Failure to delay such PCS

orders risks transferring Marines into positions requiring clearance

eligibility when Marines may not have the required eligibility for a length

of time or may be stripped of clearance eligibility entirely if the Personnel

Security Appeals Board (PSAB) rejects the appeal. Marines slated for an

overseas assignment whose personnel security investigation (PSI) will expire

while stationed overseas are required to submit a PSI upon receipt of PCS

orders. This will allow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to

conduct the required PSI prior to the service member’s transfer.

f. Commands must comply with the provisions of the EFMP, if applicable.

Enrollment in the EFMP does not in itself preclude a Marine from serving an

overseas tour.

3. Obligated Service

a. Prior to detachment for transfer overseas, the losing command must

ensure a Marine ordered to an overseas duty station has sufficient obligated

military service to complete the prescribed tour length. Sufficient

obligated military service for an overseas tour means that the Marine must

have, on the date departing CONUS or other port of departure, enough active

duty service remaining from the date the individual departs CONUS or other

port of departure to complete the prescribed day-for-day overseas tour length.

For example: a prescribed 12-month tour requires 365 days remaining from the

date the individual departs CONUS or other port of departure. A prescribed

36-month tour requires 1,095 days. Refer to Chapter 3 of this Order for

further guidance regarding assignment of First-Term Marines.

b. Exceptions to the preceding policy statement must be approved by the

CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM). Normally, the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) will waive no more

than 30 days of the prescribed day-for-day overseas tour.

c. Career enlisted Marines are expected to reenlist in order to gain

required obligated service to serve the specified tour length.

d. If a Marine reports to an overseas duty station without sufficient

obligated service to complete the prescribed tour, the joining command will

immediately notify the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) and the detaching command by

message. In addition, the following instructions are provided:

(1) Counsel the Marine and afford the opportunity to extend/reenlist

in order to have sufficient obligated service to complete the prescribed tour.

(2) Marines declining to extend/reenlist who have an EAS within 30

days of the prescribed tour length will be retained at the overseas duty

station for the duration of their obligated service and will be returned to

CONUS in enough time for normal separation processing, i.e., 10 days prior to

EAS.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-3 Enclosure (2)

(3) For Marines with an EAS of 30 or more days short of the

prescribed tour length who decline to extend/reenlist, instructions must be

requested by message to the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) indicating the desires of the

individual regarding retention on station.

(4) Career enlisted Marines transferred to CONUS for discharge prior

to the completion of the prescribed tour length because they will not

extend/reenlist will be informed that they cannot extend/reenlist after their

arrival in CONUS. These Marines will sign a page 11 entry per reference (k).

A signed copy of the page 11 entry will be expeditiously forwarded to the CMC

(MMEA, MMRP, and RAM). Upon separation, career enlisted Marines will be

assigned a RE-3O reenlistment code and will be separated per reference (h).

4. Area Clearance. Service-specific travel clearance and entry requirements

must be met before requesting personnel travel clearance, if required,

through the Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System (APACS) as

directed in the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG). Per

reference (aa), requests for personnel travel clearance (i.e., country,

theater, and special area clearance) associated with overseas PCS assignments

will be processed per the FCG, available at the following website:

https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm.

a. Normally, personnel in receipt of overseas PCS orders do not require

personnel travel clearance. However, each country has unique travel

clearance and entry requirements that must be met prior to initiating travel.

Losing commands are required to initiate necessary action. Upon receipt of

overseas PCS orders and successful overseas suitability determination(s) for

dependents, Marines and their servicing Installation Personnel Administration

Center (IPAC)/admin office will review and initiate the actions necessary to

comply with the personnel travel clearance and entry requirements for the

specific country of the pending overseas assignment. In addition, Marines,

with support from their IPAC, are also required to comply with any additional

specific travel clearance and entry requirements that may be levied by the

local activity/installation commander prior to initiating travel.

b. Roles and Responsibilities

(1) CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM). Modify or cancel overseas PCS orders if

personnel travel clearance and/or entry requirements are not approved. If

command sponsorship or dependent entry is denied, orders will be converted

from accompanied to unaccompanied or dependent-restricted. If the Marine is

denied personnel travel clearance, orders will be cancelled or modified

appropriately.

(2) Individual Marine. Upon receipt of overseas PCS orders,

immediately complete the requirements contained in Appendices B through D of

this Manual and submit required documentation to the losing/detaching command

(i.e., current command) IPAC/admin office. In the case of accompanied

overseas PCS orders, information for all dependents accompanying the Marine

to the new permanent duty station (PDS) must be included.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-4 Enclosure (2)

(3) Losing/Detaching Commands. Upon a Marine’s receipt of overseas

PCS orders, IPACs/admin offices will review and complete (in coordination

with the Marine) the personnel travel clearance and entry requirements

contained in the FCG. Immediately contact the appropriate gaining

installation G-1 and IPAC in order to identify any additional specific travel

clearance and entry requirements that may be levied by the gaining

installation commander prior to initiating travel.

(a) If command sponsorship/dependent entry approval is required,

submit the request to the gaining installation G-1/S-1 within 60 days of

orders receipt.

(b) For accompanied orders, if command sponsorship/dependent

entry is denied, notify CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) immediately via naval message.

(c) After notification of command sponsorship/dependent entry

approval/disapproval and no later than 60 days prior to arrival at the

overseas location, submit request for personnel travel clearance (if

required) in accordance with the FCG. Notify the gaining installation

IPAC/admin office and CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) via naval message of personnel

travel clearance approval/disapproval (if required) via the appropriate

MARFOR G-1.

(d) IPACS/admin offices will not generate overseas PCS orders

endorsements until requirements of the FCG have been met.

(4) Gaining Installation G-1/S-1. Process all requests for command

sponsorship/dependent entry in accordance with locally established

procedures. Notify the Marine, losing/detaching command IPAC/admin office

and CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) via naval message of approval/disapproval via the

appropriate MARFOR/MEF G-1.

5. Command-Sponsorship of Dependents

a. In order to serve an accompanied tour, a Marine’s dependents must

become command sponsored. Command-sponsored dependents are normally

permitted to use available dependent support facilities (exchanges,

commissaries, etc.). In addition, command sponsorship entitles the Marine to

travel and transportation of dependents at Government expense and station

allowances at the with dependent rate.

b. Marines assigned to an accompanied overseas tour may have their

dependents endorsed as command-sponsored provided they meet all of the

following criteria:

(1) An accompanied overseas tour length for the overseas location is

authorized per reference (n).

(2) The Marine has sufficient obligated service to complete the

prescribed accompanied tour length or extends/reenlists to obtain the

necessary obligated service. Exceptions may be authorized based on the needs

of the Marine Corps. Approval authority rests with CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM).

(3) The appropriate installation commander has authorized the Marine

to have dependents present in the vicinity of the overseas duty station.

(4) The Marine has not elected to serve the unaccompanied tour.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-5 Enclosure (2)

(5) The dependents are found suitable by overseas screening in

accordance with Appendices B, D, and E of this Order.

(6) If any special needs are identified that cannot be accommodated

at the overseas location, command sponsorship shall not be approved. After

overseas screening and/or prior to execution of orders, if medical needs of

dependents or the capability of the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) change,

and the MTF can no longer provide adequate medical care, an accompanied or

consecutive overseas tour may not be approved.

c. In cases where one member of a dual-military couple separates from

the service, the separating member may be command sponsored the day following

separation, provided the remaining member is serving the accompanied tour

length, and the separating member did not travel back to CONUS at Government

expense at the time of separation. Per reference (h), the separating Marine

must request, and be approved, for an alternate separation site for the

overseas location.

d. Command sponsorship may be denied or revoked for a dependent who

fails to respond to a court order per reference (ab).

6. Acquired Dependents

a. Marines who acquire dependents after the effective date of PCS orders

during an overseas tour through marriage, birth, adoption or other measure

may have them command sponsored in order to serve an accompanied tour if

desired. Marines and acquired dependents must meet the requirements of

paragraph 5 of this chapter in order to serve the accompanied tour. In order

to serve the accompanied tour length, Marines must have or gain the required

obligated service to serve the accompanied tour and have a minimum of 12

months remaining on his/her overseas tour after arrival of dependents or

approval of command sponsorship, whichever is later.

b. While serving the accompanied tour at the overseas station, children

born to Marine mothers or command-sponsored dependent spouses are command

sponsored at birth. Additionally, children born to female Marines while

assigned to an unaccompanied or dependent-restricted tour are command

sponsored as of the date of the birth.

c. Children born to other command sponsored dependents (not the spouse

of the Marine) are not eligible for command sponsorship unless they become

legal dependents through separate action.

d. In cases of adoption, command sponsorship is effective on the date of

placement in the house, including pre-adoptive placement prior to final

adoption.

e. Commands will notify CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) upon awarding command

sponsorship to acquired dependents. Note: only the CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) may

approve conversion to an accompanied tour.

7. Non-Command-Sponsored Dependents

a. Non-command-sponsored dependents are those who reside with the Marine

at the overseas location without command sponsorship endorsement by the

appropriate command.

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18 Sep 2014

6-6 Enclosure (2)

b. If desired, Marines and non-command sponsored dependents must meet

the requirements of paragraph 5 of this chapter in order to gain command

sponsorship and serve the accompanied tour. Marines must have a minimum of

12 months remaining on his/her overseas tour after arrival of dependents or

approval of command sponsorship, whichever is later.

c. Commands will notify CMC (MMOA/MMEA) upon awarding command

sponsorship to non-command-sponsored dependents. Note: only the CMC

(MMOA/MMEA) may approve conversion to an accompanied tour.

8. Tour Lengths. Prescribed overseas tour lengths are listed in the Joint

Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR), reference (n). Exceptions to tour lengths

may only be authorized by the CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM). For overseas locations

where accompanied tours are authorized, Marines with dependents are initially

issued accompanied orders. Marines without dependents are initially assigned

the unaccompanied tour length. All Marines assigned to dependent-restricted

tours serve dependent-restricted tour lengths, regardless of dependent status.

The tour length for first-term enlisted Marines serving at MCESG locations,

and MCSF companies will be 24 months or the prescribed tour length, whichever

is shorter.

9. Tour Election. Marines with dependents may elect the accompanied or

unaccompanied tour. If an unaccompanied tour is elected, commanding officers

must notify the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) via message within 20 days of receipt of

orders.

a. Accompanied. Marines who serve accompanied tours are accompanied by

command-sponsored dependents. The standard accompanied tour length is 36

months, unless otherwise noted in reference (n). Accompanied tours reduce

the number of Marines assigned to shorter tours and enhance stability.

(1) Marines, and their dependents, who desire the accompanied tour

must be screened for overseas assignment. Assignment to Hawaii or Alaska do

not require overseas screening.

(2) Marines who select the accompanied tour must serve not less than

the prescribed accompanied tour length. Exceptions include but are not

limited to: slating to a CONUS command through the Command Screening Program,

slating through the Acquisition Command Selection Board, selection for Top

Level School (TLS), enlisted Marines who are selected for officer programs,

or slating of sergeants major.

