As the United States military’s coronavirus response efforts continue to force changes in training and operational missions, it’s become increasingly difficult for the public to stay on top of them all. That’s why we decided to establish a military coronavirus master sheet that we will continue to update frequently as new military news relating to Covid-19 breaks.
Sandboxx News has made a commitment to help keep the military community informed about new developments relating to Covid-19 and its spread. We will continue to publish new content and update existing pieces regarding Covid-19, but in order to make it easy to find what you need, we will also update this military coronavirus update master sheet with links to new pieces, embedded statements from Defense Department officials, and any other information we think may benefit service members, their families, or their supporters in this chaotic time.
Updates will continue to post frequently, and we will add new content to the tops of each list as its published.
Coronavirus Basic Training Changes
(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Kang, Min-jin)
There are frequent changes being made at basic training facilities across the force, aimed at both preventing the spread of Covid-19 among recruits and trainees, as well as limiting the military’s exposure to civilian personnel that may potentially be carrying the virus without exhibiting symptoms.
Coronavirus Changes to PCS, TDY/TAD Orders and Travel
DoD efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus have resulted in a number of changes to the execution of both Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and Temporary Additional Duty (TAD/TDY) orders.
You can learn more about how travel has been affected for service members and defense department cilia’s in this piece:
The Defense Department has also issues travel restrictions that prohibit some forms of travel or destinations for service members and civilian employees not traveling on orders.
If you’re concerned that you may have been exposed to Covid-19 or may be sick yourself, Tricare has committed to offering no-cost testing for enrollees. Veterans also have access to testing through their local Veterans Administration medical center. Learn more here:
Tricare customers are being warned about people trying to use fear of the coronavirus to steal your personal information and even your identity. You can learn more about it, including how to report such scams here:
The U.S. Military is committed not only to keeping its servicemembers safe and healthy, but also to helping the nation as a whole manage the spread of the virus and get back to work thereafter.
To that end, the Army Corps of Engineers has a plan to quickly increase the number of hospital beds available to patients:
The U.S. military has also began drawing N95 masks and ventilators out of America’s strategic reserves to support the medical efforts to treat those infected with Covid-19.
Currently, basic training installations across the country are continuing to accept incoming mail, though delays in mail delivery sometimes arise as a result of coronavirus precautions.
You can see how Sandboxx Letters is managing coronavirus operations in the piece below:
Even amid all these coronavirus military updates, we’ve still got to live. Wondering how U.S. military families stationed around the world are handling the coronavirus? Sandboxx News spoke to military spouse Jennifer Kappes about living in quarantine while stationed in Italy:
Not sure what to write to your loved one at Basic Training? We’re here to help. Keep your loved ones informed without causing unnecessary worry with these letter writing tips.
Alex Hollings is a writer, dad, and Marine veteran who specializes in foreign policy and defense technology analysis. He holds a master’s degree in Communications from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Corporate and Organizational Communications from Framingham State University.
