Like everything else the spread of the Coronavirus is affecting almost everything in the military community. From PCS moves to boot camp graduations—many events are being cancelled.

Here’s a list of events being affected that we will continue to update.

Bootcamp Graduations

—Family will no longer be able to attend the bootcamp graduations of their loved ones in all four branches of the military. Live stream of graduations will be available for select bases. Details here.

Commissaries

In addition to spring sidewalk sales, DeCA is cancelling in-store product demonstrations, which includes DeCA’s free coffee program; group tours; vendor-sponsored events; new CLICK2GO celebrations; and Month of the Military Child activities such as store tours and coloring contests. This year’s Scholarships for Military Children recipients will receive their awards but without public ceremonies.

The agency is also postponing Vietnam War-era veterans’ recognition ceremonies; and effective March 16, and until further notice, all agency meetings with its industry partners – will be done electronically through teleconference or WebEx.

—The Fort Stewart Commissary and Exchange are limiting customers to three items per customer for specific items, including toilet paper.

Domestic Travel

—Military personnel are restricted from out of state travel and a stop movement has been issued for all PCS moves. Military personnel’s dependents can still continue to travel, except for for travel that is government funded which includes PCS moves. This is effective March 16th through May 11th. Limited leave will be available for service members for local travel.

Those retiring or separating from the military are exempt from this order.

If your TDY ends during the travel ban you are authorized to return back to your duty station.

Individuals who have already initiated travel (including intermediate stops) are authorized to continue to their final destination.

Read the official government memo here.

Our thoughts: While military dependents can travel (outside of government funded) theirs a chance you may not be able to get back on base if you do should they decide to quarantine.

ID’s At The Gate

Many installations are now requiring you to hold your ID so the gate guard can scan it without touching it. Remember to hold your ID correctly for them to easily scan it.

National Historic Spots

—Arlington National Cemetery will continue with funerals daily, but will close to the general public starting March 13th. Pass holders and family members can continue to visit daily from 8am-5pm.

PCS & Training

(Per Army.Mil)

Out of an abundance of caution, Headquarters, Department of the Army has made the decision to suspend movement and delay travel of Soldiers stationed in Italy and Korea, which have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control as alert level three for COVID-19.

This guidance includes:

  • Soldiers who are on permanent change of station (PCS) orders, to and from.
  • Soldiers conducting professional military education (PME).
  • Foreign Military Student training and travel restrictions. Force Health Protection is the Army’s top priority. Protecting the force includes mitigating the spread of the virus and ensuring personnel have the most up-to-date information on appropriate measures to prevent potential spread of COVID-19.

The 24-hour Army service center number for personnel requiring additional assistance on travel is: 1-800-582-5552 (select option #5).

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, service members and their beneficiaries can call the Military Health System nurse advice line 24/7 at 1-800-874-2273 (select option #1)

Schools

—DODEA Schools have been cancelled in Belgium, Bahrain, Turkey, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands starting on Monday March 16th.

—Schools at Fort Knox, Kentucky are currently closed through April 15th. Online learning starts March 19th.

—Westpoint U.S. Military Academy has extended Spring Break until March 29th.

Travel

Disney World and Disneyland are both closed until the end of the month. If you were planning on using those Armed Forces Salute tickets, you’ll have to hold off.

Also closed are Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.

USO

All USO locations in airports nationwide have temporarily suspended operations until further notice. Click here for a list of locations affected.