(3) Marines who are assigned the accompanied tour are entitled to

transportation of command sponsored family members or household goods (HHG)

at government expense to the overseas duty station, and to station

entitlements at the “with dependents rate.”

(4) Marines stationed overseas who acquire dependents may be

authorized to serve the accompanied tour if their dependents are eligible for

and approved for command sponsorship. If the dependents were acquired after

the effective date of the PCS orders, dependents and HHGs cannot be

transported to the overseas location at Government expense.

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18 Sep 2014

6-7 Enclosure (2)

(5) Marines with dependents enrolled in EFMP may not serve the

accompanied tour if CMC (Family Care Branch (MFY)) determines that required

care is not available in the OCONUS location. These Marines may serve a 12

month unaccompanied tour. The tour would be considered dependent-restricted

for entitlement purposes (member unable to take dependents overseas through

no fault of his/her own).

b. Unaccompanied. Marines who serve unaccompanied tours are not

accompanied by command-sponsored dependents at locations where dependents are

authorized. The standard unaccompanied tour length is 24-months unless

otherwise noted in reference (n).

(1) Marines who elect the unaccompanied tour must submit requests

through their chain of command to CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) within 20 days of

receipt of orders.

(2) Marines assigned an unaccompanied tour are not required to have

their family members screened for overseas assignment.

(3) Marines who are assigned the unaccompanied tour are not entitled

to transportation of family members or household goods (HHG) at government

expense to the overseas duty station.

c. Dependent-Restricted. The dependent-restricted tour is generally 12

months in length at overseas locations or units where dependents of Marines

are not authorized. Since dependent-restricted tours are conducted at

overseas locations where dependents are not authorized, Marines are not

afforded the opportunity to make a tour election when issued dependent-

restricted orders.

(1) Marines will not normally be involuntarily assigned to a

subsequent dependents-restricted tour until at least 24 months have passed

since last return from a dependents-restricted tour. This provision includes

personnel who receive a new Overseas Control Date (OCD) in conjunction with

an Operating Forces CONUS tour, overseas duty, or an accompanied tour. Refer

to Paragraph 14 of this Chapter for further guidance regarding OCD policy.

(2) Upon completion of an overseas accompanied tour, Marines will not

normally be subsequently assigned to an unaccompanied or dependents–

restricted tour.

(3) Marines assigned a dependents-restricted tour are not required to

have their family members screened for overseas assignment.

(4) Priority for Assignment to Dependents-Restricted Tours

(a) Enlisted (in order of precedence)

1. Volunteers upon completion of the prescribed overseas tour

or a minimum of 24 months at a CONUS duty station, as applicable.

2. Marines with no prior overseas assignment. Within this

category, priority will be given to those Marines who have been on station

the longest.

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18 Sep 2014

6-8 Enclosure (2)

3. Marines of the same grade and MOS who have served longest

in the United States since last overseas assignment per their OCD. Within

this category, priority will be given to those Marines who have been on

station the longest.

(b) Officers (In Order of Precedence)

1. Volunteers (upon completion of the prescribed overseas

tour or a minimum of 24 months at a CONUS duty station), as applicable.

2. Officers with no prior overseas assignment.

3. Officers who have served longest in CONUS or on

accompanied assignments since their last dependents-restricted assignment.

4. As a general rule, all officers will be assigned to

dependents-restricted tours per their TOS, OCD, grade, and occupational field.

(5) Volunteers

(a) Marines may volunteer for a dependents-restricted tour per the

preceding assignment policies. It is further understood that the current

prescribed overseas tour or a minimum of 24-months at the current CONUS duty

station must be completed prior to the new overseas assignment.

(b) Volunteers are advised that approval of their request may be

contingent on the ability of the CMC (MMEA/MMOA) to order a replacement to

the Marine's present command without involving the short touring of another

Marine.

d. First Term Marines. First-term Marines with dependents must have

sufficient obligated service remaining to complete the prescribed overseas

accompanied tour in order to qualify for command-sponsorship of family

members and authorized overseas travel. In most cases, first-term Marines

will not be allowed to extend beyond the fiscal year of their current EAS.

(1) First term Marines with dependents that have sufficient obligated

service remaining without extending/reenlisting, have the option to elect

either the accompanied tour or the unaccompanied tour. Those Marines

declining to serve the accompanied tour will be ordered to serve the

unaccompanied tour. See the election of tour length provisions contained in

reference (n).

(2) First-term Marines with dependents who do not have sufficient

obligated service remaining to serve the accompanied tour, will not be

ordered to serve any prescribed unaccompanied tour that exceeds 24 months.

At their request, these Marines may volunteer to extend in order to qualify

for the accompanied tour as long as it does not extend the Marine’s initial

contract beyond the fiscal year of their current EAS. Marines may reenlist

to serve the accompanied tour.

(3) Assignment of first-term Marines to overseas dependents-

restricted tours will be such that, upon RTD, Marines will have 13 or more

months to EAS, or 90 days or less to EAS.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-9 Enclosure (2)

e. Changing the Tour Election

(1) Unaccompanied to Accompanied. A Marine with dependents prior to

the effective date of the PCS orders who desires to change the tour election

from an unaccompanied tour to an accompanied tour, after being detached from

the old duty station, must forward a request to the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) for

decision.

(a) To qualify for this change, the Marine must have sufficient

obligated service to complete the prescribed accompanied-by-family member’s

tour length or extend/reenlist to obtain the necessary obligated service from

the date that the CMC approves the request and grants command sponsorship of

family members. The new tour length commences upon CMC approval of the new

election. Dependents shall not be command sponsored unless the Marine serves

the accompanied tour length for that duty station and has at least 12 months

remaining on his/her overseas tour after arrival of dependents or approval of

command sponsorship, whichever is later.

(b) The request will contain full justification to warrant the

change, with a statement that family members travel and/or shipment of HHG to

a designated place have or have not occurred and, if appropriate, the

location to which family members travel/household goods (HHG) shipment was

accomplished at Government expense. If dependents have traveled and/or HHG

shipped, no further travel/ shipment is authorized.

(c) If dependents are acquired after the effective date of PCS

orders, The Marine may still request a tour conversion, however the

dependents and HHG cannot be moved at Government expense.

(d) The effective date of the tour conversion is the date that

CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) approves the request. The Marine must serve the full

accompanied tour length commencing from this date. Exceptions may be

requested to the CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) but normally will not be receive

favorable consideration.

(2) Accompanied to Unaccompanied

(a) Prior to Government travel of command sponsored family

members and shipment of HHG, a Marine who desires to change the election from

an accompanied tour to an unaccompanied tour after being detached from the

previous duty station or upon arrival at the new station may request approval

from the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM).

(b) Upon approval by CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM), the command to which

the Marine is assigned will endorse the orders to the effect that Government

transportation of family members to the new permanent station is not

authorized and that reference (n) applies. In those cases where family

member travel overseas or HHG shipment overseas has been accomplished,

requests to change to the unaccompanied tour length will normally not be

approved.

(c) If the tour conversion is approved after the dependents

and/or HHG have arrived to the overseas station at Government expense, return

of dependents and/or HHG must be at personal expense. Commanding officers

shall counsel Marines to determine if circumstances fall within the

guidelines of Early Return of Dependents (ERD) prior to requesting the tour

conversion. See paragraph 16 of this chapter for policy concerning ERD.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-10 Enclosure (2)

(d) For entitlement purposes (housing allowance and cost of

living allowance (COLA), the effective date of the tour conversion is the

date that the CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) approves the request. For tour length

purposes, the Marine will only be required to serve the unaccompanied tour

length from the date the accompanied tour began.

f. Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG)

(1) Enlisted Marines assigned to the various regional commands

overseas will serve the tour length for the country/area wherein located as

listed in reference (n). Marines in the grade of sergeant and below assigned

to a regional command headquarters overseas must agree to remain single

throughout their tour.

(2) Marines in the grades of sergeant and below serving as Marine

Security Guards (BMOS 8156) who are assigned to regional commands overseas

will have a minimum obligated service of 38 months in order to perform three

12-month assignments after 6 weeks of formal instruction. Tour lengths for

designated countries are established jointly by the Marine Corps and the

Department of State.

(3) SNCOs assigned to MCESG serving as detachment commanders (BMOS

8156) will have a minimum obligated service of 38 months, allowing every SNCO

to serve as a detachment commander at two separate locations for 18 months

each after eight weeks of formal instruction. Requests for extensions,

although not encouraged, will be considered on a case-by-case basis

contingent on the needs of the Marine Corps and the performance of the

individual. Marines must submit tour extension requests via the chain of

command to the CMC (MMEA) six months prior to Rotation Tour Date (RTD).

(4) MCESG regional officers will serve a standard tour length as

listed in reference (n). The tour length may be extended up to an additional

12 months if desired by the officer, endorsed by MCESG, and approved by CMC

(MMOA).

(5) Marines who have received their commanding officer's permission

to marry are authorized transportation of their family members at Government

expense from their old duty station to their new duty station, including

necessary transoceanic travel only if they receive command sponsorship of

their acquired dependents and have 12 months remaining at their new duty

station. When a Marine desires to be married at the end of the MCESG tour

and meets the requirements stated in the first sentence of this paragraph,

the area commanding officer will issue statements authorizing the family

members to be present at the overseas duty station per reference (n). Upon

issuance of statements authorizing family members to be present at the

overseas duty station, eligible MSG's are authorized transportation of family

members at Government expense from the CONUS Port of Departure (POD) to their

new duty station in the CONUS.

g. Marine Corps Security Force (MCSF). Assignment to the MCSFs will be

per the tour lengths listed in reference (n).

(1) First-term enlisted Marines assigned to CONUS MCSF units serving

in "B" billets (i.e., MOS 8152 Guard) may be eligible for transfer upon

completion of 12 months in a guard billet. A standard tour for all (guards

MOS 8152, lance corporal and below) is 24 months.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-11 Enclosure (2)

(2) Requests for transfer to the Operating Forces may also be

submitted after 12-months on station to the CMC (MMEA) to arrive six months

prior to the requested month of transfer. Marines who agree to extend their

enlistment to qualify for such assignments will receive priority

consideration. The DoD restrictions on first-term PCS moves noted in this

Order apply. Final determination will, of necessity, be based on the

availability of replacement personnel. This provision does not apply to

first-term Marines serving accompanied overseas tours with command-sponsored

family members.

h. Marine Corps International Affairs Program (IAP)

(1) Policy for the IAP is contained in reference (ac).

(2) IAP establishes and promulgates policy and procedures for Foreign

Area Officer (FAO)s, Foreign Area Staff Non Commissioned Officers (FAS),

Personnel Exchange Programs (PEP) and Afghanistan Pakistan Hands Program

(APH).

(3) Tour lengths for Marines participating in the MCFPEP are based on

a Government-to-Government agreement and are normally limited to 24 months.

i. Attaché Posts. Tour lengths for Marines ordered to attaché posts may

be located in the current edition of reference (ad).

j. Assignment to Alaska and Hawaii. Unless otherwise indicated in this

Order, Marines assigned to Alaska and Hawaii must serve a minimum tour of 36

months, accompanied or unaccompanied. These Marines will not have a

mandatory rotation date established. Refer to the reference (n) for those

entitlements that pertain to Alaska and Hawaii. The following applies to

Marines assigned to Hawaii:

(1) Will be assigned an operational PCS move.

