military assignment vs deployment

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PCS, TDY and Deployments

Written by Veteran.com Team

There are several different types of military orders one can receive. They directly affect the service member’s duty location, the duration of that duty and how the service member is to be paid. These orders include Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Temporary Duty (TDY, TAD or other designation depending on the branch of service), and Deployments.

These three separate types of orders are not interchangeable. Depending on the nature of your military service, the orders may have specific implications about time served, special duty pay, per diem pay, and other compensation.

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Temporary Duty Orders

What are Temporary Duty Orders? The Navy defines Temporary Duty Orders as, “duty at one or more locations, away from the permanent duty station (PDS), under an order, providing for further assignment or pending further assignment, to return to the old PDS or to proceed to a new PDS.”

Different Acronyms for The Same General Purpose: TDY Orders Across The Services

The Navy has Temporary Duty orders and Temporary Additional Duty orders. Official communications from the Navy official site refer to TAD as the Navy version of TDY.

Temporary Duty orders are known as TDY orders in the Air Force and the United States Army. The Army has other categories similar to TDY orders. Temporary Change of Station (TCS) orders authorize duty in a similar way to TDY orders.

The United States Marine Corps also uses TDY, but includes something called Long-Term TDY for orders authorizing duty at another location for longer than 30 days.

TDY Orders and Their Variants Are Subject to Regulation Changes

The basic distinguishing factor about TDY orders and their variants (TCS, TAD, etc.) is that these orders are designed to authorize duty in a location away from the service member’s duty station or assignment on a temporary basis.

TDY orders are required because Department of Defense regulations authorizing travel pay, per diem, and other expenses must be justified by official military orders to a specific location for a specific purpose. The documentation of the duty authorization, related expenses, and the results of the duty are required as a typical part of the process.

All other details are subject to change by government regulations. This includes the duration of authorized TDY travel and duty, the amount of travel pay or other money permitted to the service member, and how lodging and transportation are handled during the period of duty.

Do a Google search on the phrase “TDY rules” and you will find a staggering amount of information. Some old and outdated data, but some new and featuring changes or adjustments to areas mentioned above.

 What TDY, TAD, and TCS Orders Are Used For

There are hundreds of examples of typical use of Temporary Duty orders.  TDY status is used for professional military education such as Airman Leadership School or Navy Chief Petty Officer training. It may also be used as a regular part of military duty where frequent travel is required.

For example, pilots flying missions from a stateside base to duty in an overseas location may require TDY orders. Emergency medical evacuation teams sent to an operating location away from the military member’s assignment could also require the use of TDY orders.

TDY status may be required even when working in the same basic geographic area as the military member’s home base . If there is duty required at another base, TDY orders may be needed to justify lodging or meal requirements associated with that duty, where applicable.

TDY or TAD orders can be cut for purposes that strictly benefit the military member. There is something called Permissive TDY that can be used for house hunting in connection with a new assignment or in conjunction with outprocessing from military service.

This practice is common especially among those making a permanent change of station move with family members. TDY for house hunting allows a transition from one assignment to the next without excessive use of personal leave while trying to find a place to live.

» MORE: Check your VA home loan eligibility with today's top lenders

Deployment Orders

Deployment orders are different than TDY orders for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is that deployments are conducted for a specific purpose. They normally involve either training, combat operations, or some other type of mission with a specific activity.

Some branches of the service use the phrase “deployment” interchangeably with TDY, PCS, etc. But the most precise use of the term for our purposes is the traditional one. Deployments are usually to “forward” locations whether for training purposes (a simulated or actual forward deployed area for the training), combat, etc.

Why Deployment Orders Are Different Than TDY Orders

Deployment orders are subject to their own rules and regulations. They are handled differently than PCS or TDY orders. Deployments normally happen in groups. So an individual soldier, sailor, airman, or marine will get deployment orders along with a group of others going to the same place. Group processing into and out of the deployment area of operations will likely be required.

Deployment Time Limits, Pay Issues

Deployments usually have a maximum time for “boots on the ground.” Traditionally, in recent decades, 179 days is a typical deployment length. The reason for this arbitrary number has much do to with the way this type of duty is categorized.

