Nonchargeable rest, recuperation approved

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — Defense Department officials announced March 22 that Iraq and Afghanistan have been designated as nonchargeable rest and recuperation locations, authorizing service members deployed there, for 270 days or more, 15 days of administrative absence to be used in conjunction with benefits provided under the R&R leave program.

“This designation provides an additional benefit specifically for those service members deployed to the most arduous combat areas,” said Sam Retherford, the director of Officer and Enlisted Personnel Management.

Administrative absence days are contingent upon mission requirements, and are only authorized for those service members who participate in the NCR&R program. NCR&R benefits for Iraq and Afghanistan are effective March 23 following undersecretary of Defense for personnel and readiness approval of U.S. Central Command officials’ request.

Each combatant command may request the undersecretary of Defense for personnel and readiness designate additional locations for NCR&R, provided they meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• The areas/locations must be a location where U.S. forces have been engaged in combat operations against a hostile force within the last six months and where actual combat operations are expected to continue.

• The area/location must meet R&R leave program criteria.

• The area/location must be a combat zone designated by presidential executive order.

• The area/location must be an area where service members are exposed to the most arduous conditions (for example, those locations authorized Hardship Duty Pay.)