(2) Not considered overseas for overseas screening.

(3) Will not be eligible for an updated OCD, unless the Marine

completes requisite deployments.

k. Recommendations to change any overseas tour length listed in

reference (n) must be forwarded to the CMC (MP) per the instructions in

reference (a) to receive appropriate action.

10. Entitlements. PCS orders will indicate category and type of tour

assignment to provide transportation officers the necessary information to

determine entitlements. Marines assigned to an overseas command who are

eligible to serve the accompanied tour must be counseled regarding the

consequences of electing an unaccompanied tour. Prior to electing the

unaccompanied tour, Marines must be certain that the travel of their

dependents and/or shipment of HHG to the overseas location is not desired and

will not be desired prior to transfer from the overseas location.

Additionally, Marines have no travel entitlement to the overseas location for

dependents acquired after his/her effective date of PCS orders to the

overseas location, even if the dependents are subsequently command sponsored.

Further, sole parenthood, itself, is not sufficient justification for

transportation of dependents at Government expense. Situations involving the

transportation of family members or the shipment of personal property which

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-12 Enclosure (2)

are not addressed by this Order, reference (n), or other applicable

directives should be referred to CMC (MMIB) for determination. Refer to

Appendix E for quick reference of basic entitlements incident to overseas

assignment.

a. Accompanied Tour

(1) Marines with dependents prior to the effective date of PCS orders

who execute accompanied orders are entitled to transoceanic travel of

authorized dependents and transportation of HHG to and from the overseas duty

station, and to station allowances at the "with dependents" rate upon gaining

command sponsorship of dependents.

(2) If the Marine elects an accompanied tour and concurrent dependent

travel is denied, the Marine may request authorization for delay of family

member travel through CMC (MMIB/RAP). A Marine may move their dependents on

a fully-funded set of orders at any time until the next fully funded orders

are issued; however, in order to receive the housing allowance for the old

PDS or previously approved dependent location, delay of dependent travel must

be approved. If approved, the Marine will keep the BAH at the old PDS, or

previously approved dependent location, until the dependents arrive at the

overseas duty station or the delay authorization has expired, whichever is

earlier. This delay is normally limited to 60 days unless the request is

supported by documentation (legal and/or medical). The delay is only

authorized due to medical, legal or reasons caused by the Government, and not

solely for personal convenience (refer to reference g) for circumstances

specifically precluded from consideration in paying a housing allowance other

than that of the PDS). If the delay is expected to be 20 weeks or greater,

the Marine must request that the tour be modified to an unaccompanied tour.

If the unaccompanied tour is approved, the dependents may be located to a

designated place at Government expense. CMC (MMIB/RAP) maintains final

approval authority on all designated place move requests. Limitations are as

follows:

(a) Designated place moves may be made only to a location within

CONUS unless the sponsor (or spouse) was domiciliary before entering active

duty (or marriage to the Marine) and continues to be a domiciliary of Hawaii,

Alaska, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory or possession of the

United States (i.e. overseas non-foreign locations). In these cases,

dependents may elect a designated place to move to their domicile.

(b) Only one DLA payment is authorized.

(3) Marines serving an accompanied tour who are subsequently ordered

to a dependents-restricted tour may choose to have their dependents remain at

their current overseas duty station. Approval rests with CMC (M&RA). While

such dependents are eligible for subsequent Government transportation and

entitle the Marine to station allowances at the “with dependents rate,” the

dependents shall not be considered command sponsored. In these cases, the

Marine and his/her dependents must be counseled that they may no longer be

covered by the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-13 Enclosure (2)

(4) Marines ordered to remote areas must be counseled that

transportation in the case of a medical evacuation for their command-

sponsored family members is authorized per reference (n). This includes the

return of the dependent to the Marine's duty station. Conscientious efforts

in this direction will minimize unnecessary expenditures of personal travel

funds and should ensure that facilities are available to meet the special

needs of Marines and their family members.

b. Unaccompanied Tour

(1) Orders for Marines electing the unaccompanied tour must contain a

statement that Government transportation of family members or HHG to the

assigned overseas duty station is not authorized per reference (n). These

Marines are not entitled to Family Separation Allowance (FSA), and orders

will so state.

(2) Designated Place Move

(a) If a Marine serving an unaccompanied tour elects to re-locate

dependents and/or HHG to a designated place at Government expense, dependents

are not be eligible for further Government transportation until the Marine is

assigned PCS orders from the overseas duty station or receives an approved-

in-place COT (IPCOT).

(b) Marines serving the unaccompanied tour and relocating their

dependents at Government expense to a designated place, may at their own

expense further relocate their dependents to their overseas duty station.

Unless the Marine is eligible for and requests command sponsorship of his or

her dependents, the dependents must be considered non-command sponsored

(individually sponsored). If dependents, subsequent to their arrival

overseas, are command-sponsored, the Marine becomes eligible for Government

transportation for his/her dependents from the overseas location upon

reassignment.

(c) Designated moves for foreign born spouses are not authorized

if the Marine elects the unaccompanied tour.

(d) CMC (MMIB/RAP) maintains final authority for approval of all

designated place move requests.

(3) Visits by Family Members

(a) Non-command-sponsored family members who visit sponsors on

dependents-restricted Operating Forces tours may not be endorsed as command-

sponsored. Reference (ae) contains information on entitlement to Family

Separation Allowance (FSA) and conditions under which this allowance may be

terminated. Reference (n) contains information on the appropriate overseas

housing allowance rate when family members arrive at or in the vicinity of a

Marine's permanent duty station overseas when the family members are not

command-sponsored.

(b) Visits by family members, which result in prolonged stays,

may affect some entitlements, such as FSA. Consequently, Marines are

cautioned to ensure allowances associated with family separation are

terminated when required by law and applicable regulations. This is an

individual as well as command responsibility.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-14 Enclosure (2)

(c) Space-available transportation to the member’s overseas duty

station during the course of an overseas tour of duty may not be furnished to

non-command-sponsored dependents. Exceptions may be authorized only under

the following conditions:

(1) Dependents acquired in an overseas location, if not

authorized travel and transportation at Government expense, are eligible for

transportation on a space-available basis with the Marine’s PCS move from the

overseas location, if the requirements of the U.S. Immigration and

Naturalization Service for entry into the United States have been met.

(2) On a case-by-case basis, CMC (LPD) may authorize non-

command sponsored dependents to compete for space-available transportation

from the overseas location with the Marine’s PCS move, when clearly in the

best interest of the Marine and the U.S. Government.

c. Dependent-Restricted Tour

(1) The Marine’s dependents may be relocated to a designated place at

Government expense. CMC (MMIB/RAP) maintains final approval authority for

all designated place move requests.

(2) If an accompanied tour for that location is authorized after the

Marine’s arrival, the Marine will be given the opportunity to serve the

accompanied tour. Upon approval to serve the accompanied tour, dependents

shall be provided Government transportation to the Marine’s duty station as

long as the dependents were acquired before the effective date of PCS orders,

regardless if they were previously relocated to a designated place. For the

Marine’s dependents to be command sponsored, entitling Government travel for

dependents and shipment of HHG, the Marine must serve the full, accompanied

tour starting when the dependents are command sponsored.

(3) Designated Place Move for Foreign Born Spouses

(a) Marines with foreign-born spouses who are assigned to

overseas dependent-restricted locations may request that the spouse and other

dependents be relocated at Government expense to the spouse’s native country

while the Marine is assigned to the dependent-restricted location. Approval

authority rests with CMC (MMIB/RAP). This authorization applies only to the

dependent-restricted tour (not authorized for Marines who elect an

unaccompanied tour).

(b) Requests must contain documented evidence justifying that the

spouse’s native country is the appropriate location for dependents to reside

during the Marine’s dependent-restricted assignment. It is important to

carefully consider each Marine's request for family member transportation

with a view toward the morale of the Marine and the family member(s). In

considering requests for transportation under "unique conditions and

circumstances," a basic question that must be considered is whether the

separation of the family members from the sponsor has created a unique

situation that causes a valid hardship for the family members and whether

this hardship can be alleviated by approving the requested transportation.

Full documentation, to include medical records and notarized affidavits, as

appropriate, will be submitted to' substantiate each request. Limited

command of the English language, in itself, is considered insufficient

justification to warrant family member’s transportation and limited shipment

of HHG to an overseas location for a dependents-restricted tour.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-15 Enclosure (2)

(c) When the dependents’ residence must be in a country other

than where the Marine is assigned, the Marine must serve the prescribed tour

length for his or her duty station. If the dependents and the Marine are

residing in the same country, the Marine will serve a minimum of 24 months at

his or her duty station.

(d) Dependents will be considered non-command sponsored, however,

the Marine will be authorized cost of living and temporary lodging allowances

at the “with dependents” rate based on the dependents’ location.

(4) Visits by Family Members

(a) Non-command-sponsored family members who visit sponsors on

dependents-restricted Operating Forces tours may not be endorsed as command-

sponsored. Reference (ae) contains information on entitlement to Family

Separation Allowance (FSA) and conditions under which this allowance may be

terminated. Reference (n) contains information on the appropriate overseas

housing allowance rate when family members arrive at or in the vicinity of a

Marine's permanent duty station overseas when the family members are not

command-sponsored.

(b) Visits by family members, which result in prolonged stays,

may affect some entitlements, such as FSA and housing allowances.

Consequently, Marines are cautioned to ensure allowances associated with

family separation are terminated when required by law and applicable

regulations. This is an individual as well as command responsibility.

(c) Space-available transportation to the member’s overseas duty

station during the course of an overseas tour of duty may not be furnished to

non-command-sponsored dependents. Exceptions may be authorized only under

the following conditions:

1. Dependents acquired in an overseas location, if not

authorized travel and transportation at Government expense, are eligible for

transportation on a space-available basis with the Marine’s PCS move from the

overseas location, if the requirements of the U.S. Immigration and

Naturalization Service for entry into the United States have been met.

2. On a case-by-case basis, CMC (LPD) may authorize non-

command sponsored dependents to compete for space-available transportation

from the overseas location with the Marine’s PCS move, when clearly in the

best interest of the Marine and the U.S. Government.

d. Acquired Dependents

(1) Marines who acquire dependents after the effective date of PCS

orders to the overseas location have no entitlement to transoceanic travel of

dependents and transportation of HHG to the overseas station, even if the

dependents are subsequently granted command sponsorship. An exception is if

an IPCOT is requested and approved by CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM). If conversion to

an accompanied tour is approved, the Marine is personally financially

responsible for transporting his/her dependents and HHGs to the overseas

location. Children born to command sponsored spouses or to Marine mothers,

whether married or single, are excepted.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-16 Enclosure (2)

(2) Upon command sponsorship of acquired dependents and arrival at

the overseas station, Marines become entitled to station allowances at the

“with dependent rate” effective the date of command sponsorship, along with

transoceanic travel of dependents and transportation of HHG at Government

expense from the overseas station to the new PDS. Retroactive entitlement of

station allowances is not authorized. Note: dependents may only become

command sponsored if the Marine agrees to serve the accompanied tour length

and has a minimum of 12 months remaining on his/her tour.