A military member sent out to a forward location for longer than 179 days would need to have that duty time recharacterized as a Permanent Change of Station move rather than a TDY or deployment. Some are confused by the need for jargon to define all this until they learn that how the military handles certain pay and allowances. It may depend on the status of the military member as being on TDY, PCS, or involved in a deployment.

TDY orders may involve a per diem payment for meals, funds for lodging, etc. A deployment presupposes that no such expenses are necessary, except for specifically defined circumstances listed in the orders.

For example, if commercial travel is required for a portion of the deployment, those expenses would be reimbursed. Such is the case if authorized on the orders or if the orders have been amended after the fact to authorize such expenses.

Deployments may trigger the authorization for hazardous duty pay or other payments, where applicable. TDY orders would not. A permanent change of station move (see below) would also include payments and authorizations that are not available under either TDY or deployment orders.

Unique Deployment Considerations: Stop Loss

Because of the nature of deployments (compared to PCS orders and TDY / TAD/ TCS orders), certain issues come up in connection with them that aren’t relevant to PCS or TDYs. One of those is the use of something called Stop-Loss . This is a practice where military members are not permitted to leave military service at the end of their military commitment due to mission demands.

Stop Loss can affect deployments because troops who get orders to deploy may (or may not) be at the end of a current enlistment. The military may choose to deploy these service members anyway and adjust the separation date accordingly. This is usually not done arbitrarily. Career fields who are vulnerable for stop loss action are normally identified/notified in advance of a deployment or potential deployment. Stop loss is not always invoked, but when it is there is usually a high demand or shortage involved for certain types of career fields or duty.

Those with approaching separation dates who are concerned about stop loss and its ability to affect the service member’s plans should discuss their questions with the unit orderly room, command support staff, or personnel office.

» MORE: See how your military service can get you into a home for $0 down

Permanent Change of Station Orders

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS), also commonly referred to as a reassignment or sometimes (depending on the branch of service) as a “deployment” (but not a “real” deployment to a combat zone or forward location) is a totally different set of circumstances.

PCS orders authorize certain kinds of travel pay which is not permitted under other types of orders. For example, a service member may be authorized to claim mileage, lodging expenses associated with the PCS move, and there may be a provision for permissive TDY orders for house hunting.

PCS Orders, Pay, and Allowances

PCS orders essentially change the service member’s pay and allowances in some cases. Any cost of living allowance paid at the previous duty station, any housing allowances, and authorization for separate rations will change depending on policies at the gaining command or base.

By comparison, a set of TDY orders does not change any of these things. Hence the phrase “temporary duty” implying that the service member has NOT been reassigned to a new command. Deployments also do not touch the servicemember’s current assignment, etc. PCS orders indicate a more permanent (hence the name) relocation than temporary duty or deployments.

PCS Orders Can Include Family Members

PCS orders are also different than TDY and deployment orders because PCS moves affect the entire military family , where applicable. In some cases the orders will specify an “accompanied tour” and may name the family members in the orders. In others the service member may be reassigned as a “geographic bachelor” and not have the family accompany the service member.

Compare that to most TDY orders which are for service members only (or DoD civilians, etc.) and deployments which never authorize family members to accompany the soldier, sailor, airman, or marine.

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Duty Stations & Deployment

After service members complete Basic Training and hone their skills during Advanced Training , like AIT, “A” School and “C” School, they’ll move on to apply their specialties where they’re needed at their first duty station. Each assignment involves a “movement order,” and there are three types: permanent change of station , temporary duty and deployment .

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Permanent change of station, temporary duty.

Permanent change of station (PCS) is a long-term assignment or transfer of an active-duty service member to a permanent duty station (PDS) location that typically lasts between two and four years. This can be from one state to another within the U.S. or even to another country . 

Duty stations are typically bases or other installations where service members both live and perform their work. Though service members can sometimes choose from several preferred duty stations, the needs of the Military are often the deciding factor. 

Moving between duty stations can be a big life step for many individuals. If this is the case, knowing a few helpful tips can make this transition more comfortable.

