two tours of duty

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Sunday Premium Pay

Fact sheet: sunday premium pay, description.

An employee is entitled to 25 percent of his or her rate of basic pay for work performed during a regularly scheduled basic 8-hour tour of duty that begins or ends on a Sunday.

Employee Coverage

An  employee , as defined in 5 U.S.C. 5541(2), is entitled to Sunday premium pay. This definition includes General Schedule employees and certain other white-collar civilian Federal employees. Prevailing rate (wage) employees are entitled to Sunday premium pay under 5 U.S.C. 5544(a).

Entitlement

An employee is entitled to Sunday premium pay equal to 25 percent of his or her rate of basic pay for each hour of Sunday work. For this purpose, Sunday work consists of nonovertime work during an employee's regularly scheduled basic tour of duty (not to exceed 8 hours) that begins or ends on a Sunday. Notwithstanding the normal 8-hour limit, for an employee on a compressed work schedule, all nonovertime hours in the employee's regularly scheduled daily tour of duty beginning or ending on a Sunday constitutes Sunday work. Sunday premium pay is equal to 25 percent of an employee's rate of basic pay.

Flexible Work Schedule

A employee under a flexible work schedule is entitled to Sunday premium pay for up to 8 hours of his or her basic work requirement based on electing to work flexible hours during a basic tour of duty that begins or ends on Sunday. However, an agency may preclude employees from working flexible hours during a basic tour of duty that begins or ends on Sunday. See Comptroller General opinion B-245772, May 7, 1992, and 5 CFR 610.111(d). Employees may not earn Sunday premium pay when they earn or use credit hours.

Compressed Work Schedule

An employee under a compressed work schedule is entitled to Sunday Work Schedule) premium pay for all non-overtime hours the employee works during each regularly scheduled basic tour of duty that begins or ends on Sunday. (See 5 U.S.C. 6128(c).)

Two Tours Of Duty on Sunday

When an employee has two separate basic tours of duty on Sunday, he or she is entitled to Sunday premium pay for performing work during each tour of duty. For example, if an employee works 8 hours during a basic tour of duty that begins on Saturday and ends on Sunday, and also works 8 hours during a basic tour of duty that begins on the same Sunday and ends on Monday, the employee is entitled to 16 hours of Sunday premium pay.

Relationship to Overtime Pay

An employee under a standard work schedule is entitled to overtime pay for hours of work on Sunday that are in excess of 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Sunday premium pay is not paid for overtime hours of work.

An employee whose flexible work schedule includes work on Sunday is entitled to overtime pay for hours of work in excess of 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week and which are officially ordered in advance. This does not include any flexible hours of work applicable to the employees basic work requirement. (See the definition of overtime hours in 5 U.S.C. 6121(6).)

An employee whose compressed work schedule includes work on Sunday is entitled to overtime pay for hours of work in excess of the employees compressed work schedule on that day. (See the definition of overtime hours in 5 U.S.C. 6121(7).)

Relationship to GS Night Pay

When an employee has a regularly scheduled basic tour of duty that begins or ends on Sunday and includes night work (between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. for GS employees), the employee is entitled to night pay in addition to Sunday premium pay for work during night hours of the Sunday tour of duty. This applies to standard, flexible, and compressed work schedules. (See exception below.)

If a flexible tour of duty includes 8 or more hours available for work during daytime hours (i.e., between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.), an employee is not entitled to night pay even though he or she voluntarily elects to work flexible hours at night.

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Relationship to Holiday Premium Pay

When an employee has a regularly scheduled basic tour of duty that begins on Sunday and Sunday is a holiday, the employee is entitled to holiday premium pay and Sunday premium pay for up to 8 hours of work during that basic tour of duty. This applies to standard and flexible work schedules. (Please see the Federal Holidays - Work Schedules and Pay fact sheet for more information on an employee's holiday tour of duty.)

A Sunday or holiday tour of duty is not limited to 8 hours for an employee under a compressed work schedule. (See 5 U.S.C. 6128(c) and 5 CFR 610.407.)

No Compounding of Premium Pay

Each separate entitlement to premium pay is computed separately as a of Premium Pay percentage of an employees rate of basic pay. No compounding occurs if an employee is entitled to more than one type of premium pay for the same hour of work.

