Patriot Express and the Acquired Dependent

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kenneth Morain
  • 730th Air Mobility Squadron
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Servicemembers have entered into marital bliss with a local national while stationed at different overseas locations. All of the additional paperwork, processing and waivers required to enter this matrimonial state are overwhelming, but well worth the hassle endured.

Once the couple reaches a point where they can relax, another stumbling block can enter their circle of contentment upon receiving Permanent Change of Station orders. The question that often comes to mind then is, "How does my spouse travel with me if I'm scheduled to depart on the Patriot Express?"

This happens all too often at the Osan Air Mobility Command Passenger Terminal, where the passenger service agents try their best to accommodate the service member and their acquired dependent to the most extent possible within Department of Defense regulations. However, the majority of individuals have been turned away because of individual funding or improper documentation issues. The key is proper coordination when requesting a port-of-call through the local traffic management office and the contracting ticketing office.

In accordance with DoD 4515.13-R, "An acquired dependent is a dependent acquired through marriage, adoption, etc., in an overseas area during the course of a military member's current tour of assigned duty in that area." These dependents are considered noncommand-sponsored dependents because the military member entered the tour of duty un-accompanied. Unless the military member changes his/her tour status to command-sponsored, the acquired dependent remains noncommand-sponsored and DoD travel restrictions are applied.

There are only three-ways an acquired dependent may PCS with the member:

1) Through Incheon International which would require the member to obtain permission from their command and transportation offices. Payment would be upfront by the member and claimed as a travel reimbursement. Remember, the government will only reimburse the amount up to the limit TMO/CTO procures them.

2) Members may reserve and purchase travel through their TMOs/CTOs, but must pay upfront. Each TMO/CTO have rules and regulations about accepting personal funds for payment, but most can use the DD form 139 to collect funds directly from your pay. Check with the local offices for more information.

3) The Osan AMC Passenger Terminal, through one of two methods, if seats are available: a. Space-required (port booked) passenger. A member may purchase a seat at the existing government fare (approx $564.00), no sooner than 24-hours before departure. This must be done in person at the terminal and the dependent must be listed (local address) on the member's PCS order with authorization for the dependent to travel or be "picked-up" enroute.

b. Space-available passenger. Non-command sponsored dependents may fly using Space-A, with a memorandum signed by the unit commander. The dependent will be placed in Category V status and will compete for Space-Available seats. The military member may not sign up for Space-Available travel during PCS status. The military member is considered space-required and must travel in the status given by their TMOs/CTOs. If selected, the non-command sponsored dependent, who is in a space- available status, will be charged a head-tax fee of $29.10 for travel on commercial contracted airfare.

As if this wasn't confusing enough, the military member must ensure their acquired dependent have the proper documentation to enter the country of destination. This includes transiting countries as well. Check the DoD foreign clearance guide for more information or contact your AMC passenger terminal.