(3) Single female Marines who give birth overseas are entitled to

station allowances at the “with dependents rate” and dependent travel at

Government expense from the overseas station upon the Marine’s PCS.

(4) If approved for IPCOT, see para see para 12.b of this chapter.

e. Non-Command-Sponsored Dependents

(1) Marines having non-command-sponsored dependents residing with

them at the overseas station are not entitled to station entitlements at the

“with dependents rate” or transoceanic travel of dependents and

transportation of HHG at Government expense to or from the overseas location.

(2) Depending on individual SOFAs, laws or policies, these dependents

may be denied access to certain dependent support facilities.

(3) Marines whose non-command-sponsored dependents subsequently

become command sponsored after the effective date of PCS orders may become

eligible to receive the same entitlements as a Marine who acquires dependents

that subsequently become command sponsored.

f. CMC (MMIB/RAP) may grant exceptions on an individual basis and in

cases involving unit PCS moves.

11. Tour Completion

a. Overseas tours commence on the date a Marine departs a CONUS port or

other port of departure, and ends the day of return (regardless of whether

their family members travel concurrently or join them later).

b. Compute/adjust the RTD per the MCTFSPRIUM.

(1) Authorized leave taken overseas enroute to an overseas duty

station must be excluded from computation.

(2) Authorized leave taken in CONUS while enroute from one overseas

duty station to another overseas duty station must be excluded from

computation.

(3) Marines enrolled in the EFMP, who are reassigned from overseas in

accordance with reference (p) must be credited with having completed the

overseas tour provided they otherwise meet the minimum tour requirements

prescribed in paragraph 6.d of this Chapter.

c. Marines will depart within the 10-day period prior to their RTD.

Where the circumstances of a particular case so warrant, commanders may

request authority from the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) to rotate an individual

earlier.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-17 Enclosure (2)

d. The minimum time to receive credit for any overseas assignment is the

tour length stated in the PCS orders. CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) may waive up to 60

days of the stated tour length and the Marine will still receive credit for

tour completion.

e. Marines who, due to a service requirement, are involuntarily

transferred or reassigned from one MCC to another MCC within the same

geographic area will retain their original RTD. Voluntary tour length

extensions by these Marines are encouraged.

12. Consecutive Overseas Tours (COTs). Marines are encouraged to volunteer

for and serve COTs to help reduce PCS turbulence. While it is preferred that

COTs be voluntary, the CMC, based upon the demands of military service, may

direct involuntary COTs. The initial tour obligation should be met when

possible before transferring/reassigning Marines to a COT. To be eligible

for a COT, a Marine must agree to serve the equivalent of at least the total

minimum prescribed tour lengths for the old and new permanent duty station

(PDS). If an unaccompanied tour length is not prescribed for a PDS, then the

accompanied tour length pertains. For example: A Marine is assigned an

unaccompanied tour in Germany (24-month tour) and is then reassigned to

Hawaii (36-month tour). The Marine must agree to serve at least a total of

five years overseas between the two PDSs to be eligible for the COT.

a. Marines stationed overseas who are selected to serve a COT have the

following tour-election options:

(1) Unaccompanied-to-Unaccompanied Tour. Relocating dependents

and/or HHG from a previously approved designated place to a newly designated

place can only be approved only by the CMC (MMIB/RAP) when it has been

clearly shown that the movement is in the best interest of the Government.

Authority cannot be delegated.

(2) Unaccompanied-to-Accompanied Tour. Relocating dependents and/or

HHG from a previously approved designated place to the Marine’s new duty

station (current duty station for those selected for an In-Place COT (IPCOT))

may be approved only if CMC approves introduction of the Marine’s dependents

in to the country. CMC (MMIB/RAP) maintains final approval authority for all

designated place move requests.

(3) Accompanied-to-Unaccompanied Tour. Marines either electing to

serve the unaccompanied tour or directed to serve a dependent-restricted tour

shall be given the opportunity to relocate their dependents and/or HHG to a

designated place within the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a

territory or possession of the United States. CMC (MMIB/RAP) maintains

approval authority for all designated place move requests.

(4) Accompanied-to-Accompanied Tour. Upon approval of CMC (MMOA/MMEA)

Marines electing or required (assigned to key billet) to serve the

accompanied tour length when reassigned, PCS, or selected to an IPCOT must be

given the opportunity to relocate their dependents and/or HHG to their new

duty station. Marines assigned to key billets may elect to serve without

their dependents and relocate their dependents and/or HHG to a designated

place within the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a

territory or possession of the United States; however the Marine must serve

the accompanied tour length. Marines being reassigned PCS or COT under this

option must be given concurrent travel. CMC (MMIB) maintains approval

authority for all designated place move requests.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-18 Enclosure (2)

b. In-Place Consecutive Overseas Tours (IPCOTs). Marines serving on

either an accompanied, unaccompanied, or dependents-restricted tour may, upon

completion of their initial tour, to include voluntary extensions to that

tour, request an IPCOT. By doing so, the Marine agrees to serve another

complete tour at the same geographic location whether it is an accompanied,

unaccompanied, or dependents-restricted tour. Regardless of either initial

tour obligation or subsequent tour obligation, the Marine must serve the

minimum prescribed tour lengths.

c. Intra or Inter-Theater COTs

(1) Such assignments require the PCS movement of the Marine and the

Marine's family, if accompanied. When transferred on a COT, Marines must be

given the opportunity to serve either the accompanied-by-family members tour,

if authorized at the new duty station, or the unaccompanied tour. Marines

being transferred or reassigned on intra or inter-theater COTs must serve the

prescribed tour lengths at both duty stations.

(2) Exceptions to the requirement may be authorized on a case-by-case

basis by the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM). Requests to waive this requirement must be

endorsed at the command level. The CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) may only approve

exceptions that will result in the Marine serving at least the equivalent of

two unaccompanied tours prior to being transferred from the Marine's last

duty station. If it is determined that the Marine must serve less than the

equivalent of two unaccompanied tours, then such exceptions may only be

authorized by the CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM).

(3) In those cases where Marines who are accompanied by authorized

dependents are involuntarily relocated from one overseas location to another

overseas location because of base closure or similar action by the military

service concerned, transportation of dependents at Government expense and

command-sponsorship at the new overseas duty location will be authorized,

provided that the new location is authorized dependents, regardless of time

remaining on the Marine's tour. This exception applies only to intra-theater

COTs.

d. Leave Travel in Connection with Consecutive Overseas Assignments

(1) Approval rests with CMC (MMIB) only.

(2) Reference (ae) states military personnel stationed outside the

CONUS ordered to a consecutive tour of duty at the same duty station or

transferred to another overseas duty station may be paid travel and

transportation allowances in connection with authorized leave from their last

duty station. The intent is to allow Marines the opportunity to attend to

personal affairs at their home of record prior to beginning a consecutive

tour outside the CONUS. Travel and transportation allowances also may be

paid for the Marine's family members. Tours of duty whether at the same duty

station or a new duty station must be the authorized tours as listed in

reference (n). Travel allowances must not exceed those authorized by

reference (n).

(3) To receive authorized travel and transportation allowances, a

Marine permanently assigned to another overseas duty station must serve the

prescribed tour at the new permanent duty station. The total time to be

served between the two locations must equal at least the sum of the

unaccompanied tour lengths for those locations.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-19 Enclosure (2)

(4) The travel and transportation allowances authorized for

consecutive overseas tours are separate and distinct from the incentives

offered in connection with overseas tour extensions. Incentive options for

OTEIP are only applicable to Marines serving an authorized extension per

OTEIP and are not applicable to Marines serving COTs/IPCOTs. If any leave is

taken while traversing CONUS in conjunction with executing PCS orders, COT

travel must be deemed executed and deferred COT leave travel must not be

authorized.

(5) Both enlisted Marines and officers are eligible for COT/IPCOT

travel allowances when authorized to serve a COT/IPCOT.

(6) The following rules apply to COTs/IPCOTs:

(a) Marines serving an IPCOT must complete their initial tour, to

include voluntary extensions, and agree to authorization by the CMC

(MMEA/MMOA) to serve the prescribed tour length elected. Marines must have

required obligated service to serve the prescribed tour length.

(b) For the Marine's family members to be eligible for the

allowances outlined in reference (n), the Marine must be serving an IPCOT or

be transferred to an accompanied tour, and the Marine's family members must

be command-sponsored and reside with the Marine at both the old and new PDS.

(c) Travel for which the member is paid travel and transportation

allowances in conjunction with an approved COT or IPCOT may be deferred until

not later than the completion of Marine’s second overseas tour, except as

provided in reference (n).

(d) If a Marine is required to traverse CONUS while executing PCS

travel to his or her next duty station, COT leave travel must be performed

during this time. If due to operational requirements the Marine is not

authorized leave between the two tours, a request to defer COT leave may be

submitted to CMC (MMIB) identifying the circumstances requiring deferment.

(e) A Marine must serve the entire prescribed length of the first

tour prior to the commencement of the leave travel. In the case of one-year

dependent-restricted tours, this would normally be 365 days from the date the

Marine departed CONUS. Prescribed dependents-restricted tours are considered

completed in situations where the tour length has been reduced up to 60 days

for the needs of the Service.

(7) The following guidance applies to those Marines stationed in

Hawaii and Alaska:

(a) Those Marines who are transferred from an overseas location

(other than Hawaii/Alaska) to Hawaii/Alaska or from Hawaii/Alaska to an

overseas location may be eligible for COT leave travel.

(b) Marines who served three years TOS in Alaska or Hawaii and

who subsequently agree to remain at their present duty location for another

three years may be placed on COT orders and be authorized travel and

transportation allowances in conjunction with COT leave.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-20 Enclosure (2)

(8) Marines assigned to MCESG may be eligible for COT leave travel

when transferred between embassy posts overseas, provided they comply with

the other provisions outlined in this Order. Marines that do not complete

the required tour lengths listed in reference (n) may be eligible for the

leave incentive travel between their second and third posts

(9) Forward requests for COT leave incentive travel to CMC (MMIB) at

least 30 days prior to travel date.

e. Marines already stationed overseas with command-sponsored dependents

that are issued Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT) orders for an unaccompanied

tour may elect to have their dependents remain at their current overseas duty

station. Marines are cautioned that dependents will no longer be considered

command-sponsored, and that SOFA may no longer cover dependents remaining in

a foreign country.

13. Extensions of Overseas Tours

a. Involuntary Extensions

(1) Marines may be involuntarily retained beyond their normal RTD for

investigation or trial by U.S. military or foreign authorities, or for

completion of administrative actions such as, but not limited to, non-

judicial punishment, separations processing, or host-country custom

regulations. CMC (MMOA/MMEA/RAM) maintains decision authority on Marines to

be retained under these circumstances.

(2) Accompanied Tours. Any Marine serving an accompanied tour may be

involuntarily extended provided that:

(a) If, at normal RTD, the Marine is within six months of

EAS/retirement/transfer to the FMCR and is serving at a location where the

prescribed accompanied-by-family members tour is less than 36 months, the

Marine's tour may be involuntarily extended by the overseas commander to

EAS/retirement/transfer to the FMCR.

