DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY HEADQUARTERS UNITED …

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS 3000 MARINE CORPS PENTAGON WASHINGTON, DC 20350-3000

MCO 7220.56A M&RA (MPO) 31 AUG 2015

MARINE CORPS ORDER 7220.56A

From: Commandant of the Marine Corps To: Distribution List

Subj: ENTITLEMENT TO BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING (BAH) AT LOCATIONS OTHER THAN PERMANENT DUTY STATION (PDS)

Ref:

(a) Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) (b) ALMAR 287/98 (c) MARADMIN 126/14 (d) DoDD 5154.29 (e) DoD Instruction 1315.18, "Procedures for Military Personnel

Assignments," January 12, 2005 (f) MCO 1300.8 (g) MCO 6320.2E (h) NAVADMIN 157/10 Critical Housing Areas (CHA) (i) MCO 1754.4B (j) DoDFMR, Vol 7A, Chapter 27 (k) SECNAV M-5210.1 (l) SECNAVINST 5211.5E (m) MCO P1080.40 (n) MCO 5216.19A

Encl: (1) Guidance for BAH entitlements at locations other than PDS

1. Situation. The authority delegated from the Secretary of the Navy to the Marine Corps to provide policy and instructions for the administration of the entitlement to BAH at locations other than the PDS is set forth in this Order. Reference (a) governs BAH and addresses circumstances that do not normally require Secretarial Process approval for the payment of BAH.

a. Reference (b) established Manpower Management (MM), Manpower Management Integration Administration (MMIA) as the Secretarial Process approval authority for the Marine Corps to adjudicate JTR issues. Reference (c) renamed MMIA under the Manpower Management Integration Branch (MMIB) and renamed MMIA as MMIB-3. Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC M&RA) MMIB-3 is the Secretarial Process authority for the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) on all BAH-related waivers and as such is the only agency within the Marine Corps with the authority to approve an individual's BAH waiver request.

b. This Order provides guidance on the types of housing allowance waivers that are authorized and sets the policy that governs BAH waiver requests in accordance with reference (a). It is a shared responsibility between the individual Marine and his/her Command (Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC)/S-1) to read and understand or seek clarification of the policy within this Order.

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

MCO 7220.56A 31 AUG 2015

c. This material has been reviewed by the Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC) in accordance with reference (d), dated 9 March 1993, as PDTATAC Case RR 15011.

2. Cancellation. MCO 7220.56, MARADMIN 239/05, MARADMIN 216/04.

3. Mission. To establish Marine Corps policies and procedures for authorization of BAH at locations other than the Marine's PDS.

4. Execution

a. Commander's Intent and Concept of Operations

(1) Commander's Intent. This Order establishes BAH policies and procedures, including `BAH waivers', in accordance with reference (a) and amplifies categories in references (e) through (i). Commanders at all echelons are responsible for implementation of the policy contained herein.

(2) Concept of Operations. This Order provides provisions for exceptions to BAH policy for Marines with dependents when dependents do not reside at the PDS and for certain circumstances for Marines without dependents (e.g., incident to a low cost/no cost Permanent Change of Station (PCS) reassignment).

b. Subordinate Element Missions. Commanders and Officers-in-Charge must ensure that all Marines under their charge comply with the spirit and intent of this Order by properly administering the BAH program.

c. Coordinating Instructions

(1) Recommendations concerning this Order are invited and will be submitted in writing to the CMC (MPO) via the appropriate chain of command.

(2) This Order does not govern Family Separation Allowance (FSA); FSA is administered in accordance with reference (j). FSA policy matters are under the responsibility of CMC Military Policy Branch (MPO). FSA policy determinations are made by CMC (MPO) when necessary.

5. Administration and Logistics

a. Marines will forward official written BAH waiver requests via his/her chain of command to: DC M&RA (MMIB-3), 3280 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 221345143, Naval Message (PLAD CMC MRA MMIB THREE WASHINGTON DC), fax 703-784-9838 (DSN 312-278-9838), or electronically scanned (signed and dated) correspondence/NAVMC 10274 (EF), Administrative Action (AA) form to SMB.MANPOWER.MMIB3@USMC.MIL, the official organization electronic mailbox. BAH waiver requests must include a command endorsement from the Marine's battalion/squadron commander (or equivalent). Upon approval/disapproval, DC M&RA (MMIB-3) will respond via Naval Message, fax, or scanned signed copy electronically to the point of contact listed on the command's endorsement.

b. If a BAH waiver is approved, the effective date of the waiver shall be based on the date the Marine concerned arrived at his current PDS, the date the dependents arrived at their designated place, or an alternative effective date stated in the correspondence letter from CMC (MMIB-3), as applicable. Upon approval, CMC (MMIB-3) will provide written responses to the requestor and forward a copy to the CMC (MMRP-20) for electronic service

2

MCO 7220.56A 31 AUG 2015

record (ESR) update. Marines are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure their official records are accurate and complete.