Temporary duty (TDY) is when a service member is temporarily stationed at one or more locations away from their permanent duty station (PDS). It can also be referred to as temporary change of station (TCS) or temporary additional duty (TAD). After completing TDY, a service member will return to the original PDS or proceed to a new one. The duration of a TDY assignment can be anywhere between 30 days and six months.

Deployment is the movement of military units or individual service members to locations outside of the continental U.S. and its territories for the purposes of accomplishing specific missions. Contrary to popular belief, not all deployments are combative in nature. Service members can also make an impact by being deployed on peacekeeping missions, citizen evacuations, joint training exercises and even bolstering security at U.S. high commissions and embassies abroad. 

Deployment can last from anywhere between 90 days and 15 months, and there are no limits to the number of times that active-duty members can be deployed.

Deployment: From Notification to Movement

Deployment is a multi-stage process that typically consists of three phases: 

• Warning order: This is a formal and official government alert sent to Service branches that their help is required. From here, Services “prepare to deploy” by identifying personnel to satisfy the mission requirements, conducting health tests, getting their equipment ready and more.
• Notice to deploy: This formal deployment notification follows the warning order and carries the details of the type of unit to be deployed, the destination and the time of deployment.
• Movement: This is when the convoys/units begin their journey toward their deployment destination.

Depending on the need of the mission and the urgency, the time between the warning order and the movement can be anywhere from months to weeks to days.

Deployment Ceremony

A few leaders from the Army’s 326th Financial Management Support Center share their thoughts during a deployment ceremony.

Transcription

Good morning. So, I'm Master and Rivera. I'm the Senior financial management advisor for 3 26 F . M . S . C. Today, uh is our deployment ceremony. I'm excited to be taking the team forward. We have trained up to this point and I feel confident that we're ready to take over the mission from the 266. I know I will miss my family, but this is something that gives me meaning so they understand that. So they'll be happy to see me when I get back. Hello, My name is Captain Danny . Nam. I just got promoted. I'm just very excited just to get to play with our unit. Very excited for the whole process, thankful for everything that the 3 to 6 has done for me and my family and um yeah , I'm really excited to learn and kind of make the best of the moment that we have and the opportunity that we get Sergeant first class David Ramirez at the 3 26 F . M . S . C . I've been serving as a unit movement officer for the past nine months in preparation for this deployment. This will be my fourth deployment to the centcom A . O . R . I'm really excited about going overseas with this unit for the third time. I'm looking forward to it. I will be leaving behind my wife and my five year old and seven year old who I'm gonna miss but I know I will be able to communicate with them. I'm excited about this opportunity to be overseas and represent my unit and the army.

Predeployment Training

Each deployment is a new assignment, and service members undergo special predeployment training before they leave. These trainings prepare them for the mission ahead and can have the service members working on new skill sets if need be. Predeployment training is mandatory before every deployment, no matter how many times a service member has previously deployed.

Deployment for Reserve & Guard Members

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Bringing Dental Care to Guatemala

Active duty and reservist personnel from the Army and Air Force administer healthcare to local populations in Guatemala.

We are on a humanitarian mission in Guatemala and we are providing dental services at this site. And we are cleaning teeth, doing extractions and in cases where cavities are really small. We can do silver diamond fluoride which basically helps arrest the cavity. So it doesn't spread. We're making a small event in their population. I wish we could stay longer and do more. It's been at times intense and I say that because there's just such a great need. We really work hard to try to see everybody. I think it's good for the U. S. Military that comes with missions like these because it helps strengthen the relationships and we get to learn a lot about their culture. They get to learn a lot about our culture. So it's really great  I am so happy to have this opportunity. When you look at the very essence of why we became providers often times we've done it because we felt like we wanted to contribute to society to help people and when you're in an environment like this, I mean that is exactly what it's all about. Yeah.

Sea duty refers to an assignment where service members are either aboard commissioned vessels or attached to ready-to-be deployed units at their base port. This specific type of duty is not limited to Navy service members. Members of other Service branches, both active duty and reserve/guard, can also acquire creditable sea duty time while serving aboard vessels of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command (MSC), and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Sea duty can last in excess of 150 total days per year.