Paid Leave, Excused Absence, and Holidays on Sunday

Employees who are regularly scheduled to work nonovertime hours on Sunday, but do not work during their Sunday tour of duty because they are on paid leave or excused absence, because they are using compensatory time off or credit hours, or because Sunday is a holiday, are not entitled to Sunday premium pay. Sunday premium pay may be paid only for periods when an employee performs work on Sunday.

Payment for Actual Work

Sunday premium pay is paid for any actual work performed during an employees Sunday tour of duty. For example, if an employees Sunday tour of duty is from 8 p.m. on Sunday until 4 a.m. on Monday and the employee is granted annual leave from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m., the employee is entitled to Sunday premium pay for 5 hours for working between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. (See the definitions of Sunday work and tour of duty in 5 CFR 550.103.)

Superseded Regulation

The regulation at 5 CFR 550.171(a) has been superseded by the appropriations restrictions limiting payment of Sunday premium pay to hours when employees actually perform work. Employees may not be paid Sunday premium pay for hours when they are in a leave, excused absence, or holiday status.

First-40 Tours of Duty

Since work under a first-40 tour of duty is regularly scheduled work, an employee under a first-40 tour of duty is entitled to up to 8 hours of Sunday premium pay when the employee performs nonovertime work on Sunday. (See 5 CFR 610.111(b).)

• 5 U.S.C. 5544(a), 5546(a), and 6128(c)
• 5 CFR 550.103 (Definitions of rate of basic pay, Sunday work, and, tour of duty )
• 5 CFR 550.171-172
• Section 624 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999
• Comptroller General Opinion: 63 Comp. Gen. 316 (1984)

• General Military Questions

How Long Is A Tour Of Duty In The Military?

The U.S. military utilizes a tour of duty system to rotate personnel to various locations, serving different functions as a means of fulfilling missions and allowing service members a broader experience.

This system enables efficiency and organization in terms of each branch of the Armed Forces and its resources — including service members.

All military personnel are eligible for a tour of duty, depending on their unit, position, military occupational specialty, and many other factors.

Here is an explanation of how long a tour of duty is in the military.

Related Article – How To Get A Copy Of Your DD 214: 5 Fastest Ways

Table of Contents

What Is Considered A Tour Of Duty In The Military?

A military tour of duty (TOD) refers to a period of time in which personnel from one or more of the Armed Forces branches are deployed or stationed outside the U.S., usually overseas.

You may also see a Tour of Duty called a Deployment. They are both orders issued for a specific purpose or mission and both have a defined time period.

This is sometimes confused with a “TDY” — or Temporary Duty orders . Generally, a TDY is a short-term assignment for the purpose of training or performing administrative duties such as audits and inspections. 

A Tour of Duty or Deployment typically means that service members are temporarily relocated from their base to a different region for mission-related activities.

Such regions are generally located in another country and frequently in areas of combat or hostile environments.

Tours of duty set up a method for rotating military personnel so that human resources are not over-stretched in these conditions.

Before a service member is issued with Tour of Duty or Deployment orders, they must complete basic training within their branch.

They must also undergo any additional unit or individual training that is required.

When service members are not assigned to a tour of duty, they perform their jobs and duties at the post or base where they are stationed.

How Long Is A Tour Of Duty?

In the U.S. military, the length of a tour of duty depends on the branch of the Armed Forces, the reason for deployment, location of tour, and mission of the unit.

Each military branch requires different time spent “in the field” which means active training and/or undertaking an active mission.

For example, certain branches such as the Army may face more active combat situations than members of the Navy.

Therefore, the duration of tours of duty vary between the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

Different military branches and their sections determine the timing of a tour of duty.

Note that the Department of Defense has policies indicating the maximum length of any assignment based on the location, the mission, and whether the orders include family members.

Related Article – Which Branch Of The Military Should I Join?

A tour of duty in the Army to a combat zone is typically between 6 and 12 months, though in some cases it is extended to 15 months.

Deployment tours are dependent on the needs and demands of the Army.

In general, soldiers are eligible for two weeks of leave, known as “R&R” (rest and relaxation), after six months of deployment in a combat zone.

A tour of duty to a non-combat zone overseas may be 12 to 36 months.

If a soldier is assigned an “accompanied” tour of duty overseas, in which dependents and family members go along as well, the time period can be as long as 36 months.

