37 U.S.C. § 476 (PAY AND ALLOWANCES OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES)
§ 476. Travel and transportation allowances: dependents; baggage and household effects
(a)
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member of a uniformed service who is ordered to make a change of permanent station is entitled to transportation in kind, reimbursement therefor, or a monetary allowance in place of the cost of transportation, plus a per diem, for the member’s dependents at rates prescribed by the Secretaries concerned, but not more than the rate authorized under section 474(d) of this title. The Secretary concerned may also reimburse the member for mandatory pet quarantine fees for household pets, but not to exceed $550 per change of station, when the member incurs the fees incident to such change of station.
(2)
(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a member who—
(i) is separated from the service or released from active duty; and
(ii) on the date of his separation from the service or release from active duty, has not served on active duty for a period of time equal to at least 90 percent of the period of time for which he initially enlisted or otherwise initially agreed to serve,
may be provided transportation under this subsection for his dependents only by transportation in kind by the least expensive mode of transportation available or by a monetary allowance that does not exceed the cost to the Government of such transportation in kind.
(B) Subparagraph (A) does not apply to a member—
(i) who is retired, or is placed on the temporary disability retired list, under chapter 61 of title 10;
(ii) who is separated from the service or released from active duty for a medical condition affecting the member, as determined by the Secretary concerned;
(iii) who is separated from the service or released from active duty because the period of time for which the member initially enlisted or otherwise initially agreed to serve has been reduced by the Secretary concerned and is separated or released under honorable conditions;
(iv) who is discharged under section 1173 of title 10; or
(v) who is involuntarily separated from active duty during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on December 31, 2001.
(3) The allowances authorized under this subsection may be paid in advance.
(4) In this section, the term “involuntarily separated” has the meaning given that term in section 1141 of title 10.
(b)
(1)
(A) Except as provided in paragraph (2), in connection with a change of temporary or permanent station, a member is entitled to transportation (including packing, crating, drayage, temporary storage, and unpacking) of baggage and household effects within the weight allowances listed in subparagraph (C), without regard to the comparative costs of the various modes of transportation. Temporary storage in excess of 180 days may be authorized. Alternatively, the member may be paid reimbursement or a monetary allowance under subparagraph (F).
(B) Subject to uniform regulations prescribed by the Secretaries concerned, in the case of a permanent change of station in which the Secretary concerned has authorized transportation of a motor vehicle under section 2634 1 of title 10 (except when such transportation is authorized from the old duty station to the new duty station), the member is entitled to a monetary allowance for transportation of that motor vehicle—
(i) from the old duty station to—
(I) the customary port of embarkation which is nearest the old duty station if delivery of the motor vehicle to the port of embarkation is not made in conjunction with the member’s travel to the member’s port of embarkation; or
(II) the customary port of embarkation which is nearest to the member’s port of embarkation if delivery of the motor vehicle to the port of embarkation is made in conjunction with the member’s travel to the member’s port of embarkation;
whichever is most cost-effective for the Government considering all operational, travel, and transportation requirements incident to such change of station; and
(ii) from the customary port of debarkation which has been designated by the Government as most cost-effective for the Government considering all operational, travel, and transportation requirements incident to such change of station to the new duty station.
Such monetary allowance shall be established at a rate per mile that does not exceed the rate established under section 474(d)(1) of this title. If clause (i)(I) applies to the transportation by the member of a motor vehicle from the old duty station, the monetary allowance under this subparagraph shall also cover return travel to the old duty station by the member or other person transporting the vehicle. In the case of transportation described in clause (ii), the monetary allowance shall also cover travel from the new duty station to the port of debarkation to pick up the vehicle. In the case of the transportation of a motor vehicle arranged by the member under section 2634(h) 1 of title 10, the Secretary concerned may pay the member, upon presentation of proof of shipment, a monetary allowance in lieu of transportation, as established under section 474(d)(1) of this title.
(C) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the weight allowance in pounds to which a member is entitled under subparagraph (A) is determined in accordance with the following table:
Pay Grade
Without
Dependents
With
Dependents
O–10 to O–6
18,000
18,000
O–5
16,000
17,500
O–4
14,000
17,000
O–3
13,000
14,500
O–2
12,500
13,500
O–1
10,000
12,000
W–5
16,000
17,500
W–4
14,000
17,000
W–3
13,000
14,500
W–2
12,500
13,500
W–1
10,000
12,000
E–9
13,000
15,000
E–8
12,000
14,000
E–7
11,000
13,000
E–6
8,000
11,000
E–5
7,000
9,000
E–4
7,000
8,000
E–3
5,000
8,000
E–2
5,000
8,000
E–1
5,000
8,000
(D)
(i) In connection with the change of temporary or permanent station of a member in a pay grade below pay grade O–6, the Secretary concerned may authorize a higher weight allowance than the weight allowance determined under subparagraph (C) for the member if the Secretary concerned determines that the application of the weight allowance determined under such subparagraph would result in significant hardship to the member or the dependents of the member. An increase in weight allowance under this clause may not result in a weight allowance exceeding the weight allowance specified in subparagraph (C) for pay grades O–6 to O–10, unless the additional weight allowance in excess of such maximum is intended to permit the shipping of consumables that cannot be reasonably obtained at the new station of the member.
(ii) In addition to the weight allowance authorized for such member with dependents under paragraph (C), the Secretary concerned may authorize up to an additional 500 pounds in weight allowance for shipment of professional books and equipment belonging to the spouse of such member.
(iii) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to carry out this subparagraph.
(E) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of Homeland Security for the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, cadets at the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy, and midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy shall be entitled, in connection with temporary or permanent station change, to transportation of baggage and household effects as provided in subparagraph (A). The weight allowance for cadets and midshipmen is 350 pounds.
(F) A member entitled to transportation of baggage and household effects under subparagraph (A) may, as an alternative to the provision of transportation, be paid reimbursement or, at the member’s request, a monetary allowance in advance for the cost of transportation of the baggage and household effects. The monetary allowance may be paid only if the amount of the allowance does not exceed the cost that would be incurred by the Government under subparagraph (A) for the transportation of the baggage and household effects. Appropriations available to the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services for providing transportation of baggage or household effects of members of the uniformed services shall be available to pay a reimbursement or monetary allowance under this subparagraph. The Secretary concerned may prescribe the manner in which the risk of liability for damage, destruction, or loss of baggage or household effects arranged, packed, crated, or loaded by a member is allocated among the member, the United States, and any contractor when a reimbursement or monetary allowance is elected under this subparagraph.
