On Friday, Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist approved new travel restrictions for service members. The total domestic travel ban is for all troops, civilian personnel and their families until May 11. The ban takes effect on Monday, March 16, 2020.
Military Restricted
The restriction will halt all domestic travel, including Permanent Change of Station, and Temporary Duty. This restriction will also pause civilian hiring at DoD installations
"Our goal is to remain ahead of the virus spread so our military force remains effective and ready." released the DOD on their official statement.
Travel exceptions may be granted for compelling cases where the travel is mission essential, for humanitarian reasons, or warranted due to extreme hardship. Exception may be granted by the Combatant Commander, the Service Secretaries, the Chief Management Officer, or the Director of the Joint Staff, but may be delegated.
Commander-in-Chief
The announcement came several hours after President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency, hoping to open up $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
"Through a very collective action and shared sacrifice, national determination, we will overcome the threat of the virus," Trump said during a press conference at the White House on Friday.
“These restrictions are necessary to preserve force readiness, limit the continuing spread of the virus, and preserve the health and welfare of service members, DOD civilian employees, their families and the local communities where in which we live.”
Got questions? See FAQ about the travel restriction