Soldiers with dependents that serve “unaccompanied” tours overseas, in which family members do not go along, are usually in-country for 12 months.

Single soldiers (with no dependents) that are assigned to places such as Europe or Japan typically spend 36 months in tour duration.

In these cases, many service members request extensions to remain in these assignments. This may or may not be approved.

The Army considers several aspects in determining tour of duty length for overseas service.

These aspects include:

• Readiness of overseas units
• Stability for soldiers and their families in certain locations
• Stability for commanders in reducing the need for training new soldiers

In the Navy, a tour of duty indicates the period of time spent at sea, performing operational duties.

These duties may include:

• Fleet responsibilities
• Service in a foreign country

A naval tour of duty is part of a rotation that may include a six-month tour on a ship at sea and one month for maintenance in home port with time for training and/or exercises.

Then, there is usually a return to tour of duty at sea for another 6 months.

Most overseas tours for members of the U.S. Navy are limited to two or three years.

However, for naval military personnel assigned to Japan, Guam, and some other areas, tour lengths may last as long as four years.

In some cases, sailors that extend their tour of duty by a year may receive preferential consideration for their next location.

This incentive is offered to enhance the strength and stability of naval forces.

Similar to the Army, a typical tour of duty for Air Force personnel is 12 months in a combat zone.

Most enlisted USAF personnel are not normally involved in direct combat operations, however, which means most tours of duty are usually classified as either accompanied or non-accompanied. 

In this case, accompanied tours are usually for 24-36 months and unaccompanied for 12-24. The timespan will vary depending on the location.

For Air Force pilots and other aircrew members (flight engineers, navigators, loadmasters, etc.), the length of a tour of duty is mission-based. 

USAF members directly assigned to aircraft often do take part in combat missions, although they’re far more mobile than Army forces. Therefore, a tour of duty could be 12-24 months flying out of an installation in a contested region.

It could also be only a month or two providing airlift or air-to-air refueling, flying out of a base in a friendly country (such as Germany, Turkey, or Japan).

On the other hand, it could also mean an accompanied PCS to one of these long-established overseas locations for 36 months. 

Marine Corps

Marine Corps service members typically experience tours of duty overseas between 6 and 12 months, depending on the type of mission.

For example, a Unit Deployment Program (UDP) lasts 6 months, reducing the number of unaccompanied tours for individual Marines.

A deployment for a Marine Air-Ground Task Force lasts up to 6 months and is mission-specific to establish overt U.S. military presence in certain areas.

Marines can also be assigned a tour of duty as an Individual Augmentee.

This takes place when a service member with specific skills is sent to join another military operation for up to 12 months.

Units of Marines can also deploy for combat operations.

In these cases, the tour of duty duration is dependent on the military’s needs in engagement with enemy forces.

However, the length is limited by DoD policy, based on the location.

Conus-side, a stateside tour of duty for Marines is generally 36 months or 3 years. 

Related Article – Easiest Branch Of The Military

Factors That Influence Tour Of Duty Duration

In addition to a service member’s branch, there are other factors that influence how long a military tour of duty may last.

Since many TODs are spent in hazardous and/or unfriendly areas, away from family and comforts of home, the pressure and toll they take on military members can be significant.

This is why the military coordinates rotating of personnel as effectively as possible.

The goal is to avoid exhaustion and other risks involved in constant action and to attempt to preserve mental and physical health.

Individual service members may face longer or more frequent TODs depending on their experience and expertise.

Depending on the roles that military personnel play in the field, as well as the amount of stress and pressure they face, some tours are longer than others.

Other influential factors include:

• Military occupation
• Mission requirements
• Prior service experience
• Type of unit
• Available resources

Additionally, the reasons for deployment and the location are influential factors that affect the duration of a tour of duty.

For example, active combat missions are generally shorter than tours of duty for the purpose of training exercises or peace-keeping missions.

Related Article – How To Switch From Reserves To Active Duty

Different branches of the U.S. military assign various tours of duty of different duration, depending on many factors and circumstances.

When a military tour of duty is concluded, the service member is generally assigned to a regular duty station or post.

In addition, the service member is ineligible for another tour of duty for a certain period of time.