(G) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary concerned may pay a member a share (determined pursuant to such regulations) of the savings resulting to the United States when the total weights of the member’s baggage and household effects shipped and stored under subparagraph (A) are less than the average weights of the baggage and household effects that are shipped and stored, respectively, by other members in the same grade and with the same dependents status as the member in connection with changes of station that are comparable to the member’s change of station. The total savings shall be equal to the difference between the cost of shipping and cost of storing such average weights of baggage and household effects, respectively, and the corresponding costs associated with the weights of the member’s baggage and household effects. For the administration of this subparagraph, the Secretary of Defense shall annually determine the average weights of baggage and household effects shipped and stored in connection with a change of temporary or permanent station.
(H)
(i) Except as provided in paragraph (2) and subject to clause (iii), in connection with an evacuation from a permanent station located in a foreign area, a member is entitled to transportation (including shipment and payment of any quarantine costs) of family household pets.
(ii) A member entitled to transportation under clause (i) may be paid reimbursement or, at the member’s request, a monetary allowance in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (F) if the member secures by commercial means shipment and any quarantining of the pets otherwise subject to transportation under clause (i).
(iii) The provision of transportation under clause (i) and the payment of reimbursement under clause (ii) shall be subject to such regulations as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe with respect to members of the armed forces for purposes of this subparagraph. Such regulations may specify limitations on the types, size, and number of pets for which transportation may be provided or reimbursement paid.
(2) The transportation and allowances authorized under paragraph (1) may be paid or provided to a member upon his separation from the service or release from active duty only if the member applies for the transportation and allowances not later than 180 days after the date of his separation or release from active duty. If a member to whom this paragraph applies has been authorized nontemporary storage under subsection (d), the 180-day period shall not begin until such authorization for nontemporary storage expires. This paragraph does not apply to a member to whom subsection (g)(1) applies.
(c) The allowances and transportation authorized by subsections (a) and (b) are in addition to those authorized by sections 403(c), 474, and 475 1 of this title and are—
(1) subject to such conditions and limitations;
(2) for such grades, ranks, and ratings; and
(3) to and from such places;
prescribed by the Secretaries concerned. Transportation of the household effects of a member may not be made by commercial air carrier at an estimated over-all cost that is more than the estimated over-all cost of the transportation thereof by other means, unless an appropriate transportation officer has certified in writing to his commanding officer that those household effects to be so transported are necessary for use in carrying out assigned duties, or are necessary to prevent undue hardship and other means of transportation will not fill those needs. However, not more than 1,000 pounds of unaccompanied baggage may be transported by commercial air carrier, without regard to the preceding sentence, under regulations prescribed under the authority of the Secretary of Defense.
(d) The nontemporary storage of baggage and household effects may be authorized in facilities of the United States, or in commercial facilities when it is considered to be more economical to the United States. However, the weight of baggage and household effects stored, plus the weight of the baggage and household effects transported, in connection with a change of station may not be more than the maximum weight limitations in regulations prescribed by the Secretaries concerned when it is not otherwise fixed by law. In the event a member’s baggage and household effects exceed such maximum weight limitation, the Secretary concerned, if requested to do so by the member, may pay the costs for the nontemporary storage of that excess weight and collect the amount paid from the member’s pay and allowances, or collect the amount in such other manner as the Secretary concerned determines appropriate. The nontemporary storage of baggage and household effects may not be authorized for a period longer than one year from the date the member concerned is separated from the service, retired, placed on the temporary disability retired list, discharged, or released from active duty, except as prescribed in regulations by the Secretaries concerned for a member who, on that date, or at any time during the one-year period following that date, is confined in a hospital, or is in its vicinity, undergoing medical treatment; or in the case of a member who—
(1) is retired, or is placed on the temporary disability retired list, under chapter 61 of title 10; or
(2) is retired with pay under any other law, or, immediately following at least eight years of continuous active duty with no single break therein of more than 90 days, is discharged with separation pay or severance pay or is involuntarily released from active duty with separation pay or readjustment pay.
Except in the case of a member who, on the date of his separation, discharge, or release, or at any time during the one-year period following that date, is confined in a hospital, or is in its vicinity, undergoing medical treatment, the cost of the storage, for the period that exceeds one year, shall be paid by the member.
(e) When orders directing a change of permanent station for the member concerned have not been issued, or when they have been issued but cannot be used as authority for the transportation of his dependents, baggage, and household effects, the Secretaries concerned may authorize the movement of the dependents, baggage, and household effects and prescribe transportation in kind, reimbursement therefor, or a monetary allowance in place thereof (as the case may be), plus a per diem, as authorized under subsection (a) or (b). This subsection may be used only under unusual or emergency circumstances, including those in which—
(1) the member is performing duty at a place designated by the Secretary concerned as being within a zone from which dependents should be evacuated;
(2) orders which direct the member’s travel in connection with temporary duty do not provide for return to the permanent station or do not specify or imply any limit to the period of absence from his permanent station; or
(3) the member is serving on permanent duty at a station outside the United States, in Hawaii or Alaska, or on sea duty.
(f)
(1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, transportation for dependents, baggage, and household effects of a member, plus a per diem for the member’s dependents, is authorized if the member dies while entitled to basic pay under chapter 3 of this title.
(2) The Secretary concerned shall give the dependents of a member described in paragraph (1) a period of not less than three years, beginning on the date of the death of the member, during which to select a home for the purposes of the travel and transportation allowances authorized by this section.
(g)
(1) Under uniform regulations prescribed by the Secretaries concerned, a member who—
(A) is retired, or is placed on the temporary disability retired list, under chapter 61 of title 10;
(B) is retired with pay under any other law, or, immediately following at least eight years of continuous active duty with no single break therein of more than 90 days, is discharged with separation pay or severance pay or is involuntarily released from active duty with separation pay or readjustment pay; or
(C) is involuntarily separated from active duty during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on December 31, 2001,
is, not later than one year from the date he is so retired, placed on that list, involuntarily separated, discharged, or released, except as prescribed in regulations by the Secretaries concerned, entitled to transportation for his dependents, baggage, and household effects to the home selected under section 474(c) of this title, and to a per diem for his dependents. In addition, baggage and household effects may be shipped to a location other than the home selected by the member.
(2) If baggage and household effects of a member are shipped to a place selected by a member as his home under section 474(c) of this title that is not a place described in clause (A) or (B) of section 474(c)(2) of this title or to a location other than the home selected by the member, or if transportation is provided for a member’s dependents to a place selected by the member as his home under section 474(c) of this title that is not a place described in clause (A) or (B) of section 474(c)(2) of this title, and the costs of that shipment or transportation are in excess of those that would have been incurred if the shipment had been made or the transportation had been provided to a location in the United States (other than Alaska or Hawaii), the member shall pay that excess cost.
