Understanding US Troop Deployments Abroad: Duration and Requirements

Troop deployments abroad, especially in the US Army, have undergone significant changes over the past few decades. Understanding the different types of deployments, their durations, and associated policies is crucial for military personnel and their families alike. To gain a comprehensive understanding, it's essential to refer to official documents such as Directive-type Memoranda (DTM) and Army Regulations.

Historical Context and Current Policies

During the late 1990s, the typical deployment duration in the US Army was 90 days. After 90 days, personnel were considered to be in permanent change of station (PCS), moving to a new duty assignment. TDY (temporary duty) designations covered periods under 90 days. This system was fairly straightforward but required stringent rules and regulations to ensure clear demarcation between various types of assignments.

Overseas tours, whether unaccompanied or accompanied, traditionally lasted for one to two years. Unaccompanied tours, commonly referred to as "geographical bachelors," involved personnel serving overseas without their families. Accompanied tours, on the other hand, usually lasted two years to allow sufficient time for the spouse and children to adapt to the new environment and establish a routine.

Civilian employees within the Department of Defense (DoD) often had longer tours, but precise durations can vary. To stay informed about the latest policies, it's important to regularly review documents like DTM 21-005 – "Deployment-to-Dwell Mobilization-to-Dwell Policy Revision" and Army Regulation 525–93.

Contemporary Deployments: Examples and Variations

Over the years, deployments have evolved to account for changing operational needs and global missions. I recall several notable deployments where personnel served for extended periods, often exceeding the typical 90-day rotation. These included:

A 13-month deployment to Antarctica A 12-month tour in the Middle East 6 months in the Indian Ocean 7 months in the Mediterranean 3.5 years in Japan 3.5 years in Sardinia

It's also worth mentioning a particular instance where a sailor, having been stationed overseas for 16 years, was compelled to return to the US. I remember another scenario where a sailor on a ship in Hawaii found a vacancy during the transition period. The sailor, married to a Japanese woman, opted to take the position but ended up in the same location just a few weeks later when his ship was reassigned. This fortuitous turn of events allowed him to retire in Japan. Another case involved a sailor who was married to a woman who filed for divorce, but despite the legal complications, the situation eventually worked out for them.

Differentiating Between Deployments and Station Assignments

Understanding the nuances between deployments and station assignments is essential. For example, a 3-year tour to Okinawa, Japan, typically isn't considered a deployment. Instead, it's referred to as an assignment, especially when a spouse and children are included in the move. Conversely, a deployment usually involves personnel who are separated from their families, staying away for periods that can range up to a year, at which point they are typically assigned to a new duty station.

Deployment durations can sometimes exceed typical limits. In my 26-year career, I experienced the longest deployment at a year, which is relatively rare. Deployments lasting over a year are generally referred to as assignments or duty stations rather than deployments.

For personnel on ships, the cumulative service on a Navy or Coast Guard ship serves as a basis for the Overseas Service Ribbon. This ribbon awards personnel one year of overseas service for deployments of 12 months or more. The service can be cumulative, with a maximum of 6, 8, or 12 months, depending on the specific criteria applied.

Ultimately, every situation is unique, and personnel must navigate the complexities of deployments and assignments with the support of military administration and relevant regulations.

Keywords: troop deployments, deployment duration, overseas tours