This ineligibility allows for a break, and recovery, from the intense pressure and action faced by military members that are associated with many deployments and overseas tours.

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The Basics of Military Tours: Exploring the Different Types and Benefits

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

Military tours are an integral part of military service. The purpose of this article is to explore the different types of military tours, as well as the benefits associated with serving in a tour. Additionally, it will provide an overview of the requirements for enlistment, security clearance, and education.

Exploring the Different Types of Military Tours

There are several different types of military tours available. These include active duty tours, reserve duty tours, and training/drill tours. Each type of tour has its own unique set of responsibilities and benefits.

Active Duty Tours

Active duty tours are the most common type of military tour. During an active duty tour, members of the military are typically deployed for extended periods of time, usually lasting anywhere from six months to a year. During an active duty tour, the individual is expected to perform a variety of duties, including combat missions, humanitarian efforts, and other operational activities.

Reserve Duty Tours

Reserve duty tours are less common than active duty tours, but they still play an important role in the military. Reserve duty tours involve individuals who have already completed their active duty service, but who remain part of the military in a reserve capacity. During a reserve duty tour, individuals are required to complete specific training exercises and may be called upon to participate in operations when needed.

Training/Drill Tours

Training/Drill tours are short-term tours that are typically conducted on a regular basis. During these tours, individuals are given the opportunity to hone their skills and learn new techniques. Training/Drill tours can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the individual’s needs.

A Guide to Understanding Military Tours

Once you have chosen the type of tour that best suits your needs, it is important to understand the specifics of each type of tour. The following section will provide an overview of the length of tours, tour locations, and types of jobs on tours.

Length of Tours

The length of a tour depends on the type of tour being undertaken. Active duty tours can last anywhere from six months to one year, while reserve duty tours may last for up to two years. Training/drill tours typically last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Tour Locations

The location of a tour can vary greatly depending on the type of tour being undertaken. For example, active duty tours may take place anywhere in the world, while reserve duty tours are typically limited to the member’s home state or region. Training/drill tours may take place at a local base or other military installation.

Types of Jobs on Tours

The type of job that an individual is assigned during a tour depends on the type of tour being undertaken. For example, active duty tours may involve combat missions, humanitarian efforts, or other operational activities, while reserve duty tours typically involve more administrative tasks. Training/drill tours may involve a variety of activities, such as learning new techniques or honing existing skills.

The Benefits of Serving in a Military Tour

Serving in a military tour can be a rewarding experience. There are numerous benefits associated with serving in a tour, including increased pay and allowances, improved job skills and experience, and college credit for serving.

Increased Pay and Allowances

Individuals who serve in a military tour are eligible for increased pay and allowances. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, “Members of the armed forces on active duty receive basic pay, which is based on rank and time in service. They also receive additional pay for special duties, such as hazardous duty or foreign language proficiency.” In addition to basic pay, individuals can also receive allowances for housing, food, and other expenses.

Improved Job Skills and Experience

Serving in a military tour can provide individuals with valuable job skills and experience. According to a report by the Rand Corporation, “Military personnel gain valuable job skills and experiences related to team building, leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking. These skills and experiences can be used to gain employment after leaving the military.”

College Credit for Serving

Individuals who serve in a military tour may be eligible for college credit. According to the American Council on Education, “Many colleges and universities offer credit for military service, including credit for courses taken during a tour of duty.” College credit for military service can help individuals save money and time when pursuing a degree after their tour.

How to Prepare for a Military Tour

In order to prepare for a military tour, individuals must meet certain physical fitness requirements, obtain necessary supplies, and mentally prepare for the experience. The following section will provide an overview of these requirements.

Physical Fitness Requirements

All individuals who are planning to serve in a military tour must meet certain physical fitness requirements. According to the U.S. Army, “All soldiers must pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run.” Individuals must also meet other physical fitness standards, such as body composition and cardiovascular endurance.

Mental Preparation

In addition to physical preparation, individuals must also mentally prepare for a military tour. According to the National Center for PTSD, “It is important to prepare mentally for the challenges of military life, such as the possibility of being in combat or facing other stressful situations.” Mental preparation can help individuals cope with the pressures of a military tour.