(3) If a member authorized to select a home under section 474(c) of this title accrues that right or any entitlement under this subsection but dies before the member exercises the right or entitlement, that right or entitlement accrues to and may be exercised by the surviving dependents at any time before the end of the three-year period beginning on the date on which the member accrued that right or entitlement. If there are no surviving dependents, the baggage and household effects of the deceased member may be shipped to the home of the person legally entitled to such baggage and effects. However, if baggage and household effects are shipped under circumstances described in paragraph (2) in which the member would have been required to pay the excess costs of that shipment, the surviving dependents or the person legally entitled to the baggage and household effects, as the case may be, shall pay that excess cost.
(h)
(1) If the Secretary concerned determines that it is in the best interests of a member described in paragraph (2) or the member’s dependents and the United States, the Secretary may, when orders directing a change of permanent station for the member concerned have not been issued, or when they have been issued but cannot be used as authority for the transportation of the member’s dependents, baggage, and household effects—
(A) authorize the movement of the member’s dependents, baggage, and household effects at the station to an appropriate location in the United States or its possessions or, if the dependents are foreign nationals, to the country of the dependents’ origin and prescribe transportation in kind, reimbursement therefor, or a monetary allowance in place thereof, as the case may be, plus a per diem, as authorized under subsection (a) or (b); and
(B) in the case of a member described in paragraph (2)(A), authorize the transportation of one motor vehicle, which is owned or leased by the member (or a dependent of the member) and is for the personal use of a dependent of the member, to that location by means of transportation authorized under section 2634 1 of title 10 or authorize the storage of the motor vehicle pursuant to subsection (b) of such section.
If the member’s baggage and household effects are in nontemporary storage under subsection (d), the Secretary concerned may authorize their movement to the location concerned and prescribe transportation in kind or reimbursement therefor, as authorized under subsection (b). For the purposes of this section, a member’s unmarried child for whom the member received transportation in kind to his station outside the United States or in Hawaii or Alaska, reimbursement therefor, or a monetary allowance in place thereof and who, by reason of age or graduation from (or cessation of enrollment in) an institution of higher education, would otherwise cease to be a dependent of the member while the member was serving at that station shall still be considered as a dependent of the member.
(2) A member referred to in paragraph (1) is a member who—
(A) is serving at a station outside the United States or in Hawaii or Alaska;
(B) receives an administrative discharge under other than honorable conditions; or
(C) is sentenced by a court-martial—
(i) to be confined for a period of more than 30 days,
(ii) to receive a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge, or
(iii) to be dismissed from a uniformed service.
(3) If a motor vehicle of a member (or a dependent of the member) that is transported at the expense of the United States under this subsection does not arrive at the authorized destination of the vehicle by the designated delivery date, the Secretary concerned shall reimburse the member for expenses incurred after that date to rent a motor vehicle for the dependent’s use. The amount reimbursed may not exceed $30 per day, and the rental period for which reimbursement may be provided expires after 7 days or on the date on which the delayed vehicle arrives at the authorized destination (whichever occurs first).
(4)
(A) If a determination described in subparagraph (B) is made with respect to a dependent of a member described in that subparagraph and a request described in subparagraph (C) is made by or on behalf of that dependent, the Secretary may provide a benefit authorized for a member under paragraph (1) or (3) to that dependent in lieu of providing such benefit to the member.
(B) A determination described in this subparagraph is a determination by the commanding officer of a member that—
(i) the member has committed a dependent-abuse offense against a dependent of the member;
(ii) a safety plan and counseling have been provided to that dependent;
(iii) the safety of the dependent is at risk; and
(iv) the relocation of the dependent is advisable.
(C) A request described in this subparagraph is a request by the spouse of a member, or by the parent of a dependent child in the case of a dependent child of a member, for relocation.
(D) Transportation may be provided under this paragraph for household effects or a motor vehicle only if a written agreement of the member, or an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, gives possession of the effects or vehicle to the spouse or dependent of the member concerned.
(E) In this paragraph, the term “dependent-abuse offense” means an offense described in section 1059(c) of title 10.
(i) A member traveling under orders who is relieved from a duty station is entitled to transportation for his dependents, baggage, and household effects, plus a per diem for the member’s dependents, regardless of the time the dependents, baggage, or household effects arrive at their destination. Appropriations of the Department of Defense available for travel or transportation that are current when the member is relieved may be used to pay for the transportation.
(j) Under uniform regulations prescribed by the Secretaries concerned, a member with dependents who is ordered to make an overseas permanent change of station and who, in anticipation of his dependents accompanying him overseas, ships baggage and household effects to that overseas station, may be authorized a return shipment of the baggage and household effects if, after the shipment, the member’s dependents are unable to accompany him overseas and the Secretary concerned determines that such inability was unexpected and uncontrollable.
(k) A member of the armed forces who relocates from leased or rental housing by reason of the foreclosure of such housing is entitled to transportation of baggage and household effects under subsection (b)(1) in the same manner, and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as similarly circumstanced members entitled to transportation of baggage and household effects under that subsection.
(l)
(1) A member described in paragraph (2) is entitled to the travel and transportation allowances, including allowances with respect to dependents, authorized by this section upon filling a vacancy as described in that paragraph as if the member were undergoing a permanent change of station under orders in filling such vacancy.
(2) A member described in this paragraph is a member who is filling a vacancy in a Selected Reserve unit at a duty station that is more than 150 miles from the member’s residence if—
(A) during the three years preceding filling the vacancy, the member was involuntarily separated under other than adverse conditions (as characterized by the Secretary concerned) while assigned to a unit of the Selected Reserve certified by the Secretary concerned as having been adversely affected by force structure reductions during the period beginning on October 1, 2012, and ending on December 31, 2018;
(B) the involuntary separation occurred during the period beginning on October 1, 2012, and ending on December 31, 2018; and
(C) the member is—
(i) qualified in a skill designated as critically short by the Secretary concerned; or
(ii) filling a vacancy in a Selected Reserve unit with a critical manpower shortage, or in a pay grade with a critical manpower shortage in such unit.
(3) Any allowances authorized by this section that are payable under this subsection may be payable in advance if payable in advance to a member undergoing a permanent change of station under orders under the applicable provision of this section.
(m) For the purposes of this section, the residence of a dependent of a member who is a student not living with the member while at school shall be considered to be the permanent duty station of the member or the designated residence of dependents of the member if the member’s dependents are not authorized to reside with the member.
(n) No carrier, port agent, warehouseman, freight forwarder, or other person involved in the transportation of property may have any lien on, or hold, impound, or otherwise interfere with, the movement of baggage and household goods being transported under this section.
(o) No transportation, reimbursement, allowance, or per diem may be provided under this section—
(1) with respect to a change of temporary or permanent station for which orders are issued after the travel authorities transition expiration date; or
(2) in a case covered by this section when such orders are not issued, with respect to a movement of baggage or household effects that begins after such date.