Voting While Abroad

U.S. citizen service members who find themselves overseas and away from home during election seasons are still able to cast their votes using tools and resources provided through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) .

Eligible family members of service members who are also stationed abroad are able to receive voting assistance through FVAP too. 

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Military TDY: Temporary Duty Assignment Explained

The U.S. Armed Forces issue different types of military travel orders to personnel.

Your military travel orders pertain to changes in your duty location and the duration, and may also impact your military pay.

Military TDY (Temporary Duty) is one common type of military travel order .

Get all your questions answered about Temporary Duty (TDY) status and what you can expect to experience with this type of order.

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Table of Contents

What is TDY?

The U.S. Military has three primary types of military travel orders:

• Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
• Temporary Duty (TDY)
• Deployments Orders

It is important to keep in mind that the three types of military assignment orders are not the same and each has its own characteristics.

Your military orders may affect how long you serve at the post, the specific location, and special duty pay.

Temporary Duty (TDY) is defined by the Department of Defense as:

Duty at one or more locations, away from the permanent duty station (PDS), under an order, providing for further assignment or pending further assignment, to return to the old PDS or to proceed to a new PDS.

Military branches under the U.S. Armed Forces have different references for Military TDY, like TAD (temporary additional duty) or TCS (temporary change of station).

However, they all mean basically the same thing that your military orders are temporary.

The primary difference between Military TDY and other orders is that it grants authorization for a service member to perform work away from the permanent duty station.

The Department of Defense requires the label Military TDY (or one of its variants) to approve travel pay, per diem, and coverage of other expenses to assist the soldier.

Since the assignment is temporary, the service member can expect a shorter stay than a permanent station assignment, however, the length of the orders may vary.

The individual details of TDY orders are fleshed out with each commitment.

The specifics of your Military TDY outline expected duration, amount of travel pay, coverage of expenses, housing and food support, transportation, and other forms of assistance.

How long is a TDY?

Military TDY is temporary for military orders, so the length is generally not longer than 180 days.

Temporary duty orders may range anywhere from a few days to a half year.

Long-term TDY is any orders which specify longer than 30 days.

TDY per diem rates depend on the location you have orders for. It will also include reimbursement for lodging, meals, and incidentals. 

Use this calculator to determine how much you can expect to receive. 

Military TDY is a stark contrast from Permanent Duty Assignments and Deployments, which have commitments of several months or years.

The Department of Defense authorizes TDY through Joint Travel Regulations.

Related Article – 10 Benefits Of Being A Military Wife (and 5 not-so good things)

Is TDY considered a deployment?

Technically there is a difference between a temporary duty assignment (TDY) and Deployment, even though they are both military orders.

Deployments are similar to military TDY, except that the service member is assigned to a specific operation.

Therefore, deployments usually reference combat operations that take place overseas.

When most civilians think of military orders, they commonly associate everything with being deployed, though that’s not always the case based on the actual military definition.

Deployment refers to assigning military personnel from a home station to somewhere outside the continental United States.

Mobilizations are also classified as deployments under the Department of Defense guidelines.

How does a TDY differ from a deployment?

The biggest difference between deployments and temporary duty assignments is the length of the orders.

Military TDY is short-term, with even longer stints requiring less than a half year of commitment.

On the other hand, deployments are typically longer and involve assignments outside the United States.

Additionally, deployments involve assignments to specific operations and usually in combat situations.

However, both types of military orders have similarities.

For example, military personnel must leave their home station for a different location under each type of order.

Military TDY is not always as serious as deployments.

For instance, a temporary duty assignment could mean nothing more than attending school, conferences, or a military-sponsored event.

Or it could pertain to a regular part of military duty where frequent travel is mandatory and the service member hopes to receive some form of compensation for their travel exs.

There are cases where military personnel earn TDY status even when working in the same geographic area as the home base to justify lodging and meal expenses associated with the duty.