(b) If, at normal RTD, the Marine is within 11 months of

EAS/retirement/transfer to the FMCR and is serving at a location where the

prescribed accompanied-by-family members tour length is 36 months, the

Marine's tour may be involuntarily extended to EAS/retirement/transfer to the

FMCR.

(3) Unaccompanied Tours. Marines within 6 months of separating and

stationed at a duty station where they are assigned to an unaccompanied tour

may be retained at that duty station until their scheduled date of separation.

(4) Tour lengths will not be involuntarily extended if the Marine

extends/reenlists for a length of time sufficient to enable the Marine to

serve 12 months or more upon arrival at a new CONUS duty station.

(5) Before an involuntary overseas extension is imposed per this

Order, enlisted Marines will be given the opportunity to extend their

enlistment, when otherwise eligible, by a time sufficient to increase

remaining service to more than the minimum period indicated above. Officers

will be afforded the opportunity to extend overseas tours or serve one year

at a CONUS duty station prior to retirement or separation.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-21 Enclosure (2)

(6) In certain other extraordinary cases, Marines (including those

with command-sponsored family members) may be involuntarily extended by the

CMC (MM/RA) to meet the needs of the Marine Corps.

b. Voluntary Extensions. Eligible Marines are encouraged to voluntarily

extend their overseas tours as they provide a high degree of unit continuity,

stability for Marine families, and reduction of PCS costs. Commanders will

forward requests for extensions by Marines, with specific recommendations,

for approval to CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM). Commanders, certifying that retention

of the individual is in the best interest of the command, will personally

endorse extension requests that will cause a Marine to remain overseas in

excess of six years. These requests must include a CG’s endorsement, whether

as the result of consecutive accompanied or unaccompanied tours. Guidance

for forwarding requests is as follows:

(1) Requests should be received by the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) at least

180 days prior to RTD to be given favorable consideration.

(2) All requests for extensions demonstrating hardship or

humanitarian situations that meet the criteria established in reference (c)

will be considered at any time.

(3) Extension requests for both first term and career enlisted

Marines will not be approved when there is insufficient obligated service for

the new CONUS RTD. Marines may submit a Reenlistment Extension Lateral Move

(RELM) request via the Total Force Retention System (TFRS) to the CMC (MMEA-6)

requesting reenlistment/extension to obtain sufficient obligated service.

c. Overseas Tour Extension Incentives Program (OTEIP). The intent of

the OTEIP is to increase the personnel stability of Marines at overseas

locations. Program requirements will be identified by CMC (MM) who will

periodically solicit applicants via MarAdmin for certain overseas MCCs that

are forecasted to be under-staffed. Approval authority rests with CMC

(MMOA/MMEA/RAM). Commanding officers will counsel Marines requesting

extensions under OTEIP, concerning the difference in travel options between

voluntary extensions and COT/IPCOT. Marines approved for OTEIP who agree to

serve the resulting voluntary extension are not eligible for COT/IPCOT travel

allowances. Conversely, incentive options for OTEIP are not applicable to

Marines serving COTs/IPCOTs.

(1) Eligibility

(a) Enlisted Marines and career-designated officers serving

overseas (including Alaska and Hawaii) are eligible for OTEIP.

(b) Enlisted Marines must have at least 12 months remaining on

their current contract, and agree to extend for an additional 12 months past

their original RTD. Extension requests must be for at least 12 months beyond

the Marine's prescribed RTD. Multiple extensions of less than 12 months

having a sum total of 12 months or greater do not qualify an enlisted Marine

for the incentive program.

(c) All MOSs are eligible for the incentive.

(d) Enlisted Marines who reenlist for a deferred option and will

spend at least 12 additional months at the overseas station.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-22 Enclosure (2)

(e) Marines assigned to dependent-restricted tours may request an

in-place extension or reassignment to another dependent-restricted MCC within

the same geographical location.

(2) Incentives

(a) Marines accepted for OTEIP may elect to receive a $166.66

bonus for each of the 12 months extended, or 30-days special rest and

recuperative leave, or 15-days special rest and recuperative leave with

government funded, round trip travel to the nearest point of debarkation in

CONUS. These incentives must be in addition to any other leave or

transportation to which the member may be entitled. Marines requesting the

OTEIP are not eligible for home of record travel.

(b) For Marines electing 15-days special leave and Government

funded round trip travel to CONUS, leave will commence/terminate at the

nearest port of debarkation/embarkation in CONUS.

(c) Marines electing the 15-days special leave plus Government

paid round trip transportation must arrange all travel through an available

Commercial Travel Office (CTO)/Distribution Management Office (DMO).

(d) For Marines electing the 30-days special leave, leave will

commence/terminate at the permanent station.

(e) If recommended by the commanding officer, Marines may change

their election prior to the execution of the incentive/extension. Requests

for all approved incentive/extension changes must be forwarded to the CMC

(MMOA/MMEA/RAM).

(3) Marines whose overseas locations are not included in the current

program, but are later added subsequent to the effective date of their

extensions, are ineligible to receive any of the incentives for their

extensions.

(4) Voluntary or involuntary early termination of overseas duty of a

Marine in receipt of an annual bonus will normally require reimbursement of

the unearned portion. Final determination on whether recoupment is warranted

rests with the CMC (MMIB). Should recoupment be required, the amount must be

$166.66 for each month or portion of a month not served. Used special leave

or special leave/funded travel are not subject to recoupment; however, upon

termination of extension, all rights to special leave or special leave/funded

travel entitlements are vacated. Normal return to CONUS (within 10 days of

RTD) per paragraph 6.c of this chapter does not disqualify a Marine from

receiving the final month’s bonus.

(5) Commanding officers will ensure the following:

(a) Marines requesting voluntary extensions, to include

extensions under OTEIP, are counseled concerning the difference in travel

options between voluntary extensions and COT/IPCOT.

(b) The Marine's extension is forwarded to the CMC (MMEA/RAM).

Approval will be contingent on the needs of the Marine Corps.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-23 Enclosure (2)

(c) Upon the CMC approval of the extension, file a copy of the

approved request on the document side of the Marine's OMPF. This copy will

be retained in the OMPF throughout the period of extension.

(d) On the effective date of extension, annotate the approval

message as appropriate: "Extend overseas for (No. months) months." "Elects

$166.66 monthly extension bonus" or "30-days special leave" or "15-days

special leave with transportation.” If election is for monthly extension

bonus, the supporting IPAC/Administrative Unit will report the start of an

Overseas Extension Bonus with TTC 491-000 (START EXT PAY). If the election

is for 15 days special leave with transportation, forward the approval

message to CMC (MMIB) to receive a travel line of accounting (LOA).

(e) The special leave is entered into MCTFS using Marine Online

(MOL).

(f) When an effective extension is canceled, report the

cancellation via TFRS. If the Marine had elected the extension bonus, report

the effective date of cancellation of extension bonus utilizing TTC 492-000

(STOP EXT PAY).

(6) Records Disposition. A record of all extension incentive

requests, to include all supporting documentation, will be maintained by the

CMC (MMEA/MMIB/RAM) archives for a period of two years per reference (af).

14. Overseas Control Date (OCD). OCDs are Marine Corps-unique and governed

solely by Marine Corps policy. The Marine Corps administratively uses OCDs

internally to manage the assignment of Marines between overseas and CONUS and

between deployment-designated and non-deployment designated unit assignments.

Personnel Tempo (PERSTEMPO), also known as Deployment Tempo (DEPTEMPO), is

used to adjust and update the OCDs of Marines. Refer to Chapter 9 of the

MCTFSPRIUM for definitions and detailed reporting guidance for PERSTEMPO and

DEPTEMPO. The requirement to serve 270 consecutive days to receive credit

for the completion of the dependents-restricted tour is an administrative

control used by the Marine Corps for awarding an OCD.

a. The accrual of PERSTEMPO and the consequent adjustment or update of a

Marine’s OCD applies to all Marines, regardless of family member status, the

type of unit the Marine is assigned to, whether assigned to a deployment-

designated unit, the location of the assignment (overseas or CONUS), etc.

b. OCDs are used to determine who within the pool of Marines available

for assignment will be considered first for reassignment overseas. Further,

to assist in the application of an equitable rotation or reassignment policy

between overseas and CONUS assignments and between deployment-designated

units (units that routinely support major deployments, e.g., MEUs and UDPs)

and units that do not normally deploy. The intent is to fair share the

burden of major overseas deployments and overseas assignments among Marines.

c. OCDs allow a queuing and prioritization of the Marines within the

queue. The Marine with the oldest OCD will normally be the first considered

for an overseas assignment. An OCD is only one of several factors considered

by assignment monitors in making assignment decisions.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-24 Enclosure (2)

d. OCD Adjustments and Updates

(1) OCDs may be changed by two distinct methods, either by adjustment

or by update. An adjustment is a one-day for one-day adjustment (i.e.,

increase) of a Marine's OCD, based upon their accrual of creditable

deployment days. For example: a Marine's OCD is 13 February 2000. The

Marine deploys (creditable days) for three days during June of 2016. The

Marine's OCD is then adjusted to 16 February 2000. OCDs are automatically

adjusted in the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) upon an

administrative DEPTEMPO transaction reporting deployed days. Marines are

credited for OCD purposes for each creditable day they deploy, regardless of

the location or duration of that deployment, whether it was incident to a

deployment to an Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) or Hostile Fire Pay (HFP) area, or

whether the Marine was assigned to a deployment-designated unit. The

MCTFSPRIUM states what creditable PERSTEMPO days are. For OCD purposes, the

only PERSTEMPO days that are not creditable are those categorized as "Mission

Support TAD" (code DDZ).

(2) A Marine’s OCD may also be updated (given a current OCD) to

reflect the date the Marine completed one of four creditable events listed

below. Example: a Marine's OCD is 13 February 1998. The Marine completes a

12-month dependent-restricted tour on 24 July 2016. The Marine’s OCD is

manually updated to 24 July 2016 by the Marine’s administrative reporting

unit. OCDs must be manually updated by commands since MCTFS data alone does

not explain the complete circumstances and does not recognize when a

creditable event occurred. For example: MCTFS does not recognize when a

Marine completes the second of two major overseas deployments during the same

Operating Forces (OPFOR) tour, which would require an update to the Marine’s

OCD. Manual updating of OCDs maintains positive control and service-wide

equity over the updating of the OCD. All events listed below are either

permanent assignment overseas or an equivalent:

(a) Completion of permanent overseas assignment, dependents-

restricted, accompanied or unaccompanied, including Marines on dependent-

restricted assignments completing a minimum of 270 consecutive days overseas.

(b) Completion of at least 270 consecutive days deployed overseas,

regardless of the type of unit the Marine is assigned to and regardless of

whether deployed to an IDP or HFP area or not.

(c) Completion of two consecutive major overseas deployments

(e.g., MEU and/or UDP or equivalent) of at least five months (150 days, not

waiverable) duration each, during the same or continuous OPFOR tour.

