Deployment and Redeployment Requirements During COVID-19

DOD component heads will ensure that those who deploy receive appropriate screening at the assigned place of duty or point of embarkation. At a minimum, it will include assessing exposure history, temperature and any COVID-19 signs and symptoms and past test results. Signs and symptoms include fever, chills, rigors, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new smell and taste disorders, coughing or shortness of breath.

A DOD health care provider must be available for consultation, if unable to directly administer the screening. Anyone with a fever or giving affirmative responses to screening questions will receive evaluation by a health care provider. It will include diagnostic testing if indicated.

DOD component guidance ensures that symptomatic personnel consult with a health care provider for further assessment and/or testing. Individuals who meet the clinical case definition of a “probable” infection (absent a diagnostic test result) or who are confirmed COVID-19 positive during screening should isolate according to guidance below.

All service members deploying outside the United States, whether to a COVID-19 area or not, will undergo a mandatory 14-day restriction of movement, or ROM, prior to deployment. DOD strongly recommends deploying DOD civilian employees and DOD contractor personnel do the same. For deployments outside the United States, when the geographic combatant commanders and the host nation agree or arrange for ROM in country, a predeployment ROM is not a requirement.

If ROM takes place before deployment, travel to the deployed location should, as much as possible, minimize the risk of deploying personnel being exposed to or infected with COVID-19 during travel.

Geographic combatant commanders will inform military departments if they and the host nation have agreed or arranged for ROM in country upon arrival in the host nation. Every effort will be made to avoid completing a second ROM upon arrival in host nations.

DOD component heads may request that the secretary of defense waive this requirement if mission requirements dictate an expedited deployment.

DOD component heads will ensure that those who deploy receive appropriate screening at the assigned place of duty or point of embarkation. At a minimum, it will include assessing exposure history, temperature and any COVID-19 signs and symptoms and past test results. Signs and symptoms include fever, chills, rigors, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new smell and taste disorders, coughing or shortness of breath.

A DOD health care provider must be available for consultation, if unable to directly administer the screening. An evaluation by a health care provider, including COVID-19 diagnostic testing if indicated, will be conducted for individuals with a fever or who give any affirmative responses to screening questions.

DOD component guidance will ensure that symptomatic individuals consult with a health care provider for further assessment and/or testing. Individuals who meet the clinical case definition of a “probable” infection (absent a diagnostic test result) or who are confirmed COVID-19 positive during screening should isolate according to guidance below.

All service members redeploying, whether from a COVID-19 operational area or not, will undergo a risk-based screening to determine if a 14-day ROM is indicated. If it is, a 14-day ROM will be performed at a location determined by component. ROM locations may include home station, the service member’s residence or other suitable location. For RC members, the ROM will be performed while the service member remains on duty, and prior to the service member’s demobilization. DOD strongly recommends redeploying DOD civilian employees and DOD contractor personnel be assessed as well to determine if a voluntary ROM is indicated.

The DOD will apply CDC guidance in making the risk-based determination for the 14-day ROM. For details, see Force Health Protection Guidance (Supplement 9).

Individuals will self-monitor for subjective fever or by taking their temperatures twice a day if a thermometer is available. They will also remain alert for COVID-19 signs and symptoms. If symptoms develop, in accordance with CDC guidance they will self-isolate, notify their chain of command and seek advice by telephone from the appropriate health care provider to determine whether they need medical evaluation.

Service members will remain in their residence or other appropriate location for the 14-day ROM period and avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with others. They should separate from others in their location, including roommates, family members and animals, and avoid sharing personal items.

DOD mission-essential personnel and those in critical operational or infrastructure positions who have redeployed to home station may be permitted to continue work after potential exposure to the virus. They will have to remain asymptomatic, wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and have an exception to continue work in accordance with Force Health Protection Guidance (Supplement 8).

The ROM location for Dynamic Force Employment organizations and individuals will be a case-by-case determination coordinated with the losing and gaining organizations and published in the corresponding Secretary of Defense Orders Book.