June 12, 2024

The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) disseminated a newly developed policy on the OCOLA process on 16 May 2024.  Recent updates to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prompted changes to the OCOLA process, specifically affecting the way reductions are executed.  This latest guidance from OSD further adjusts the process to phase in reductions on a monthly basis not to exceed 2% per month and not to exceed 10% per year.  Feedback from Service Members over the past three years has been helpful in prompting improvements to the OCOLA process.

2024 Election Information (Voting Overseas): Service Members, Civilians, and Contractors have the following options:

1. Use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to register to vote, change their voting address/home of record, and request their absentee ballot. The FPCA can be completed online.

2. Complete and send the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). This gives the voter coverage if their requested state absentee ballot does not arrive in time. The voter can complete and send the FWAB, as well as the state absentee ballot when it arrives. The state will only count one vote, but it ensures the vote is cast. Voters can also find the FWAB online.

3. Request an absentee ballot from their state's website.

Please access the link below for additional resources and information: https://www.fvap.gov/guide/appendix/state-elections 

New Entry/Exit System (EES)

The European Union will introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES) in the November 2024 timeframe. This will be a new automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals traveling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of 29 European countries (Schengen+) using the system:

Source - https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/what-ees_en 

‘Short stay’ means up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES.

For the purpose of the EES, ‘non-EU national’ means a traveler not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

There are known implementation concerns that may cause issues for Service Members, DoD Civilians, U.S. contractors, and dependents entering Europe, depending on their departure location. Our Senior officials at the Department of State and Department of Defense to include OSD are aware and are working with the European Union to secure exemptions for all DoD personnel for both official and personal travel. Unless and until exemptions are secured, DoD affiliated travelers should familiarize themselves with the EES requirements and expect delays when transiting into and out of the Schengen+ area.

Note:  This is PRE-DECISIONAL and resolution or additional guidance resides at diplomatic levels between the EU and the US.

Frequently asked questions: FAQs - EU Entry Exit System (EES).pdf