(d) Completion of at least 180 consecutive days (not waiverable)

deployed to a “hostile fire area”.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-25 Enclosure (2)

(3) "During the same or continuous operating force tour" means the

Marine remained assigned to the OPFOR for both deployments, vice having an

intervening permanent reassignment to a non-operating force tour (e.g., DI,

recruiting, HQMC, etc.). A Marine may complete the two major deployments

with two separate units and even separate MEFs, DIVs, MAWs, etc. For example:

a Marine completes a UDP deployment while assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd

Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. The Marine is subsequently permanently

reassigned to 1st Marine Division, and there completes a MEU deployment with

3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. The Marine is considered to have

completed two consecutive major deployments during continuous OPFOR

assignments and is eligible to have his/her OCD updated.

(4) A major deployment may be used only once to update a Marine’s OCD.

This includes deployments to hostile fire areas. For example: a Marine

completes two consecutive major deployments while assigned to Combat

Logistics Battalion (CLB)-11. The first deployment is a MEU deployment from

1 January 2016 thru 30 July 2016 and the second deployment is to a hostile

fire area from 1 January 2017 thru 30 July 2017. Upon completion of the

second deployment, the Marine’s OCD would be updated to 30 July 2017. If the

Marine completes a third consecutive major deployment while still assigned to

CLB-11 (for example: another deployment to a hostile fire area from 1

January 2018 thru 30 July 2018), the second deployment cannot be used in

conjunction with the third deployment to update and Marine’s OCD a second

time. However the OCD will be adjusted via DEPTEMPO reporting to reflect a

new OCD of 26 February 2018 (OCD of 30 July 2017 + 211 days DEPTEMPO =

adjusted OCD of 26 February 2018).

(5) The following specified temporary absences count as continuous

days deployed for OCD purposes: emergency leave, rest and recuperation leave,

annual leave, funded TAD, convoy duties, special liberty, and the absence of

casualties who are hospitalized away from their deployment but are returned

to their deployment. Such temporary absences must be inclusive of a

deployment in order to count as continuous. Temporary absences that occur at

the beginning or end of the deployment to shorten it (i.e., transit time)

does NOT count for the purpose of updating OCDs. The criteria for adjusting

and updating a Marine’s OCD rest with the commander and must reflect a policy

that the vast majority of a Marine's time was deployed at the deployed

location.

(6) The updating of a Marine’s OCD will NOT result in an automatic

reassignment to a non-deploying unit and does not preclude consideration for

an overseas assignment. When required, Marines may remain stabilized in

their current deploying unit, may be reassigned to another deploying unit, or

may even be reassigned overseas on an accompanied tour.

e. The above OCD policies apply to all Marine Corps personnel, including

Marines assigned to Sea Duty and external to the Marine Corps (e.g., Mobile

Construction Battalion, Joint Duty, United Nations (UN) Duty, etc.).

f. Marines with family members who are assigned to an accompanied tour,

who, although eligible for command-sponsorship of family members, elect an

unaccompanied tour, will receive a new OCD upon completion of the

unaccompanied tour.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-26 Enclosure (2)

15. Joint Household Tour Lengths

a. Tour lengths for Marines having Service member spouses are as follows:

(1) Military couples accompanied or joined by command-sponsored

dependents must serve the accompanied tour.

(2) Military couples assigned to or living in the same overseas

location or locale (e.g. reside together in Government-approved family

quarters) must serve the accompanied tour when such a tour length is

authorized for either Service member’s duty station.

b. Military couples, assigned to different overseas locations, must

serve the unaccompanied or dependents-restricted tour length, but if/when

joint residence is established (e.g. reside together in Government-approved

family quarters) they must serve the accompanied tour, if such a tour is

authorized for the location or locale where they are residing. For the

purpose of this Order, all MCCs on Okinawa are considered the same location.

c. For military couples who are not concurrently assigned to the same

overseas location where a joint residence is planned to be established or

maintained, the following applies:

(1) The first arriving spouse will serve, at a minimum, the

accompanied-by-family member’s tour.

(2) The tour length of the first arriving spouse may be extended to

coincide with the tour completion date of the second arriving spouse who will

also serve the accompanied-by-family members tour. The tour length of the

second spouse to arrive overseas will not be curtailed to coincide with the

tour completion date of the spouse who arrived first.

d. If a Marine marries another service member while on duty in an

overseas area, the originally assigned tour lengths will be maintained unless

one or both members request a tour conversion to serve the longer

(accompanied) tour at that location.

e. When a Marine is married to another Service member, PCS orders to a

dependents-restricted tour will normally be delayed up to 1 year in cases

where one spouse has just completed a dependents-restricted tour. A delay in

PCS orders, however, will not normally be approved if the couple was not

married prior to the beginning of the first spouse's dependents-restricted

tour.

16. Curtailment of Overseas Tours. While the nature of military service may

require the transfer of Marines prior to completion of their prescribed tours,

such actions will be kept to the absolute minimum. Of note, tour

curtailments are separate and distinct from conversion of an accompanied tour

to an unaccompanied tour. Curtailments may be granted on a case-by-case

basis by the CMC (MMEA/MMOA/RAM) provided that it is the only recourse

available and is clearly in the best interest of the Marine Corps. Requests

must be endorsed by the first colonel in the Marine’s chain of command.

Approval authority for curtailments greater than 12 months rests with the

Director, Manpower Management (MM/RA). Approval authority for curtailments

less than 12 months rests with MMOA/MMEA/RAM.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-27 Enclosure (2)

17. Early Return of Dependents. Early return of dependents should be

considered a last resort. If dependents are approved for early return from

overseas, the Marine must complete his/her original accompanied tour length.

In most cases, Marines must gain final approval prior to moving dependents

from the overseas location. Final approval authority rests with CMC

(MMIB/RAP).

a. Command-sponsored dependents of Marines stationed outside the United

States, or in a territory or possession of the United States, may be

transported at Government expense from the Marine's duty station to a

designated place in the United States before completion of the Marine's

overseas tour, for the following reasons:

(1) Documented behavior is an embarrassment to the U.S. Government.

(2) Documented behavior is prejudicial to order, morale, and

discipline in the command.

(3) The safety of the family members can no longer be ensured because

of adverse public feelings or civil unrest in the area.

b. Marines stationed outside the CONUS may request, for personal reasons,

that their command-sponsored family members be transported at Government

expense to a designated place in the United States, or a territory or

possession of the United States, before completion of their overseas tour.

The circumstances when such transportation may be authorized are:

(1) If individual medical treatment is not available at the Marine's

duty station or not readily available in the theater. The Marine's request

must be supported by medical documentation, including a statement by the

attending physician, indicating the treatment is essential to the well-being

of the family member patient.

(2) When death, serious illness, or incapacitation of a family member

normally caring for the Marine's minor family members, in the opinion of the

approval authority, requires that such family members be transported to a

place where proper care may be maintained. Marines should review reference

(p) to determine if enrollment to the Exceptional Family Member Program is

required.

(3) When adequate educational facilities or housing for family

members no longer exists and such conditions were caused by conditions beyond

the control of the Marine. Conditions must have arisen after the family

member began traveling to the Marine's overseas duty station. Conditions

affecting individual Marines and their family members must be supported by

documented evidence showing that the factors involved were beyond the

Marine's control and cannot be resolved in a reasonable time period by either

the Marine or the Marine Corps. Such conditions affecting other Marines

accompanied by command-sponsored family members must be evaluated by the COC

(MMOA/MMEA/RAM) to determine whether a request to change the tour length is

appropriate per reference (a).

(4) When conditions are such that the international situation leads

the Marine to be justifiably concerned for the safety and well-being of the

family members. Such determinations must be made by the Combatant Commander

based on the recommendation of the commander of the unit concerned.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-28 Enclosure (2)

(5) When determined that the best interests of the Government would

be served by the transportation of one or more of the Marine's family members

for compelling personal reasons that cannot be resolved by the Marine.

Furthermore, it must be shown that such conditions have adversely affected

the Marine's duty performance. Early return of dependents should be a last

resort. Every effort by the command and the Marine must be taken to rectify

the situation before submitting a request for early return of dependents. In

order to ensure that early return of dependents is authorized as a last

resort, CMC (MMIB/RAP) closely scrutinizes each submission. The following,

at a minimum, must be included in each request:

(a) The circumstance must be evidenced by the command endorsement.

This endorsement must outline the situation, attest to the fact that it is a

last resort, and demonstrate that the situation is affecting the Marine’s

duty performance.

(b) If the situation deals with marital issues, it is mandatory

to include recommendations from family counseling and legal counseling.

Mental health and religious counseling is recommended.

(6) When a dependent receives orders from the Selective Service

System directing them to report to a location in the United States for

induction into the Armed Forces of the United States.

(7) When Marines have been sentenced by court-martial to be confined,

dismissed, or to receive a punitive discharge and it has been shown that the

early return of the Marine's family members is in the best interest of the

Government. Similar considerations may be given to Marines sentenced to a

civil confinement facility. Except as otherwise provided, approval authority

for early return of family members rest with the CMC only, and may be further

delegated within HQMC to colonels and above for routine matters, and no lower

than the general officer level for decisions to deny the request for return.

(8) When it has been shown that acceptable employment opportunities

for dependent children aged 18 years or older are not available. Such

requests may only be considered when the Marine and dependents are residing

outside the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory or

possession of the United States and the dependent children meet the

definition in reference (ag).

c. Marines stationed overseas whose marriage is terminated by divorce or

annulment may receive Government transportation for their ex-family members

to a designated place in the United States, or in a territory or possession

of the United States.

(1) To be eligible for such transportation the family members must

have been residing with the Marine, must have been command-sponsored, and the

divorce or annulment occurred while the Marine and the family members were

overseas.

(2) Requests for such transportation may be made by either the Marine

or the former spouse. Requests by the former spouse may only be made when

the Marine (former sponsor) is not available or when the Marine has refused

to initiate such requests.

(3) Transportation of ex-family members under this paragraph must be

specifically authorized by the CMC (MMIB/RAP).

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-29 Enclosure (2)

d. All requests/orders from United States courts for the return of

family members to the United States must continue to be processed per the

Marine Corps Travel Instructions Manual (MCTIM) located at the MISSA website

at https://eis.usmc.mil/sites/missa/default.aspx.

(1) Commands may only endorse the early return of eligible family

members when the Marine has clearly shown that a valid need to return the

family members exists, the problem or situation occurred after arrival at the

overseas duty station, and local resources (on or off base) cannot resolve

the problem.

(2) The command should, if appropriate, obtain recommendations from

religious, mental health, financial management, family counseling, or legal

agencies.

e. Except where authorized by this Order, family members must begin

travel prior to the Marine being notified of PCS orders from the overseas

duty station. Notification of a forthcoming assignment from the overseas

duty station must take precedence over unexecuted "early return" family

member orders. An exception is for divorce. ERD must be completed within

one year of divorce or six months after member completed PCS, whichever

occurs first.

f. Except for family members relocating in accordance with paragraph

17.b.4 , family members returning early at Government expense subsequently

may not be further transported at Government expense until such time as the

sponsor is issued the next set of fully funded orders. Although the Marine's

family members may relocate early, the Marine must complete the prescribed

accompanied overseas tour length.

g. If the family members subsequently returned to the Marine's overseas

duty station at the Marine's expense, they may be again command-sponsored,

for the purpose of return Government transportation and station allowances at

the "with dependent" rate, if the following conditions are met:

(1) The Marine was not notified that receipt of PCS orders from the

overseas duty station was to be expected. (Notification must have been

through channels normally used and receipt of PCS orders must not be

required).

