Spring Break Travel Question

P

Proud Parents: 22 & 24

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Question for the experts / experienced military folks here on the forum. We've been reading on here for a while, but don't post a whole lot. We've got a bit of a situation here, and looking to see if there is anything to be done. We recently moved overseas. Our DS filled out paperwork for like a month to get official permission to travel outside of the US to come to what is basically our new home. He got approval through the Academy, including a letter from the Dant, then went out to the Navy for permission as well. Everything was officially approved last week, until it wasn't. He got an email yesterday that his approval had been rescinded, so he can no longer travel to visit us over spring break. Apparently, there was some advice sent down from CENTCOM about travel into our country being restricted due to military exercises that overlap the Academy spring break period.

He talked to his chain of command at the Academy yesterday, and it sounds pretty hopeless at this point. Question from our side is whether this is just our first true "semper gumby" military moment that we need to get used to. Or, whether there are any steps/recommendations we could pass along to our son for potential follow-ups.
 
International travel for leave for military members is subject to DOD policy, which is fluid guidance (read “changeable up to the last minute”) based on current DOS advice, local threat assessment and operational risk management. This decision was made far above his head, and would likely apply to any military and Fed civilian wishing to travel to the same destination and during that timeframe on personal leave. Your DS carries an active military ID, and despite his very junior rank, is someone who is deemed worthy of “in an abundance of caution” decision to minimize exposure to a threat. He will NEVER be just a tourist while he is in the military, and travel restrictions for him will almost always be more stringent than for Joe Average Tourist.

Yes, I believe it is a Semper Gumby moment, and demonstrates the 24/7 nature of military service. It’s happened to me and I suspect other veteran and active members of this forum. The sting of this happening a week before travel is also a welcome to military life.

This is why military air fares are usually fully refundable and worth the extra dollars. Monitoring the DOS travel website is good, but that will not reflect DOD guidance to AD military. Perhaps our community here knows if there is now a DOD website to monitor.

I am sorry this has happened, but it is a fact of life. Perhaps some creative meet-ups in other countries could be a more reliable alternative in the future.
 
Thanks, pretty much what we figured but didn't want to leave a stone un-turned. We were wary of the coronavirus messing up plans, so were not completely surprised, but we were not expecting it from this direction!
 
Sorry, that's the breaks of NavAir.... Semper Gumby..
Fortunately, not a major event (except perhaps some lost air fare).


PS ... I just recognized that the first comment could be construed by some as thinking this had something to do with utilizing Space A travel etc, OP didn't mention Space A travel, which in itself is an adventure, but "that's the breaks of NavAir" is an old saying when something is beyond your control, kinda like a politer "BOHICA".
 
Old Navy BGO said:
Sorry, that's the breaks of NavAir.... Semper Gumby..
Fortunately, not a major event (except perhaps some lost air fare).


PS ... I just recognized that the first comment could be construed by some as thinking this had something to do with utilizing Space A travel etc, OP didn't mention Space A travel, which in itself is an adventure, but "that's the breaks of NavAir" is an old saying when something is beyond your control, kinda like a politer "BOHICA".
Click to expand...
If it's a US carrier get a memo from DS's COC. You should be able to get a full refund. Foreign carrier... mileage may vary.
 
The coronavirus is possibly a contributor, but the reason provided was for joint exercises in this area. Thanks for the airline tip, non-US carrier so doubtful there will be much in the way of military appreciation!
 
Old Navy BGO said:
PS ... I just recognized that the first comment could be construed by some as thinking this had something to do with utilizing Space A travel etc, OP didn't mention Space A travel, which in itself is an adventure, but "that's the breaks of NavAir" is an old saying when something is beyond your control, kinda like a politer "BOHICA".
Click to expand...
The breaks of Naval Air. Air Brakes
I was the IDC on the USS Bowen. BOWEN- Bend Over When Ever Necessary
 
Old Navy BGO said:
Sorry, that's the breaks of NavAir.... Semper Gumby..
Fortunately, not a major event (except perhaps some lost air fare).


PS ... I just recognized that the first comment could be construed by some as thinking this had something to do with utilizing Space A travel etc, OP didn't mention Space A travel, which in itself is an adventure, but "that's the breaks of NavAir" is an old saying when something is beyond your control, kinda like a politer "BOHICA".
Click to expand...
Our Screws Never Stop!
 
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