Has anyone heard of this for civilian famIlies? A friend of mine says she is receiving per diem for 30 days after she landed in the states after a voluntary evacuation. I'd love to know if anyone else is too? Or if certain commands are doing this?

It's only for people involved in the Voluntary Departure. Anyone who flew home on their own dime will not get it, even if they're a DoD dependent. There are exceptions, but it doesn't come automatic --they have to file for it. Last night at the Town Hall it was mentioned they might see if people could get reimbursed for tickets (if purchased after the order was given) but it doesn't sound promising --because again, they did leave on their own free will.

I have not kept up with Civilians. So, the question and answer is: Are you eligible for the Voluntary Departure? If so, you'll get the Per Diem and other entitlements. If you're not, you won't through this program --as of now, things are changing everyday. At that point I guess it's up to your command/employer. I've heard of some Civ getting paid trips, but a lot have not.

Thanks Elizabeth--Can you help me understand who is included in the Voluntary Departure? I didn't know of any 'paid' flights to the states? All who left during the voluntary departure were on the own dime, right?

I heard they had lined up flights to Korea at one point for dependents, then that changed...did they pay for Navy dependents to fly home?

I'm mostly concerned w/ the per diem available for 30 days, no matter how you got home. If anyone knows (or hears in the next few days), that would be helpful.

Thanks Elizabeth.

Meliss, your impressions were true for like the first 24 hours after evacuations were announced... To Korea or Okinawa, and you'd have to pay it back. That guidance changed shortly thereafter: No pay-back needed, and "safe haven" was deemed to the the 48 states.

Sorry, I don't know about per diem.

People who are involved in the Voluntary Departure are DoD dependents with Sponsors stationed at Yokosuka, Misawa, Camp Zama, Atsugi and Yokota. I'm unclear about Civs.

And as ThaiGuy said, it originally started out as planned flights to Korea (where they'd be processed and eventually flown to their destination of choice).That never happened. Now it is flights that are either going out of Misawa, Yokota, Atsugi or CTO flights out of Narita. There was a lot of paperwork to be filed and you had to get TDY orders from your Sponsor's command to be eligible.

All this talk about Per Diem and entitlements are ONLY for the people who flew out via the Voluntary Departure program --aka Operation Pacific Passage.

Anyone who flew home on their own dime or another way is NOT getting the money for expenses back at home unless their employer authorized it. (Again, there are exceptions, but they're exceptions and also --the rules are changing everyday)

If you're looking to fly home not using the Voluntary Departure program but wanting the per diem and other expenses, it's not going to happen.

I hope that clears things up. But like I said before, the rules have been changing everyday --but I don't see people who flew home without the Military's help getting any extra money.

Actually, this article right here will answer your questions, and it's simple to read if you're not familiar with Military jargon.

http://www.japanbases.com/news/view...wered.aspx

This part in particular pertains to your questions:

Entitlements

Q. Who pays for our travel?
A. DoD pays travel expenses for military dependents and dependents of DoD civilians who have transportation agreements. (See JFTR U6004).

Q. Who pays for our living expenses?
A. Command-sponsored DoD dependents will receive a Safe Haven Evacuation Allowance that is equivalent to the lodging, meals, and incidental expense allowance for the Safe Haven. Non-command sponsored dependents are not authorized a safe haven allowance. (See JFTR U6005).

Q. How do I get my safe haven allowance?
A. Complete and submit DD1351-2, Travel Settlement Voucher, to your nearest finance office. Allowances for the uniformed services will be in accordance with the Joint Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 6. Allowances for civilian employees and others will be in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulation, Chapter 6.

Q. If I purchase a ticket myself, will I be reimbursed?
A. Reimbursement for personally procured transportation is uncertain at this time. The DoD will make travel arrangements for you if you are eligible for and desire to depart.