(2) The Marine must have at least 24 months remaining on the overseas

tour after approval of command-sponsorship. Requests for waivers may be

submitted to CMC (MMIB).

(3) The Marine and/or family members will be counseled by the

Transportation Management Office on the limits of their transportation

entitlement.

h. Early Return of Foreign-Born Dependents

(1) Command-sponsored foreign-born dependents authorized travel may

be allowed Government-funded transportation to the dependent’s native country.

Approval rests with CMC (MMIB).

(2) Requests must contain documented evidence justifying that the

spouse’s native country is the appropriate location for dependents to reside

during the Marine’s overseas assignment.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

6-30 Enclosure (2)

(3) Dependents will be considered non-command sponsored; however, the

Marine will be authorized cost of living and temporary lodging allowances at

the “with dependents” rate based on the dependents’ location.

18. Evacuation of Dependents from Overseas Area

a. Neither a Marine's commanding officer, nor the Marine Corps may

require family members to evacuate a foreign country. Such action may be

taken only by the U. S. Department of State or the Government of the host

nation under normal diplomatic protocol. Nevertheless, the Marine Corps may

take steps under its authority, including the revoking of command-sponsorship,

to restrict the access of family members to installations and facilities.

b. When family members in an overseas area are evacuated to a safe haven

or returned to CONUS and the sponsors are required to remain in the overseas

area, the overseas commander will request instructions by message to the CMC

(MMEA/MMOA/RAM) regarding the adjustment of tour lengths. The evacuation

allowances for family members are contained in reference (n).

19. Overseas Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Referrals

a. PCS Orders. Per reference (h), all Marines permanently assigned

overseas who require referral into the IDES after initial screening by the

DoN Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) will receive PCS orders to a CONUS

location where they can be entered into, and processed through the IDES.

b. CONUS Location Determination. PCS orders will be issued in order to

provide CONUS-based medical services to the Marine while being processed

through the IDES. PCS orders to a Supporting Establishment command will be

issued to one of the following locations: Henderson Hall, VA, MCB Quantico,

VA, Camp Pendleton, CA, MCAS Miramar, CA or Camp Lejeune, NC. PCS orders

will direct the Marine to an appropriate Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) of

each individual case. If there are multiple appropriate MTFs, the geo-

location desires of the Marine will be considered.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

A-1 Enclosure (2)

Appendix A

Definitions

1. Accompanied Overseas Duty Station (Unrestricted Duty Station). Overseas

duty station where an accompanied-by-dependents tour is authorized. This

means the Marine can be accompanied by command-sponsored family members.

2. Acquired Dependents. Dependents acquired through marriage, birth,

adoption, or other action during the course of a Marine's current overseas

tour of duty. This term does not include those individuals dependent upon

the Marine or children born of a marriage that existed before commencement of

the current overseas tour.

3. Active Duty. Full-time duty in an active service of a military branch of

the armed forces. The term does not apply to active Reserve duty for

training or inactive Reserve duty.

4. Advanced Geo-Location Code (AGLC). A three-digit MCTFS code that

identifies the projected geographical location (in CONUS or Hawaii) of a

Marine's duty station following a dependents-restricted tour. The use of an

AGLC is for HQMC planning purposes only and is not a guarantee or commitment

by CMC (MM). It should not be used as grounds for making commitments; e.g.,

the purchasing of a home, semi-movement of family members, or HHG.

5. Advance Monitored Command Code (AMCC). A MCTFS code that identifies the

projected command to which a Marine will be assigned following a dependents-

restricted tour.

6. Career Marines

a. Enlisted. For assignment purposes, Marines who have completed their

initial enlistment.

b. Officers. Captains and above, all warrant officers, and all limited

duty officers.

7. Command-Sponsored Dependents. Dependents of a Marine residing with the

Marine at a location outside the CONUS, where the accompanied-by-dependents

tour is authorized and the Marine is authorized to serve the prescribed tour,

and where family members meet the following conditions:

a. Authorized by the appropriate authority to be at the Marine's duty

station.

b. As a result of their residence in the vicinity of the Marine's duty

station, entitles the Marine to station allowances at the "with dependents"

rate.

8. Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT). The PCS transfer of a Marine from one

overseas duty station to another, regardless of whether it is within the same

country or inter-theater. Completion of the initial overseas tour is

expected.

9. Continental United States (CONUS). The contiguous 48 states and the

District of Columbia.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

A-2 Enclosure (2)

10. Dependents-Restricted Duty Station. An overseas location/unit/activity

where Marines’ family members are not authorized.

11. Deployment Designated Operating Forces Unit. An Operating Forces unit

that participates in operational deployments including UDP to WESTPAC, MEU

deployments, and squadrons deploying with carrier battle groups.

12. Designated Hostile Fire Area. An area so designated by the Secretary of

Defense and specified as such in paragraph 100201 of reference (ae).

13. Designated Place. A location in the United States, the Commonwealths of

Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, or a territory or

possession of the United States named by Marines or their family members as

the place where the Marine's family members will establish their residence

until further Government transportation of family members is authorized. Can

also include:

a. the native country of a foreign born spouse if specifically

authorized to travel while member serves a dependent restricted tour or if

dependents early returned.

b. The previous foreign OCONUS PDS dependents remain while member serves

an unaccompanied/restricted tour.

c. The foreign OCONUS PDS member is scheduled to PCS after serving an

unaccompanied/ restricted tour.

14. Effective Date of PCS Orders

a. For a Marine to be separated or retired, the last day of active duty.

b. For all others, the date the Marine is required to begin travel

from the old PDS, home, place entering active duty (PLEAD), last TDY station,

safe haven location or designated place, whichever applies, to arrive at the

new PDS, home, or PLEAD on the date authorized by the transportation mode

authorized and/or used. Refer to Appendix A of this Order for further

definition.

15. First-Term Marines

a. For assignment purposes, enlisted personnel serving on active duty

under their initial active duty obligation including extensions.

b. Unrestricted Regular or Reserve Component second and first

lieutenants.

c. New accessions to the Active Reserve (AR) Program serving on their

initial assignment.

16. Geo-Location Code (GLC). A three-digit code that identifies the

geographic location of a Marine's present duty station.

17. In-Place Consecutive Overseas Tours (IPCOT). Upon completion of an

initial overseas tour, to include voluntary extensions, the Marine agrees to

serve another complete tour at the same duty station to qualify for IPCOT

leave travel entitlements. No PCS movement is involved; however,

reassignment orders may be issued within the same duty station.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

A-3 Enclosure (2)

18. Inter-theater Consecutive Overseas Tour. A PCS transfer between

theaters (i.e., from Pacific to European theater).

19. Intra-Theater Consecutive Overseas Tour. A PCS transfer within a

particular theater (i.e., from Japan to Korea).

20. Joint Duty Assignments (JDA). An assignment to a designated position in

a multi-service command or activity. Assignment to a JDA is a nominative

process managed by the Joint Staff and CMC (MM/RA) and the provisions of

reference (ah).

21. Key Billet. An overseas position (officers or warrant officers only) of

extremely unusual responsibility, where it has been determined that the

continued presence of the incumbent is essential to the mission of the

activity or unit or to the United States presence in that area.

22. Low Cost Move (LCM). A reassignment to a new permanent duty station

(PDS) within close proximity of the previous PDS. For purposes of this

policy, the PDSs must be within 50 miles or less of each other. The distance

is measured from the front gate of the old PDS to the front gate of the new

PDS and is calculated by using the Defense Table of Official Distances (DTOD),

which is the only authorized source for computing mileage. Where the Marine

resides in relation to the PDS is not a factor in this calculation. These

orders are no cost to the government, do not authorize a household goods (HHG)

shipment at Government expense, and the entitlement to travel payment does

not exist.

23. Non-Command-Sponsored Dependents. Dependents of a Marine residing with

the Marine at a location outside the CONUS, where the accompanied-by-

dependents tour may or may not be authorized. These dependents shall not be

provided transportation to and from the Marine’s overseas duty station at

Government expense. Their presence shall not authorize the Marine to station

allowances at the "with dependents" rate. These dependents may be either

"acquired dependents" or "individually sponsored by the service member" into

the command without endorsement by the appropriate authority. Depending upon

individual SOFA, United States statutes, DoD policy, or military service

regulations, these dependents may not be entitled to or may be denied access

to certain dependent support facilities.

24. Operations Tempo (OPTEMPO). The rate at which units of the armed forces

are involved in all military activities, including contingency operations,

exercises, and training deployments.

25. Overseas Duty. Military duty performed at permanent duty stations

outside CONUS or in vessels home-ported outside CONUS. Regarding Marines

assigned to Hawaii and Alaska, they:

a. Will be assigned operational PCS move orders.

b. Will have the same minimum time-on-station requirements as CONUS

sites.

c. Will not be eligible for an updated OCD, unless the Marine completes

requisite deployments.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

A-4 Enclosure (2)

26. Permanent Change of Assignment (PCA). A transfer between MCCs at the

same Permanent Duty Station when the authority to move HHG or the entitlement

to travel payment does not exist. An example would be the transfer of a

Marine from the 2d Marine Division to MCB Camp Lejeune.

27. Permanent Change of Station (PCS). The transfer of a Marine or unit

from one permanent station to another; includes the assignment from home or

from the place from which ordered to active duty, to first station upon

appointment, call to active duty, enlistment, or induction and from last duty

station to home or to the place from which the Marine entered the service,

placement upon the temporary disability retired list, release from active

duty, or retirement. It also includes a duly authorized change in homeport

of a vessel or mobile unit. A PCS may either be fully funded (movement of

HHG is authorized), or low-cost (movement of HHG is not authorized ).

28. Personnel Tempo (PERSTEMPO), AKA, Deployment Tempo (DEPTEMPO). The

amount of time a Marine is engaged in their official duties, including

official duties at a location or under circumstances that make it infeasible

for the Marine to spend off-duty time in the housing in which the Marine

resides when on garrison duty at the Marine's permanent duty station.

29. Prescribed Tour Length. Standard tour of duty (in months) for a

specific geographic location.

30. Reassignment. A movement normally within the same geographic location

within or between MCCs. It may be accomplished by either PCA or low-cost PCS.

31. Retainability. Required obligated service prior to executing PCS orders

to a new duty station.

32. Restricted Area. Any area into which the entry of family members has

been prohibited, temporarily or permanently, by order of competent authority.

33. Rotation Tour Date (RTD). The year, month, and day that a Marine is

scheduled to transfer from an overseas duty station (This is no longer

applicable to Hawaii and Alaska as designated in this Order).

34. Sequential Assignment. A sequential PCS transfer to an AMCC, AGLC, or

MCC.

35. Single Parent. A Marine who has no spouse but has family member(s),

incapable of self-care, physically residing in the Marine's household per

reference (o).