(Pub. L. 87–649, Sept. 7, 1962, 76 Stat. 473, § 406; Pub. L. 88–431, § 1(a), Aug. 14, 1964, 78 Stat. 439; Pub. L. 89–101, § 2, July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 425; Pub. L. 89–680, § 1(2), (3), Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 957; Pub. L. 89–718, §§ 58, 59, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1123; Pub. L. 90–623, § 3(6), Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1314; Pub. L. 96–107, title VIII, § 814, Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 817; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, § 506(7), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2919; Pub. L. 97–60, title I, § 121(b), Oct. 14, 1981, 95 Stat. 1000; Pub. L. 97–86, title IV, § 404, Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 97–258, § 2(i)(1), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1061; Pub. L. 97–295, § 3(4), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1303; Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, § 909, Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 638; Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, §§ 612(b), 614(a), 617(a), title XIII, § 1303(b)(9), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 639–641, 741; Pub. L. 99–433, title VI, § 602(f)(2), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1070; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §§ 617(a), 620(a), (b)(1), 652(a), (b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3880, 3882, 3888; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VI, § 616(b), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1096; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VI, § 602(a), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1976; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, § 623(a), (b), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1447; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, § 503(b), title VI, §§ 621, 622(a), title XIV, § 1484(i)(9), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1558, 1580, 1718; Pub. L. 102–25, title VII, § 702(b)(1)–(3), (c), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 117; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title XI, § 1111(d)(4), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1492; Pub. L. 102–241, § 12, Dec. 19, 1991, 105 Stat. 2213; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VI, § 622(a), title X, § 1054(a)(4), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2422, 2502; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, § 561(l)(1), title XI, § 1182(d)(1), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1668, 1773; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VI, §§ 623, 642(a)(1), title XV, §§ 1502(b), 1505(d), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 363, 368, 506, 514; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title III, § 368(b), title VI, §§ 621(a), 624, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2498, 2548; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §§ 603(d)(1)(B), 631, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1782, 1795; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, § 561(f), title VI, §§ 631(a), (b)(1), 632, 653(b), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2025, 2043, 2044, 2051; Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title V, § 571(f), title VI, §§ 642(a), 643], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–134, 1654A–161; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VI, §§ 633(a), 634(a), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1144; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, § 1704(c), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title V, § 571, title VI, § 631(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1484, 1508; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VI, §§ 652, 654(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3312, 3313; Pub. L. 110–289, div. B, title VI, § 2609, July 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2862; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VI, §§ 621, 622, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4491, 4492; renumbered § 476 and amended Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VI, § 631(d)(2), (e)(6), (f)(4)(A), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1460, 1462, 1465; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VI, § 621(b), title X, § 1076(a)(9), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1779, 1948; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, § 556(a), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1403; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, § 577, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1406; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VI, § 622(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3677.)
text: Historical and Revision Notes
1962 Act
Revised section
Source (U.S. Code)
Source (Statutes at Large)
406(a)
406(b)
406(c)
406(d)
406(e)
406(f)
406(g)
37:253(c) (1st sentence, less 1st 33 words, and less last 59 words).
37:253(c) (last 59 words of 1st sentence).
37:253(c) (1st 33 words of 1st sentence and 2d sentence).
37:253(c) (3d sentence).
37:253(c) (9th sentence).
37:253(c) (11th sentence).
37:253(c) (13th through 16th, and last, sentences).
Oct. 12, 1949, ch. 681, § 303(c), (1st through 3d, 9th, 11th, 13th through 16th and last, sentences), 63 Stat. 814; Mar. 31, 1955, ch. 20, § 2(12), (13), 69 Stat. 21, 22; Aug. 5, 1955, ch. 571, 69 Stat. 532; Aug. 11, 1955, ch. 806, § 2, 69 Stat. 691; July 12, 1960, Pub. L. 86–637, § 1(a), 74 Stat. 471; July 12, 1960, Pub. L. 86–638, § 2, 74 Stat. 471; Aug. 17, 1961, Pub. L. 87–140, 75 Stat. 341.
In subsection (b), the words “to and from such locations” are omitted as covered by subsection (c)(3).
In subsection (c), the 15 words preceding clause (1) of the first sentence are substituted for the 1st 7 words of the 1st sentence of section 253(c) of existing title 37. The 39th through 47th words of the 2d sentence of section 253(c) of existing title 37 are omitted as covered by section 411(a) of this revised title.
In subsection (d), the words “the weight of the baggage and household effects stored . . . may not be more than” are substituted for the words “in no instance shall the weight stored . . . exceed”. The words “except as prescribed in regulations” are substituted for the words “except that a longer period may be authorized by regulations promulgated”. The words “Secretaries concerned” are substituted for the words “respective Secretaries” to conform to other subsections of the source statute.
In subsection (f), the words “of a member” are inserted for clarity. The words “if he dies” are substituted for the words “upon the death of a member”. The words “under chapter 3 of this title” are substituted for the reference to section 232(e) of title 37, since subsection (e) was redesignated as subsection (d) by section 2(2) of the Act of March 31, 1955, cited above.
In subsection (g), the words “under chapter 61 of title 10” are inserted for clarity. The words “under any other law” are substituted for the words “for any other reason”. The words “In addition,” are substituted for the word “Such”, and the words “the member” are substituted for the word “him”, for clarity. The words “section 404(c) of this title” are substituted for the words “subsection (a) of this section” to reflect the section of this revised title which restates that subsection.
text: 1982 Acts
Revised section
Source (U.S. Code)
Source (Statutes at Large)
406(j)
31:650a.
Aug. 1, 1953, ch. 305, § 604, 67 Stat. 349.
The text of 31:650a (related to a member of an armed force) is omitted as unnecessary because of 37:404(a)(3). The words “On and after August 1, 1953” are omitted as executed. The words “A member . . . is entitled to” are substituted for “personnel” for clarity and consistency in the title. The word “baggage” is added for consistency in the title. The words “dependents, baggage, or household effects” are substituted for “such personnel” for clarity. The word “otherwise” is omitted as surplus. The words “used to pay for that transportation” are substituted for “charged with all expenses in connection with such travel including” for clarity.
text: Revised section
Source (U.S. Code)
Source (Statutes at Large)
406(k)
37:406 (note).
Feb. 9, 1976, Pub. L. 94–212, § 747, 90 Stat. 176.
The words “to carry out subsection (b) of this section” are substituted for “for providing transportation of household effects of members of the armed forces pursuant to section 406(b) of title 37, United States Code” to eliminate unnecessary words.
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: References in Text
text: Section 2634 of title 10, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1)(B) and (h)(1)(B), was repealed by Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title VI, § 621(g)(1), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 784.
Section 475 of this title, referred to in subsec. (c), was renumbered section 405 of this title by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VI, § 604(a)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3672.
heading: Prior Provisions
text: Act Aug. 1, 1953, cited as the source of subsec. (j) of this section in the Historical and Revision Notes above, is known as the Department of Defense Appropriation Act, 1954. Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:
July 10, 1952, ch. 630, title VI, § 605, 66 Stat. 531.