c. This Order provides BAH policy guidance for the most common circumstances. Questions about BAH policy not covered in this Order should be directed to DC M&RA (MPO).

d. Guidelines, definitions for determining dependency status, and government quarters assigned or occupied are established in reference (a).

e. For the purposes of this Order, Outside the Contiguous United States (OCONUS) includes the states of Alaska and Hawaii unless otherwise stated.

f. For official calculation of mileage, the Defense Table of Official Distances (DTOD) shall be used. It can be found on the website: .

g. Records created as a result of this Order shall be managed according to National Archives and Records Administration approved dispositions per reference (k) to ensure proper maintenance, use, accessibility and preservation, regardless of format or medium.

h. The generation, collection, or distribution of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and management of privacy sensitive information shall be in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, per reference (l). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited.

6. Command and Signal

a. Command. This Order is effective the date signed. This Order is applicable to uniformed service members of the Marine Corps Total Force who are beyond the entry-level training pipeline.

b. Signal. Ensure widest dissemination of the contents of this Order.

DISTRIBUTION: PCN 10209914100

M. A. BRILAKIS Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs

3

RECORD OF CHANGES Log completed change action as indicated.

MCO 7220.56A 31 AUG 2015

Change Number

Date of Change

Date Entered

Signature of Person Incorporating Change

i

Enclosure (1)

IDENTIFICATION

Chapter 1

1. 2. 3.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MCO 7220.56A 31 AUG 2015

TITLE

PAGE

Overarching BAH Policy..............................1-1

BAH Entitlements....................................1-1 BAH Waivers, General................................1-1 Circumstances that do not Require HQMC Action.......1-1

Chapter 2

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

BAH Waiver Applicability............................2-1

BAH Waivers, General................................2-1 Personal Choice.....................................2-1 Circumstances Ineligible for Waiver.................2-1 Prohibited and Authorized...........................2-2 Service Implementation of the JTR...................2-2

Chapter 3 1. 2.

PCS for PME/Training Less Than 12 Months............3-1

PCS for Professional Military Education (PME)/ Training Less Than 12 Months........................3-1 PCS for Professional Military Education (PME)/ Training Greater Than 12 Months.....................3-2

Chapter 4

1. 2.

Proximity Orders....................................4-1

Proximity Moves, General............................4-1 Reserve Component (RC) Marines......................4-2

Chapter 5 1. 2.

3.

Accompanied Orders - Advance Family Member Travel...5-1

Advance Family Member Travel........................5-1 Advance Family Member Travel Incident to Separation/ Retirement (Travel to a Home of Record (HOR) or Home of Selection (HOS).............................5-2 Separation/Retirement from OCONUS locations.........5-2

Chapter 6

1. 2.

Accompanied Orders ? Early Return of Dependents.....6-1

Early Return of Dependents (ERD), General...........6-1 Three Common Types of ERD Requests CMC (MMIB-3) is the Marine Corps Adjudicating Authority.............6-1

Chapter 7

1. 2.

3.

Accompanied Orders - Delay of Family Member Travel..7-1

General Considerations..............................7-1 Delay of Dependent Travel CONUS (Normal Circumstances)......................................7-1 Delay of Dependent Travel OCONUS/Remote CONUS.......7-1

ii

Enclosure (1)

4. 5.

Chapter 8 1. 2. 3. 4.

Chapter 9 1. 2.

APPENDIX A APPENDIX B

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MCO 7220.56A 31 AUG 2015

Delay of Dependent Travel for Deployment Within 90 Days of Arrival to Next PDS.........................7-2 Delay of Dependent Travel due to Continuity of Education (COE) for Minor School Aged Dependents....7-3

Other Circumstances or Special Cases................8-1

Forward Air Controller (FAC) Tours..................8-1 Hospitalization for an Extended Period of Time......8-1 Marine with Dependents Assigned to Critical Housing Area (CHA)..........................................8-1 Marine with an Exceptional Family Member (EFM) and Approved for a Continuation on Location (COL).......8-2

BAH Waiver Submission Requirements..................9-1

Waiver Request Documentation Requirements...........9-1 Specific Circumstances..............................9-1

Definitions.........................................A-1 Amplifying Examples.................................A-2

iii

Enclosure (1)

Chapter 1

MCO 7220.56A 31 AUG 2015

Overarching BAH Policy

1. BAH Entitlements

a. General. BAH is payable to both Active Component (AC) and RC Marines on active duty and varies according to the grade in which serving or appointed for basic pay purposes, dependency status, and the PDS assigned except as stated within this reference and in accordance with references (a) and (b).

b. RC Marines. Generally, RC Marines on active duty are authorized BAH in the same manner as AC Marines under similar circumstances. If there are circumstances under which RC Marines are treated differently with respect to BAH compared to AC Marines, this Order will so state. An RC Marine does not have a PDS unless he/she is on orders to active duty incident to Permanent Change of Station Orders (PCSO). For RC Marines on orders to active duty incident to Temporary Additional Duty (TAD/TDY) orders, the BAH payable is the locality rate for the Marine's primary residence.

c. Dual Housing Allowance. A dual allowance for Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) or Base Housing while dependents reside in CONUS will generally not be considered, unless specifically authorized.