Obtaining Necessary Supplies

Individuals must also ensure that they have all the necessary supplies for their tour. According to the U.S. Army, “Soldiers should make sure they have all the necessary gear, such as uniforms, protective clothing, and weapons.” It is also important to ensure that all medical records are up to date and that any medications needed are obtained prior to the tour.

An Overview of Military Tour Requirements

In order to serve in a military tour, individuals must meet certain requirements. These requirements include enlistment requirements, security clearance, and education requirements. The following section will provide an overview of these requirements.

Enlistment Requirements

In order to serve in a military tour, individuals must first meet the enlistment requirements. According to the U.S. Air Force, “All applicants must meet age, education, moral, and physical requirements in order to be eligible for enlistment.” Additionally, individuals must also pass a background check and drug test.

Security Clearance

Individuals who wish to serve in a military tour may also be required to obtain security clearance. According to the U.S. Navy, “Personnel must possess the appropriate security clearance before they can be assigned to a tour.” Security clearance is typically required for individuals who will be working with sensitive information or materials.

Education Requirements

Finally, individuals must also meet educational requirements in order to serve in a military tour. According to the U.S. Marine Corps, “All personnel must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent in order to be eligible for a tour.” Additionally, some tours may require individuals to have a college degree or specialized training.

What You Need to Know About Military Tours

Before embarking on a military tour, it is important to understand the rules and regulations associated with the tour. This includes understanding the deployment policies, reenlistment rules, and health care options available to individuals serving in a tour.

Deployment Policies

Deployment policies vary depending on the type of tour being undertaken. According to the U.S. Army, “Deployment policies can vary based on the type of tour, but generally involve the deployment of personnel for a specified period of time.” It is important to understand the deployment policies prior to embarking on a tour.

Reenlistment Rules

Individuals who wish to serve in a military tour may be required to reenlist after completing their tour. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, “Reenlistment rules vary depending on the type of tour being undertaken. Generally, personnel must have served honorably in their previous tour in order to be eligible for reenlistment.”

Health Care Options

Individuals who serve in a military tour may be eligible for health care options. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Veterans who have served in a tour of duty may be eligible for health care benefits through the VA, including medical, dental, and vision care.” It is important to understand the health care options available to individuals serving in a tour.

Military tours are an important part of military service. This article explored the different types of military tours, such as active duty, reserve duty, and training/drill tours, and the benefits associated with serving in a tour. Additionally, it provided an overview of the requirements for enlistment, security clearance, and education. Serving in a military tour can be a rewarding experience, and individuals should ensure that they are adequately prepared before embarking on one.

Summary of Article

This article explored the different types of military tours, such as active duty, reserve duty, and training/drill tours, and the benefits associated with serving in a tour. Additionally, it provided an overview of the requirements for enlistment, security clearance, and education, as well as the deployment policies, reenlistment rules, and health care options available to individuals serving in a tour.

Final Thoughts

Serving in a military tour can be a rewarding experience. Individuals should ensure that they are adequately prepared before embarking on a tour, both physically and mentally. Additionally, they should understand the rules and regulations associated with their tour, as well as the benefits and requirements associated with serving in a tour.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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610-1: Establishing and Administering Hours of Duty

Material transmitted:.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Instruction 610-1, Establishing and Administering Hours of Duty, dated December 2, 2021.

Material Superseded:

HHS Instruction 610-1, Establishing and Administering Hours of Duty, dated 05/16/2008

Background:

This Instruction establishes Departmental policy on hours of duty and clarifies roles and responsibilities for administering hours of duty within the Department.  This Instruction has been revised to address Alternative Work Schedules.    

This policy is effective immediately and must be carried out by HHS Operating and Staff Division Heads in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, bargaining agreements, and Departmental policy.

Michael V. Culpepper Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Chief Human Capital Officer, Acting

610-1-00 Sections

610-1-10 Purpose 610-1-20 Coverage and Exclusions 610-1-30 References 610-1-40 Definitions 610-1-50 Responsibilities 610-1-60 Policy 610-1-70 Documentation and Accountability

610-1-10 Purpose

This Instruction implements the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy on the establishment of workweeks, work schedules, and related matters in order for HHS to plan and schedule work consistent with the actual work requirements needed to accomplish its mission.    

When provisions of this policy differ from changes in applicable law or regulation, the changes in law or regulation apply.