Oct. 18, 1951, ch. 512, title VI, § 605, 65 Stat. 445.
Sept. 6, 1950, ch. 896, ch. X, title VI, § 605, 64 Stat. 752.
Oct. 29, 1949, ch. 787, title VI, § 605, 63 Stat. 1017.
June 24, 1948, ch. 632, 62 Stat. 652.
July 30, 1947, ch. 357, title I, 61 Stat. 554.
July 16, 1946, ch. 583, 60 Stat. 545.
July 3, 1945, ch. 265, 59 Stat. 388.
June 28, 1944, ch. 303, 58 Stat. 577.
July 1, 1943, ch. 185, 57 Stat. 351.
July 2, 1942, ch. 477, 56 Stat. 614.
June 30, 1941, ch. 262, 55 Stat. 371.
June 13, 1940, ch. 343, 54 Stat. 356.
Apr. 26, 1939, ch. 88, 53 Stat. 598.
June 11, 1938, ch. 347, 52 Stat. 647.
July 1, 1937, ch. 423, 50 Stat. 448.
heading: Amendments
text: 2021—Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 116–283 struck out subsec. (p) which related to reimbursement to a member of the uniformed services for qualified relicensing costs of the member’s spouse.
2019—Subsec. (p)(1). Pub. L. 116–92, § 577(1), substituted “uniformed services” for “armed forces” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (p)(2). Pub. L. 116–92, § 577(2), substituted “$1,000” for “$500”.
Subsec. (p)(3)(C). Pub. L. 116–92, § 577(3), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (p)(4). Pub. L. 116–92, § 577(4), substituted “December 31, 2024” for “December 31, 2022”.
2017—Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 115–91 added subsec. (p).
2013—Pub. L. 112–239, § 1076(a)(9), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 112–81, § 631(f)(4)(A). See 2011 Amendment note below.
Subsecs. (l) to (o). Pub. L. 112–239, § 621, added subsec. (l) and redesignated former subsecs. (l) to (n) as (m) to (o), respectively.
2011—Pub. L. 112–81, § 631(f)(4)(A), as amended by Pub. L. 112–239, § 1076(a)(9), substituted “474” for “404” wherever appearing and “475” for “405” in the introductory provisions of subsec. (c).
Pub. L. 112–81, § 631(d)(2), renumbered section 406 of this title as this section.
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 112–81, § 631(e)(6), added subsec. (n).
2008—Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 110–417, § 621, designated first two sentences of existing provisions as cl. (i) and substituted “this clause” for “this subparagraph” in second sentence, designated last sentence of existing provisions as cl. (iii) and realigned margins, and added cl. (ii).
Subsec. (b)(1)(H). Pub. L. 110–417, § 622, added subpar. (H).
Subsecs. (k) to (m). Pub. L. 110–289 added subsec. (k) and redesignated former subsecs. (k) and (l) as (l) and (m), respectively.
2006—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 109–163, § 654(a), in table, increased the weight allowances for pay grades E–7, E–8, and E–9. Prior to amendment, the weight allowances for members without dependents and for members with dependents, respectively, were 10,500 and 12,500 for pay grade E–7, 11,000 and 13,500 for pay grade E–8, and 12,000 and 14,500 for pay grade E–9.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–163, § 652(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted “the member” for “he”, and added par. (2).
Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 109–163, § 652(b), in first sentence, substituted “the member exercises the right or entitlement” for “he exercises it”, “the surviving dependents at any time before the end of the three-year period beginning on the date on which the member accrued that right or entitlement. If” for “his surviving dependents or, if”, and “the baggage and household effects of the deceased member” for “his baggage and household effects”.
2003—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 108–136, § 631(b), inserted last sentence.
Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 108–136, § 571, added par. (4).
2002—Subsec. (b)(1)(E), (F). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted “of Homeland Security” for “of Transportation”.
2001—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–107, § 633(a), substituted “$550” for “$275”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 107–107, § 634(a), in table, struck out footnotes relating to pay grade E–4 and increased the weight allowances for pay grades E–1, E–2, E–3, and E–4. Prior to amendment, the weight allowances for members without dependents and for members with dependents, respectively, were 1,500 and 5,000 for pay grade E–1, 1,500 and 5,000 for pay grade E–2, 2,000 and 5,000 for pay grade E–3, 3,500 and 7,000 for pay grade E–4 members with less than two years of service, and 7,000 and 8,000 for E–4 members with more than two years of service.
2000—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title VI, § 642(a)], inserted at end “The Secretary concerned may also reimburse the member for mandatory pet quarantine fees for household pets, but not to exceed $275 per change of station, when the member incurs the fees incident to such change of station.”
Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title V, § 571(f)], substituted “December 31, 2001” for “September 30, 2001”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(G). Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title VI, § 643], added subpar. (G).
Subsec. (g)(1)(C). Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title V, § 571(f)], substituted “December 31, 2001” for “September 30, 2001”.
1998—Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 105–261, § 561(f), substituted “during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on September 30, 2001” for “during the nine-year period beginning on October 1, 1990”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 105–261, § 631(a)(1), struck out “, or reimbursement therefor,” after “household effects” and inserted at end “Alternatively, the member may be paid reimbursement or a monetary allowance under subparagraph (F).”
Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 105–261, § 632, inserted before period at end of second sentence “, unless the additional weight allowance in excess of such maximum is intended to permit the shipping of consumables that cannot be reasonably obtained at the new station of the member”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(F). Pub. L. 105–261, § 631(a)(2), added subpar. (F).
Subsec. (g)(1)(C). Pub. L. 105–261, § 561(f), substituted “during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on September 30, 2001” for “during the nine-year period beginning on October 1, 1990”.
Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 105–261, § 653(b), added par. (3).
Subsecs. (j) to (m). Pub. L. 105–261, § 631(b)(1), redesignated subsecs. (k) to (m) as (j) to (l), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (j) which authorized the Secretary concerned to pay monetary allowance to member of armed forces or of Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service who participates in a program in which member’s baggage and household effects are transported by privately owned or rental vehicle or in which member provides labor in connection with transportation of baggage and household effects.
1997—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–85, § 603(d)(1)(B), substituted “sections 403(c), 404, and 405” for “sections 404 and 405” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (h)(2)(C). Pub. L. 105–85, § 631, substituted a period for a comma at end of cl. (iii) and struck out concluding provisions which read as follows: “if the sentence is approved under section 860(c)(2) of title 10.”
1996—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 104–201, § 621(a), inserted at end “If clause (i)(I) applies to the transportation by the member of a motor vehicle from the old duty station, the monetary allowance under this subparagraph shall also cover return travel to the old duty station by the member or other person transporting the vehicle. In the case of transportation described in clause (ii), the monetary allowance shall also cover travel from the new duty station to the port of debarkation to pick up the vehicle.”
Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 104–106, § 1505(d), struck out “of this paragraph” after “as provided in subparagraph (A)”.
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 104–106, § 623, in concluding provisions, substituted “who, by reason of age or graduation from (or cessation of enrollment in) an institution of higher education, would otherwise cease to be a dependent of the member” for “who became 21 years of age” and inserted “still” before “be considered as a dependent of the member.”
Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 104–201, § 368(b), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “in the case of a member described in paragraph (2)(A), authorize the transportation of one motor vehicle that is owned or leased by the member (or a dependent of the member) and is for his dependents’ personal use to that location by means of transportation authorized under section 2634 of title 10.”
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 104–106, § 642(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i) and struck out former subsec. (i) which read as follows: “The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives a report at the end of each fiscal year fiscal year stating—
“(1) the number of dependents who during the preceding fiscal year were accompanying members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps who were stationed outside the United States and were authorized by the Secretary concerned to receive allowances or transportation for dependents under subsection (a) or (h); and
“(2) the number of dependents who during the preceding fiscal year were accompanying members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps who were stationed outside the United States and were not authorized to receive such allowances or transportation.”
Pub. L. 104–106, § 1502(b), substituted “Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives” for “Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives” in introductory provisions. Amendment executed before amendment by section 642(a)(1) of Pub. L. 104–106, see above, pursuant to section 1506 of Pub. L. 104–106, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 104–106, § 642(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (k) as (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (i).
Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 104–201, § 624(1), substituted “The Secretary concerned may pay a monetary allowance to a member of the armed forces or a member of the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service” for “Appropriations available to the Department of Defense for providing transportation of household effects of members of the armed forces under subsection (b) are available to pay a monetary allowance to a member” and “Secretary concerned” for “Secretary of the military department concerned”.
Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 104–201, § 624(2), added par. (3).
Subsecs. (k) to (n). Pub. L. 104–106, § 642(a)(1), redesignated subsecs. (l) to (n) as (k) to (m), respectively. Former subsec. (k) redesignated (j).
1993—Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 103–160, § 561(l)(1), substituted “nine-year period” for “five-year period”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 103–160, § 1182(d)(1), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 102–241. See 1991 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (g)(1)(C). Pub. L. 103–160, § 561(l)(1), substituted “nine-year period” for “five-year period”.
1992—Subsec. (g)(1)(A). Pub. L. 102–484, § 1054(a)(4), inserted a semicolon after “title 10”.
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 102–484, § 622(a), added subsec. (n).
1991—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(2), struck out “of this subsection” after “paragraph (2)”.
Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(3), struck out “of this paragraph” after “subparagraph (B)”.
Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(3), struck out “of this paragraph” after “Subparagraph (A)”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(2), struck out “of this subsection” after “paragraph (2)”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 102–190, § 1111(d)(4), in table, inserted provisions relating to pay grade W–5.
Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 102–241, as amended by Pub. L. 103–160, § 1182(d)(1), amended subpar. (E) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (E) read as follows: “Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, cadets at the United States Military Academy and the United States Air Force Academy, and midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy shall be entitled, in connection with a change of temporary or permanent station, to transportation of baggage and household effects as provided in subparagraph (A). The weight allowance for such cadets and midshipmen shall be 350 pounds.”
Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(3), struck out “of this paragraph” after “subparagraph (A)”.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(1), (2), struck out “of this subsection” after “paragraph (1)” and “of this section” after “subsection (d)” and “subsection (g)(1)”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(1), struck out “of this section” after “subsections (a) and (b)”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(1), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (a) or (b)”.
Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(2), struck out “of this subsection” after “paragraph (2)”.
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(1), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (d)” and “subsection (b)”.
Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(1), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (a) or (h)”.
Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 102–25, § 702(b)(1), struck out “of this section” after “subsection (b)” in two places.
1990—Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 101–510, § 503(b)(1), added cl. (v).
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 101–510, § 503(b)(3), added par. (4).
Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 101–510, § 1484(i)(9), inserted a period at end of footnote 2.
Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 101–510, § 622(a), added subpar. (E).
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 101–510, § 503(b)(2), added subpar. (C) and inserted “involuntarily separated,” after “placed on that list,” in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 101–510, § 621, revived amendment by Pub. L. 99–145, § 614(a). See 1985 Amendment note below.
1989—Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 101–189, § 623(b), inserted “in pounds” after “weight allowance” in provisions preceding table.
Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 101–189, § 623(a), added subpar. (D).
1988—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100–456, § 602(a)(1), substituted “within the weight allowances listed in subparagraph (C)” for “within such weight allowances prescribed by the Secretaries concerned”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 100–456, § 602(a)(2), added subpar. (C).
1987—Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 100–180 inserted “or leased” after “owned”.
1986—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 99–661, § 652(a), amended subpar. (A) generally, inserting cl. (i) designation, redesignating former cl. (i) as cl. (ii), and striking out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: “is separated from the service or released from active duty under other than honorable conditions, as determined by the Secretary concerned”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–661, § 620(a), inserted “In the event a member’s baggage and household effects exceed such maximum weight limitation, the Secretary concerned, if requested to do so by the member, may pay the costs for the nontemporary storage of that excess weight and collect the amount paid from the member’s pay and allowances, or collect the amount in such other manner as the Secretary concerned determines appropriate.”
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–661, § 617(a)(1), substituted “(as the case may be), plus a per diem” for “, as the case may be” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–661, § 617(a)(2), inserted “, plus a per diem for the member’s dependents,” after “member”.
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 99–661, § 617(a)(3), inserted “, and to a per diem for his dependents” after “404(c) of this title” in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–661, § 652(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1), amended first sentence generally, and added par. (2). Prior to amendment, first sentence read as follows: “In the case of a member who is serving at a station outside the United States or in Hawaii or Alaska, if the Secretary concerned determines it to be in the best interests of the member or his dependents and the United States, he may, when orders directing a change of permanent station for the member concerned have not been issued, or when they have been issued but cannot be used as authority for the transportation of his dependents, baggage, and household effects—
“(1) authorize the movement of the member’s dependents, baggage, and household effects at that station to an appropriate location in the United States or its possessions and prescribe transportation in kind, reimbursement therefor, or a monetary allowance in place thereof, as the case may be, as authorized under subsection (a) or (b) of this section; and
“(2) authorize the transportation of one motor vehicle that is owned by the member (or a dependent of the member) and is for the personal use of the member or his dependents to that location by means of transportation authorized under section 2634 of title 10.”
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 99–433 struck out “quarter” after “fiscal year” in provisions preceding par. (1) and substituted “fiscal year” for “quarter” in pars. (1) and (2).
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 99–661, § 617(a)(4), inserted “plus a per diem for the member’s dependents,” after “household effects”.
Subsecs. (l), (m). Pub. L. 99–661, § 620(b)(1), added subsec. (l) and redesignated former subsec. (l) as (m).