2. BAH Waivers, General. BAH waivers do not apply to a member authorized BAH at the `with dependent' rate solely on the basis of paying child support.

3. Circumstances That Do Not Require HQMC Action. The following circumstances allow for BAH to be paid based upon a location other than a Marine's PDS without CMC (MMIB-3) action/determination, unless otherwise stated. In order for the BAH to be effective, the Marine must certify the location of dependents within prescribed mandates as outlined in each situation below with their local IPAC or administrative support office.

a. Home-Basing

(1) The practice of reassigning and returning Marines with dependents to the Marine's previous PDS or geographic location after completing a dependent-restricted OCONUS tour refers to home-basing. Home-basing reduces PCS costs and increases the stability for Marines with dependents. Homebasing policy is only authorized incident to dependent-restricted OCONUS assignments. For example, a Marine with dependents is assigned to and maintains a joint household with his/her dependents at the PDS of Camp Lejeune, NC. The Marine is reassigned from the PDS of Camp Lejeune to the PDS of Adak, AK, for an unaccompanied/dependent-restricted tour of 12 months. Upon completion of his/her assignment at Adak, AK, the Marine is reassigned back to PDS of Camp Lejeune.

(2) When a Marine executes a dependent-restricted OCONUS tour followed immediately by PCSO that return the Marine to his/her previous PDS or geographic location after completing that dependent-restricted OCONUS tour, the Marine continues to retain the BAH rate for the location of his/her previous PDS or geographic location, even if the BAH rate decreased while the Marine was serving the dependent-restricted OCONUS tour, provided the Marine did not relocate his/her dependents at government expense incident to the

1-1

Enclosure (1)

MCO 7220.56A 31 AUG 2015

dependent-restricted OCONUS tour. This authorization of BAH is based on the dependents' location of the last place the government moved Household Goods (HHG) at its expense, in accordance with reference (a).

(3) If a Marine returns from a dependent-restricted OCONUS tour with subsequent orders to a PDS or geographic location within proximity of the previous CONUS PDS (generally within 50 miles) and did not relocate dependents from the previous CONUS PDS, the member is entitled to the BAH rate of the previous CONUS PDS location. Using the circumstances of paragraph 3a(1) above as an example, upon completion of his/her assignment at Adak, AK, the Marine is reassigned back to PDS of Marine Corps Air Station New River vice Camp Lejeune.

(4) Generally, RC members ordered to active duty, whether incident to TAD or PCSO, are issued orders that provide for the return of the RC Marine to the place from which he/she was ordered to active duty; this is not homebasing. Home-basing would apply only to an RC Marine who is ordered to active duty incident to PCSO, which then establishes a PDS for the Marine, the Marine is then reassigned via PCSO to at least one other PDS, and then the Marine is reassigned via PCSO back to his/her original PDS.

(5) Home-basing does not apply to RC Marines ordered to active duty incident to TAD/TDY orders, since, as previously stated, the BAH payable is the locality rate for the Marine's Primary Residence instead of the PDS. See reference (a) for housing allowance guidance regarding RC Marines ordered to active duty via PCSO for duty at an OHA location where HHG transportation at government expense is not authorized. No BAH waiver is required from CMC (MMIB-3) to authorize the payment of BAH based on the Marine's last CONUS PDS upon return from a dependent-restricted OCONUS tour so long as dependents did not relocate prior to or after issuance of the PCSO reassigning the member to the dependent-restricted OCONUS tour. An example can be found in Appendix B (Home-basing).

b. Designated Place. A Marine with dependents may elect to designate an alternate location (aka a "designated place") for his/her dependents upon receipt of PSCO reassigning him/her to a dependent-restricted OCONUS location or an OCONUS accompanied tour and the Marine elects to serve an unaccompanied tour. "Designated Place Certification" is not required to be submitted to CMC (MMIB-3) in order to authorize payment of BAH on behalf of dependents based upon the dependents' CONUS (i.e., BAH) location. Designated Place requires:

(1) The BAH amount payable will be based upon the location of the dependents' designated place (in CONUS to include AK and HI) until the next set of fully funded PCSO are issued to the Marine.

(2) The Marine shall elect the designated place prior to execution of PCSO. This election will be captured in an IPAC or administrative support office endorsement to the Web Orders.

(3) The member/Marine must provide the IPAC or administrative support office a valid reason for sending dependents to a "designated place" other than allowing dependents to remain at last PDS, for example:

(a) A mortgage or lease agreement at specified location.

(b) A bona fide job offer notification at requested location.

1-2

Enclosure (1)

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download