36. Sole Surviving Son/Daughter. The sole remaining son/daughter in a

family where the father, or mother (or one or more sons or daughters) while

serving in the Armed Forces was killed or died in the line of duty as a

result of wounds, accident, or disease; or is in a captured or missing-in-

action status; or is permanently 100 percent physically disabled (to include

100 percent mental disability) as determined by the Department of Veterans'

Affairs or one of the military services, and is hospitalized on a continuing

basis and not gainfully employed by virtue of such disability. Unless in

conjunction with the foregoing requirements, being an only child does not

constitute sole surviving son/daughter status.

MCO 1300.8

18 Sep 2014

A-5 Enclosure (2)

37. Tour Conversion. When a Marine with dependents prior to the effective

date of the PCS orders is currently serving a dependents-restricted or

accompanied overseas tour and the current tour is changed to another type of

overseas tour; i.e. dependents-restricted tour to accompanied tour.

38. Tour of Duty. The duration of military duty performed when assigned to

a military installation or activity permanently located at a land stations

either CONUS or overseas or when assigned to a ship or unit during a

prescribed sea tour.

39. Unaccompanied Tour. An overseas tour where the Marine is afforded an

accompanied tour, yet elects not to have his/her family members accompany

him/her.

40. Vicinity of Duty Station. Family members will be considered as residing

in the vicinity of a Marine's overseas duty station for any period during

which they actually reside in the country within which the Marine's duty

station is located.

MCO 1300.8S

18 Sep 2014

B-1 Enclosure (2)

Appendix B

Overseas Screening Checklist

Located at: https://navalforms.documentservices.dla.mil

MCO 1300.8S

18 Sep 2014

C-1 Enclosure (2)

Appendix C

Financial Statement for Corporals and Below Ordered to an Overseas Tour

Located at: https://navalforms.documentservices.dla.mil

MCO 1300.8S

18 Sep 2014

D-1 Enclosure (2)

Appendix D

Documents Required for Preliminary Overseas Screening

The Marine must make sure the following documents, if applicable, are

available to the overseas screening coordinator when the Marine reports for

preliminary medical screening for overseas or isolated duty stations. The

Marine should bring a copy of orders if available. The Marine's compliance

will speed up completion of screening with a minimum of inconvenience.

Family members are not required to be present for this preliminary screening.

For Marines being assigned to unaccompanied tours of 24 months or less,

documents for family members are not required.

Records collected on Marines and each family member contain privacy sensitive

information that must be managed in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974,

as amended, per references (ai) and (aj), and standards for health

information in accordance with DoD Instruction 6025.18-R and parts 160 and

164 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations.

1. The Marine and each family member should bring the following:

a. Health record (military).

b. Civilian medical records (copies from civilian health care providers,

including mental health care providers).

c. Medical history (Standard Form 93).

d. Latest immunizations.

e. Identifying information and address of family member if not

collocated with Marine.

2. Each female's record should include results of:

a. Pelvic exam (including PAP test), if over age 18.

b. Baseline and latest mammogram, if over age 40.

3. Each Marine's record should include results of last:

a. Physical exam.

b. Asbestos screen.

c. Hearing exam.

d. Vision exam.

e. HIV test results.

f. Blood type.

g. G6PD (tuberculosis test).

h. Sickle Cell.

MCO 1300.8S

18 Sep 2014

D-2 Enclosure (2)

4. For Marines enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP),

include copies of the most recent Department of Defense Form 2792 (DD Form

2792), Family Member Medical Summary and Department of Defense Form 2792-1

(DD Form 2792-1), Special Education/Early Intervention Summary when

applicable.

5. For a child receiving special education, medically related or early

intervention services, include the following:

a. Copy of Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP) for 0 to 2 years old,

inclusive and receiving early intervention services.

b. Copy of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for child receiving

special education related services.

6. Once completed, the screening is valid for 12 months from the date of

completion provided there has not been significant changes to the family

member(s)' health status.

7. The Marine must notify his/her commanding officer of any significant

changes to the family member(s)' health status.

MCO 1300.8S

18 Sep 2014

E-1 Enclosure (2)

Appendix E

Quick Reference Table: Basic Entitlements Incident to Overseas Assignment

Circumstances

Entitlement

Marine Executes

Accompanied

PCSO and is

Living on

Economy at

Overseas PDS

Marine Executes

Accompanied

PCSO and is

Living in

Government

Housing at

Overseas PDS

Marine Executes

Unaccompanied

or Dependent-

Restricted PCSO

and is Living

on Economy at

Overseas PDS

Marine

Executes

Unaccompanied

or Dependent-

Restricted

PCSO and is

Living in

Barracks

(BOQ/BEQ) at

Overseas PDS

Travel and

Transportation

of Dependents

to and from

Overseas

Location

X

Note 1

X

Note 1

Designated

Place Move

X

Note 2

X

Note 2

Temporary

Lodging

Allowance

X

Note 3

X

Note 3

X

Note 3

X

Note 3

Overseas

Housing

Allowance (OHA)

@ w/ dependent

rate

X

OHA @ w/o

dependent rate

X

OCONUS Cost of

Living

Allowance

(COLA) @ w/

dependent rate

X X

OCONUS COLA @

w/o dependent

rate

X

OCONUS COLA @

barracks rate

X

Basic Allowance

for Housing

(BAH) Partial

X

BAH @

w/dependent

rate

X

Note 4

X

Note 4

COLA @ w/

dependent rate

X

Note 5

X

Note 5

Family

Separation

Allowance (FSA)

X

Note 6

X

Note 6

Figure E-1.--Basic Overseas Entitlements.

This table is a basic guide for quick reference only and does not supersede

existing and actual entitlements contained within the JFTR. Refer to the

JFTR for actual eligibility criteria and entitlements.

MCO 1300.8S

18 Sep 2014

E-2 Enclosure (2)

Note 1: Marine is entitled to travel and transportation at Government

expense to and from the overseas station for command-sponsored dependents

acquired prior to the effective date of PCS orders (includes children born to

command-sponsored spouses and Marine mothers during the overseas tour).

There is no entitlement to travel to the overseas PDS for dependents acquired

after the effective date of PCS the orders reassigning the Marine to the

overseas PDS. If desired, travel and transportation to the overseas station

for dependents acquired after the effective date of PCS orders is at the

Marine’s personal expense. Marine becomes entitled to travel and

transportation from the overseas station to another location for dependents

acquired after the effective date of PCS orders that become command-sponsored

and join the member at the overseas location provided eligibility criteria

contained in Paragraph 5 of this Chapter are met. Marines converting from

unaccompanied to accompanied tours must have their dependents command

sponsored in order to become entitled to Government travel and transportation

for the dependents.

Note 2: Marine is entitled to move dependents acquired prior to the

effective date of PCS orders to a designated place in CONUS. Move to a

designated place for dependents acquired after the effective date of PCS

orders is at the Marine’s personal expense. Designated place moves to

overseas locations for foreign-born spouses (spouse’s native country) are

authorized only when the Marine is initially ordered to a dependent-

restricted tour (not authorized if the Marine elects an unaccompanied tour

when an accompanied tour is authorized). Alternatively to moving dependents

to a designated place, Marines may leave their dependents at the last place

moved at Government expense prior to their reassignment to the overseas PDS.

CMC (MMIB maintains final approval authority on all designated place move

requests.

Note 3: As required/applicable.

Note 4: Determined by location of dependents in CONUS (or overseas in case

of foreign-born spouses).

Note 5: Determined by location of dependents in CONUS (or overseas in case

of foreign-born spouses) only if dependents reside in a COLA location.

Note 6: Only if Marines with dependents are initially ordered to an

unaccompanied or dependent-restricted tour. If a Marine with dependents

elects an unaccompanied tour when an accompanied tour is authorized, there is

no entitlement to FSA.

MCO 1300.8S

18 Sep 2014

I-1 Enclosure (2)

Index

A

Accompanied Overseas Tour Assignments.......................... 5-2

Acquired/Non-command-Sponsored Family Members.................. 6-5

Administrative Reassignment or Transfer of Marines Accused of

Sexual Assault or Related Offense.............................. 5-4

Assignment to Hostile Fire Areas and Sole Surviving Sons/Daughters 5-6

Assignment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus

(HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infected Personnel........... 5-5

Assignment to the Operating Forces............................. 1-7

C

Changing the Overseas Tour Election............................ 6-9

Command Sponsorship of Dependents.............................. 6-4

Concurrent Assignment of Family Members to Same Unit or Ship... 5-10

Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT)................................ 6-17

Credit for a Completed Tour Hostile Fire Area.................. 5-7

Curtailment of Overseas Tours.................................. 6-26

D

Dependents-Restricted Tour Assignments......................... 6-7

Dual Military Household Assignment............................. 5-1

E

Early Return of Dependents..................................... 6-27

Effective Date of PCS Orders................................... A-2

Election of Overseas Assignment................................ 6-6

Entitlements (Basic) Incident to Overseas Assignment........... 6-11

Equal Opportunity Advisors (EOA)............................... 3-4

Evacuation of Dependents from Overseas Area.................... 6-30

Exceptional Family Members Program (EFMP)...................... 5-3

Expedited Transfer of Marines Who File Unrestricted Reports

of Sexual Assault.............................................. 5-4

Extensions of Overseas Tour.................................... 6-20

F

Female Marines Classification, Assignment, and Deployment...... 4-1

First Term Marines (Overseas Assignments)...................... 6-8

First Term Marines (PCS Limitations)........................... 1-5

First Term Marines (Retainability Requirements)................ 3-1

Formal Military School Instructors............................. 5-3

H

Hostile Fire Area Assignment Restriction....................... 5-6

J-L

Joint Household Overseas Tour Lengths.......................... 6-26

Key Billets (Overseas)......................................... 2-2

Low Cost Moves(LCM)/Permanent Change of Assignment (PCA) Orders 1-6

M

Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG).................... 6-10

Marine Corps International Affairs Program (IAP)............... 6-11

Marine Corps Security Force (MCSF)............................. 6-10

MCO 1300.8S

18 Sep 2014

I-2 Enclosure (2)

N

Navy Personnel................................................. 5-5

O

Obligated Service.............................................. 6-2

Officer Resignations........................................... 2-1

Overseas Assignments........................................... 6-1

Overseas Control Date (OCD).................................... 6-23

Overseas Dependent-Restricted Tour Volunteers.................. 6-8

Overseas Tour Completion....................................... 6-16

Overseas Tour Lengths.......................................... 6-6

Overseas Visits by Family Members.............................. 6-13

P

Pregnancy...................................................... 4-2

Priority for Assignment to Dependents-Restricted Tours......... 6-7

R

Reporting Date Last Tour Combat................................ 5-7

Retainability Requirements..................................... 1-4

Retirement/Transfer to Fleet Marine Corps Reserve (FMCR)....... 1-7

S

Sex Offenders................................................... 5-4

Single Parents.................................................. 5-2

Slating of Active Component Sergeants Major..................... 3-4

Special Duty Assignments (SDA)/Tours............................ 3-3

T-V-W

Time on Station................................................ 1-3

Wounded Marines................................................ 5-7