1985—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–145, § 612(b), substituted “, reimbursement therefor, or a monetary allowance in place of the cost of transportation, plus a per diem, for the member’s dependents at rates prescribed by the Secretaries concerned” for “for his dependents, to reimbursement therefor, or to a monetary allowance in place of that transportation in kind at a rate to be prescribed”.
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 99–145, § 1303(b)(9), substituted “for providing transportation of household effects of members of the armed forces under subsection (b)” for “to carry out subsection (b)”.
Pub. L. 99–145, § 614(a), which designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted “or in which a member provides all or a part of the labor in connection with the transportation of the baggage and household effects of the member (including packing, crating, and loading)”, and added par. (2), expired Sept. 30, 1989, pursuant to section 614(b) of Pub. L. 99–145, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1985 Amendment note below. Section 614(b) of Pub. L. 99–145 was repealed and the amendment made by section 614(a) of Pub. L. 99–145 was revived effective Oct. 1, 1989, by Pub. L. 101–510, § 621, set out as a Revival of Expired Amendment note below.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 99–145, § 617(a), added subsec. (l).
1983—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 98–94 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), struck out provisions relating to a monetary allowance for transportation of a motor vehicle on change of permanent station, and added subpar. (B) relating to a monetary allowance for transportation of a motor vehicle on permanent change of station.
1982—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 97–258 added subsec. (j).
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 97–295 added subsec. (k).
1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–60, § 121(b)(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted “paragraph (2) of this subsection and” before “subsection (i) of this section”, and added pars. (2) and (3).
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 97–86, § 404(1), struck out “and subsection (i) of this section” after “Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–60, § 121(b)(2), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted “Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, in” for “In”, inserted provision relating to temporary storage in excess of 180 days and to monetary allowances in the case of the transportation of motor vehicles in cases in which transportation is authorized under section 2634 of title 10, and added par. (2).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–60, § 121(b)(3), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and existing pars. (1) and (2) as subpars. (A) and (B) thereof, struck out provisions following par. (1)(B), that, in any case in which the costs were in excess of those which would have been incurred if shipment had been made to his selected home, the member paid that excess cost, that if a member authorized to select a home under section 404(c) of this title accrued that right or any entitlement under this subsection but died before he exercised it, that right or entitlement accrued to and could be exercised by his surviving dependents, or his baggage and household effects could be shipped to the home of the person legally entitled thereto if there were no surviving dependents, and that, in any case in which the costs were in excess of those which would have been incurred if shipment had been made to the member’s selected home, the surviving dependents or the person legally entitled to the baggage and household effects, as the case may be, paid that excess cost, and added pars. (2) and (3).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 97–86, § 404(2), substituted “In the case of a member” for “Except as provided in subsection (i) of this section, in the case of a member”.
Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 97–60, § 121(b)(4), substituted “that is owned by the member (or a dependent of the member) and is for the personal use of the member or his dependents” for “owned by the member and for his or his dependents’ personal use”.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 97–86, § 404(3), substituted provisions requiring the Secretary, at the end of each fiscal year quarter, to submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report covering the number of dependents overseas receiving allowances or transportation for dependents under subsec. (a) or (h) of this section and the number of dependents overseas not authorized to receive such allowances or transportation for provisions that formerly had placed a numerical limit on the number of dependents overseas receiving allowances and transportation.
1980—Subsecs. (d)(2), (g)(2). Pub. L. 96–513 inserted references to separation pay in two places in subsec. (d)(2) and in two places in subsec. (g)(2).
1979—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–107, § 814(1), inserted provisions excepting subsec. (i) of this section from provisions of this subsection.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 96–107, § 814(2), inserted provisions excepting subsec. (i) of this section from provisions of this subsection.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 96–107, § 814(3), added subsec. (i).
1968—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 90–623 substituted “90” for “ninety”.
1966—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–718, § 58(1), substituted “change of temporary or permanent station” for “temporary or permanent change of station”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–680, § 1(2), extended authority permitting a one-year period for nontemporary storage of baggage and household effects under regulations for members being separated from the service who are confined to a hospital or are in its vicinity undergoing medical treatment to include members who are being retired, placed on the temporary retired disability list, discharged, or released from active duty, and expanded coverage to include members retired or placed on the temporary disability retired list under chapter 61 of title 10, members retired with pay under any other law, or, immediately following at least eight years of continuous active duty with no single break therein of more than ninety days, discharged with severance pay or released involuntarily from active duty with readjustment pay, and inserted provisions for payment of cost of storage by the member concerned in certain cases.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 89–718, §§ 58(2), 59, inserted “is” before “placed” in cl. (1) and substituted “member’s” for “members’ ”.
Pub. L. 89–680, § 1(3), inserted, in authorization for transportation for dependents, baggage, and household effects to the home selected under section 404(c) of this title, provisions limiting the entitlement to not later than one year from the date of retirement, placement on the list, discharge, or release, except as prescribed in regulations by the Secretaries concerned.
1965—Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 89–101 substituted “by means of transportation authorized under section 2634 of title 10” for “on a vessel owned, leased, or chartered by the United States or by privately owned American shipping services”.
1964—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 88–431 added subsec. (h).
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Change of Name
text: Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2019.
heading: Effective Date of 2013 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, § 1076(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1947, provided that the amendment made by section 1076(a)(9) is effective Dec. 31, 2011, and as if included in Pub. L. 112–81 as enacted.
heading: Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VI, § 654(b), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3313, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2006, and apply with respect to an order in connection with a change of temporary or permanent station issued on or after that date.”
heading: Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
text: Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
heading: Effective Date of 2001 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VI, § 633(b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1144, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to the reimbursement of members of the uniformed services for mandatory pet quarantine fees incurred in connection with the mandatory quarantine of a household pet underway on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 28, 2001] or beginning on or after that date.”
Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VI, § 634(b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1144, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2003, and apply with respect to an order in connection with a change of temporary or permanent station issued on or after that date.”
heading: Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title VI, § 642(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–161, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect October 1, 2000.”
heading: Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
text: For provisions relating to the applicability of amendment by section 653(b) of Pub. L. 105–261, see section 653(e) of Pub. L. 105–261, set out as a note under section 475a of this title.
heading: Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
text: Amendment by section 603(d)(1)(B) of Pub. L. 105–85 effective Jan. 1, 1998, see section 603(e) of Pub. L. 105–85, set out as a note under section 5561 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
heading: Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title III, § 368(c), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2498, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 2634 of Title 10, Armed Forces] shall take effect on April 1, 1997.”
Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, § 621(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2548, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 1997.”
heading: Effective Date of 1993 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title XI, § 1182(d)(1), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1773, provided in part that the amendment made by that section is effective as of Dec. 19, 1991.
heading: Effective Date of 1991 Amendment
text: Amendment by Pub. L. 102–190 effective Feb. 1, 1992, see section 1132 of Pub. L. 102–190, set out as a note under section 521 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
heading: Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title VI, § 622(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1580, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall be applicable to baggage and household effects transported on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990].”
heading: Effective Date of 1989 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, § 623(c), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1447, provided that: “The authority provided in subparagraph (D) [37 U.S.C. 476(b)(1)(D)], as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to the transportation of baggage and household effects occurring after June 30, 1989.”
heading: Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VI, § 602(b), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1977, as amended by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VI, § 631(f)(4)(B), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1465; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, § 1076(a)(9), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1948, provided that: “The weight allowances in section 476(b)(1)(C) of title 37, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), shall apply with respect to transportation of baggage and household effects occurring after June 30, 1989.”
heading: Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, § 617(b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3880, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to travel performed after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986].”
Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, § 620(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3883, provided that:
“(1) The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to members whose baggage and household goods enter nontemporary storage on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986].
“(2) The amendments made by subsection (b) [amending this section and section 2634 of Title 10, Armed Forces] shall apply only with respect to members whose dependents are unable to accompany them to an overseas permanent duty station because of circumstances arising on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986].”
Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, § 652(e)(1), (2), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3890, as amended by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VI, § 631(f)(4)(B), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1465; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, § 1076(a)(9), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1948, provided that:
“(1) The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply only with respect to members discharged or released from active duty on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986].
“(2)
(A) The amendments made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to dependents about whom a determination by the Secretary concerned is made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986].
“(B) In the case of a member described in section 476(h)(2)(c) [probably should be “476(h)(2)(C)”] of such title 37 (as added by subsection (b)), the benefits provided for the dependents of the member shall accrue on the date that the sentence is approved under section 860 of title 10, United States Code.”
heading: Effective and Termination Dates of 1985 Amendment
text: Amendment by section 612(b) of Pub. L. 99–145 applicable to travel performed after Sept. 30, 1985, see section 612(c) of Pub. L. 99–145, set out as an Effective Date of 1985 Amendment note under section 474 of this title.
Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, § 614(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 640, which provided that the amendments by section 614(a) of Pub. L. 99–145, amending this section, were to expire Sept. 30, 1989, was repealed by Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title VI, § 621, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1580. See Revival of Expired Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, § 617(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 642, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to orders to change a permanent station that are effective after September 30, 1985.”
heading: Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
text: Enactment of subsec. (a)(3) and amendment of subsec. (b)(1) by Pub. L. 97–60 effective Oct. 14, 1981, enactment of subsecs. (a)(2) and (b)(2) and amendment of subsec. (h)(2) effective Nov. 1, 1981, and applicable to members who are separated from the service or released from active duty on or after Nov. 1, 1981, and enactment of subsec. (g)(2) and (3) effective Nov. 1, 1981, and applicable to members who are retired, placed on the temporary disability retired list, discharged, or involuntarily released on or after Nov. 1, 1981, except that such enactment not to apply to any member who before Nov. 1, 1981, had completed eighteen years of active service, see section 121(d) of Pub. L. 97–60, set out as a note under section 474 of this title.
heading: Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
text: Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Sept. 15, 1981, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
heading: Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
text: Amendment by Pub. L. 90–623 intended to restate without substantive change the law in effect on Oct. 22, 1968, see section 6 of Pub. L. 90–623, set out as a note under section 5334 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
heading: Effective Date of 1965 Amendment; Reimbursement of Expenses
text: Pub. L. 89–101, § 3, July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 425, provided that:
“This Act [amending this section and section 2634 of Title 10, Armed Forces] shall be effective May 1, 1965. Any member who—
“(1) transported a motor vehicle at his personal expense after April 30, 1965, and before the enactment of this Act [July 30, 1965]; and
“(2) would have been entitled to the transportation of such motor vehicle at Government expense under the provisions of this Act;
shall be reimbursed for the allowable transportation cost actually expended by him. Appropriations available for permanent change of station travel shall be available for the reimbursements authorized by this Act.”
heading: Transfer of Functions
text: For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.
heading: Storage of Household Effects
text: Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, § 503(c), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1558, as amended by Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, § 561(l)(2), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1668; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, § 561(f), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2025; Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title V, § 571(f)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–134; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VI, § 631(f)(4)(B), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1465; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, § 1076(a)(9), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1948, provided that:
“(1) The Secretary of a military department shall exercise the authority provided by section 476 of title 37, United States Code, to provide nontemporary storage of baggage and household effects for a period not longer than one year in the case of individuals who are involuntarily separated during the period beginning on October 1, 1990, and ending on December 31, 2001.
“(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘involuntarily separated’ has the meaning given that term in section 1141 of title 10, United States Code.”
heading: Revival of Expired Amendment
text: Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title VI, § 621, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1580, provided that: “Subsection (b) of section 614 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 [Pub. L. 99–145, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1985 Amendment note above] (37 U.S.C. note) is repealed. The amendments made by subsection (a) of that section [amending this section] are hereby revived effective as of October 1, 1989.”
heading: Prohibition on Retroactive Payments Under 1985 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, § 614(c), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 640, prohibited payment of allowances to members by virtue of the amendments made by subsection (a), amending this section, in connection with transportation of baggage and household effects provided the member before Nov. 8, 1985.
heading: Allowances for Labor in Connection With Transportation of Members’ Baggage and Effects; Report to Congress
text: Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, § 614(d), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 640, required Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress not later than Sept. 30, 1988, regarding the operation of any program carried out by the military departments under which payment of a monetary allowance is made to a member who provides all or a part of the labor in connection with the transportation of the baggage and household effects of the member and to include recommendations for legislative action the Secretary considers appropriate.
heading: Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation of Household Effects
text: Pub. L. 94–212, title VII, § 747, Feb. 9, 1976, 90 Stat. 176, which provided that appropriations available for transportation of household goods of members of armed forces under subsec. (b) of this section shall be available as a monetary allowance for such transportation, payable in advance under regulations of the Secretary in an amount which would provide savings to the Government when compared with the total costs which would otherwise have been incurred under subsec. (b) of this section, was repealed and reenacted as subsec. (k) of this section by Pub. L. 97–295, §§ 3(4), 6(b), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1303, 1314. Subsec. (k) was subsequently redesignated (j) and repealed.
heading: Funeral Transportation and Living Expense Benefits; Vietnam Conflict
text: Pub. L. 93–257, Mar. 29, 1974, 88 Stat. 53, entitled the “Funeral Transportation and Living Expense Benefits Act of 1974”, authorized the Secretary of Defense to provide funeral transportation and living expenses benefits for the family of any deceased member of the Armed Forces who died while classified as a prisoner of war or as missing in action during the Vietnam conflict and whose remains were returned to the United States after January 27, 1973, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VI, § 638(b)(3), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1148.