Soldiers also rely on military TDY for house hunting and other searches when considering a new permanent change of station or out-processing from military service.

Can I go with my husband/wife on a TDY?

One of the many perks of temporary duty assignments is that you can occasionally bring along the family.

The same is not true of deployments where it would put your spouse or other family members in danger.

If given the chance to bring along a spouse for your temporary duty assignment, you should welcome the opportunity, but keep in mind that pier diem rates are only calculated for the service member.

Military personnel often spend months away from family and friends, so having a unique opportunity like this to spend with a loved one is rare and special.

MilitaryShoppers.com put together a great resource on the topic.

It explains the pros and cons of tagging along with a significant other while he or she is on TDY.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that while you can live with your spouse while on temporary duty assignment, his or her time is still limited and it might drain your budget quickly.

Other than that, it’s an enticing opportunity to catch up after potentially months of separation.

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Will I get paid extra during a TDY?

Despite having to leave your home station, there is nothing more rewarding than a little extra pay in freedom.

It is exactly what temporary duty assignments provide to service members.

In fact, the reason that military personnel may request or seek TDY is the opportunity to put more in their wallet.

Military TDY usually grants per diem pay, which helps cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses.

You get a set per diem pay regardless of what you actually spend each day on daily expenses.

As a result, if you budget accordingly, you can earn extra cash by pocketing whatever per diem you don’t spend on daily living expenses.

What kind of accommodations can I expect during a TDY?

The accommodations of temporary duty assignments are nothing to brag about yet offer incentives that most military personnel don’t get to enjoy.

For example, the potential opportunity to take your significant other along with you when TDY is a major advantage for some.

Military personnel may get the opportunity to stay at furnished apartments or long-term stay hotels.

Long-term stays help save you money on your per diem since you can cook your own meals as opposed to dining out all of the time.

Furnished apartments may also include laundry and other housing services to save even more money.

Service members on TDY may also request a cash advance of 60-80% of the total value.

It helps cover move-in costs as opposed to spending out of their own pocket.

Some military organizations deem anything over 30 consecutive calendar days. 

For this reason, it allows partial reimbursement of living expenses prior to concluding the assignment.

Military TDY, or temporary duty assignments, refer to relatively short-term military travel orders away from a home station.

Temporary duty assignments range from a couple of days to under six months.

Military TDY is a good thing for soldiers despite the travel arrangements, as it helps cover lodging, food, and transportation regarding the orders.

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The Military Wallet

Temporary Duty Assignments – Understanding Your Pay & Benefits While on TDY Orders

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TDY is the three-letter acronym that often leaves servicemembers and families confused. Get to know the various types of Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY) or Temporary Assignment Duty (TAD) to keep your finances and sanity from teetering into the red when you are on TDY orders.

Fully  understanding your military assignments and benefits is the benchmark of a seasoned servicemember. Pay increases or decreases, what per diem covers, and whether or not family members could or should accompany are all factors to fully grasp before going TDY.

Three Types of Military Orders

There are three primary types of military orders:

• Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
• Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY)

Of the three, TDY orders are likely the most complex, as they can be issued as an add-on to additional orders like a PCS. In addition to complexity, TDY orders also offer the most flexibility for servicemembers and their dependents to determine how they will handle assignments, placing them in a location anywhere from just a few days to six months.

There are likely dozens of situations where TDY may be issued. Some examples include additional schooling, career specialties that require frequent travel, or completing special assignments for the military. In nature, the assignments are meant to be short in duration and non-permanent.

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Financial Considerations of TDY Orders

The financial characteristics of TDY are perhaps the most important piece to understand. Consider TDY orders to be similar to travel for professional civilian jobs (like conferences). The organization, in this case, the military, will authorize a certain dollar amount per day called “per diem” for everyday expenses such as food, lodging, and transportation. Essentially, additional TDY pay on top of your regular pay is an additional fixed budget given to you per day. It is the servicemember’s responsibility to budget adequately.

You may be eligible for per diem even if you are temporarily assigned in the same state as your current duty station depending on the situation.

While on assignment, it is critical to keep the following receipts so you can have them validated for reimbursement upon return.

