The Coast Guard is changing how members serving on short-term Active-Duty for Operational Support (ADOS) orders or temporary duty (TDY) apply for extensions beyond the 180-day limit at one unit or location.
The goal is to clarify and streamline the process to ensure short term back-to-back ADOS or TDY extensions are processed correctly.
Who qualifies?
Short term ADOS is considered TDY at one location or unit and may not exceed 180 days unless it is authorized. This happens when CG-1M12 determines it is necessary due to one of the following:
These rules still apply with the new process, notes Chief Petty Officer Brittney Gatewood, Travel & Transportation Policy specialist at CG-1M12. “We are not blanket approving for any one mission or reason,” she said. “Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.”
How the new process works
To request back-to-back short term ADOS or TDY for 181 or more consecutive days for the same unit or in the same location, the requesting unit will now need to provide both a checklist and a memo in writing. This must be submitted before the member reports for duty or travels.
The checklist, which is available in the updated ADOS Process Guide on the Military Pay & Compensation CG-1M12 webpage, will include the member’s information, requested short-term ADOS dates, and details about the role – including whether other volunteers have been solicited for the position as required.
Units will also complete a memo using a memo template. As detailed in the process guide, use the first template to request approval for multiple members of the same TDY mission/situation (say, Port Security Units). Use the second one to request approval for one member.
The memo template asks for valid justification for the additional ADOS or TDY.
Where to send requests
Completed requests, which include the checklist, memo template, and all copies of back-to-back short-term orders, will continue to be routed through the member’s unit, District (dxr), and LOG-1 or Area to CG-1M12.
Submit completed requests through LOG-1/Area. LOG-1/Area will submit the final packages for review to COMDT (CG-1M12) at: SMB-COMDT-TravelTransportationPolicy@uscg.mil
Note: If the request doesn’t contain the required information and checklist, it will be returned for resubmission.
Shortcuts that don’t work
ADOS or TDY for 180 or fewer consecutive days, followed by a brief return (less than 31 days) to the permanent duty station (PDS), and then another TDY order for return to the same unit/location is not a good workaround and violates the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). If it was known or could have been anticipated that the ADOS or TDY duration would exceed 180 days when the initial order was issued, it would be considered a violation of the 180-day rule. Better to use the extension request process.
Are there any exceptions to this new process?
Yes. The process for members requesting to maintain their current Selected Reserve (SELRES) position while serving on multiple sets of consecutive short-term ADOS orders over 181 days also remains the same. Reserve Personnel Management (CG PSC-RPM) maintains that authority.
Members should direct additional questions or concerns to their supervisors through the proper channels.
This process will be posted on CG-1M12’s website which is found here: Military Pay and Compensation Division (CG-1M12) (uscg.mil). Members should direct questions or concerns to their supervisors through proper channels.
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