• Meal receipts
• Taxi/Uber/shuttle expenses
• Any travel costs like flights, subway, etc.
• Daily mileage totals (if you are traveling in your own vehicle)
• Incidental expenses or any unexpected costs directly related to daily operations

According to the Department of Defense , “A Service member ordered to a U.S. installation must use adequate and available Government quarters.” This means that if lodging is available, you will likely be required to stay in military housing, such as the barracks, or in installation hotels or accommodations. While exceptions to policy (ETP) do happen, it is largely dependent on a host of factors.

Exceptions to Policy (ETP)

Let’s say, for example, that following his commission , a soldier receives TDY orders to Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC) which requires a six-month stay. The soldier has a family and would prefer they accompany him to the training and he requests to stay in off-installation accommodations for the duration of the training course.

While it is not guaranteed, this is a strong case for ETP to be considered. Off installation accommodations would offer greater flexibility to find budget-friendly options within per diem that also include benefits such as on-site laundry and kitchenettes.

When overages or excessive fees are incurred or circumstances constitute an exception to policy, the Authorizing Official (AO) will need to pre-approve the charges before they will be reimbursed. You may not be reimbursed if you are not given pre-authorization, so it is essential to communicate prior to making decisions that will incur costs.

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Per Diem – What is Covered on TDY Orders?

Knowing what is not covered in per diem is just as important as knowing what is.

The military will not cover alcohol purchases in stores or in restaurant establishments. If a servicemember chooses to consume alcohol with their meal, a separate receipt would likely be the best choice, additionally, any charges will be the full responsibility of the individual. Additionally, when deciding to consume alcohol, a full understanding of what hours are considered on and off duty is the responsibility of the servicemember.

Family Separation Allowance (FSA) is an additional benefit offered to servicemembers when they are on assignment away from their family greater than 30 days. It is important to note that if a servicemember’s family accompanies the active duty member for the entire duration of the TDY, FSA would not be considered. However, FSA benefits do apply when dependents visit the servicemember for less than 30 consecutive days.

The eligibility for FSA may be extended to National Guard and wounded warriors, depending on the type, length, and restrictions of the TDY assignment.

Meal rates are based upon location, just like in the civilian world. Speaking with the Authorizing Official (AO) before going TDY to get a precise dollar amount for per diem is highly recommended. A portion, but not always the full amount of gratuity is also included in travel-related expenses.

An often-forgotten component of TDY rates includes factoring in “included” meals provided by the conference or government in your stay. If two out of three meals will be provided, rates may be reduced per day as well as any additional meals. Religious or dietary requirements are an exception to the policy if the traveler meets all requirements. All servicemembers should speak with their local Authorizing Official, command, and financial office to ensure they are fully up to speed.

Going TDY can provide an interesting change of pace and has the potential to put some extra cash in your pocket depending on your budget and personal preferences. If you are someone who likes to cook for yourself in a kitchenette you can save some money. But if you are expected to attend formal functions, eating out often, TDY can get expensive. With a little planning, your TDY experience can be a good one.

About Post Author

Samantha Peterson

Samantha Peterson is a regular contributor for military publications such as The Military Wallet, Military Families Magazine, We Are The Mighty and more. She feels passionately about telling compelling stories and crafting captivating narratives. Living life one PCS at a time, she’s travel schooling her children while tackling careers in the nonprofit and environmental sector all as military life allows.

Featured In: Samantha’s writing has been featured in We Are The Mighty, Military Families Magazine, InDependent, Reserve + National Guard Magazine, and other publications.

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Posted In: Military Careers PCS

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Airmen, both officers and enlisted, who volunteer for an extended 365-day deployment can apply for one of two assignment options: either an advanced assignment or a two-year deferment from a permanent change of station, if eligible. Officers who believe their duties qualify for joint credit have a year from their return to formally apply for credit. To volunteer for an extended deployment, enlisted Airmen should review EQUAL Plus and contact their functional assignment team. For more information, visit the deployment page on myPers or the 365-Day Extended Deployments webpage on the AEF Online website .

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