610-1-20 Coverage and Exclusions

The provisions of this Instruction apply to all HHS employees including Federal Wage System employees.

• Members of the Senior Executive Service (SES);
• U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps Officers
• When the provisions of this Instruction differ from the requirements contained in applicable collective bargaining agreement(s), the collective bargaining agreement takes precedence for bargaining unit employees.

610-1-30 References

• Executive Order 11582 (Observance of Holidays by Government Agencies, February 11, 1971)
• 5 U.S.C. §§ 6101-6133 (Hours of Work)
• 5 C.F.R. Part 610 (Hours of Duty)
• 5 C.F.R. Part 630 (Absence and Leave)
• HHS Instruction 630-1 (Leave and Excused Absences), issued December 17, 2010
• HHS Guide for Timekeeping , October 2018 

610-1-40 Definitions

• Administrative Workweek.  Any period of seven (7) consecutive 24-hour periods as designated in advance by the Secretary or his/her designee(s). See 610-1-60 below.
• Alternative Work Schedule (AWS).  Refers to flexible and compressed work schedules.
• Basic Work Requirement.  The number of hours, excluding overtime hours, an employee is required to work or to account for by leave or otherwise.  
• Compressed Work Schedule (CWS).  For full-time employees, an 80-hour biweekly basic work requirement which is scheduled for less than 10 workdays. For part-time employees, a biweekly basic work requirement of less than 80 hours which is scheduled for less than 10 workdays.
• Core Hours.    The designated hours and days during which an employee on a flexible work schedule must be present for work, as designated by the Operating Divisions/Staff Divisions (OpDiv/StaffDivs) Heads.
• Credit Hours. For employees on a flexible work schedule, any hours that an employee elects to work in excess of his or her basic work requirement so as to vary the length of a workweek or workday.  Full time employees on a flexible work schedule may accumulate not more than 24 credit hours, and  part-time employees may accumulate not more than one-fourth (1/4) of the hours in their bi-weekly basic work requirement, for carryover from a biweekly pay period to a succeeding biweekly pay period. Credit hours in excess of 24 hours are forfeited and do not entitle the employee to overtime compensation. Credit hours may not be earned or used by employees working under a compressed schedule. 
• Flexible Work Schedule (FWS).  A work schedule which includes both 1) core hours; and 2) designated hours during which an employee may elect the time of such employee’s arrival at and departure from work as designated by OpDiv/StaffDivs.
• Overtime Hours.  When used with respect to FWS programs, all hours in excess of 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week which are officially ordered in advance, but does not include credit hours.  With respect to full-time employees in CWS programs, any hours worked in excess of those specified hours which constitute the compressed work schedule.  With respect to part-time employees in CWS programs, overtime  pay shall begin to be paid after the same number of hours of work after which a full-time employee on a similar schedule would begin to receive overtime pay. Refer to HHS Instruction 550-1, “Premium Pay.”
• Regularly Scheduled Administrative Workweek.  For full-time employees, it is the period within an administrative workweek within which an employee is regularly scheduled to work.  For part-time employees, it is the officially prescribed days and hours within an administrative workweek during which an employee is regularly scheduled to work.
• Regularly Scheduled Work.  Work that is scheduled in advance of an administrative workweek.
• Tour of Duty.   The hours of a day (a daily tour of duty) and the days of an administrative workweek (a weekly tour of duty) that constitute an employee’s regularly scheduled administrative workweek.

610-1-50 Responsibilities

• Develops Department-wide human resources guidance and policy consistent with HHS and OPM policy, procedures and all applicable federal laws and regulations.
• Periodically reviews Operating Division and Staff Division (OpDiv/StaffDiv) procedures to assure conformance with HHS and OPM policy and guidance, and all applicable federal laws and regulations.
• Comply with this Instruction, and applicable federal laws and regulations.
• Designate core hours for their respective OpDiv/StaffDivs.
• Establish and publish supplemental policy on the regularly scheduled administrative workweek for full-time employees that includes a 40-hour basic workweek consisting of five (5) consecutive, 8-hour days, including the hours of duty.
• When it is impracticable to prescribe a regular schedule of definite hours of duty for each workday of a regularly scheduled administrative workweek, OpDiv/StaffDivs may establish the first 40 hours of duty performed within a period of not more than 6 days of the administrative workweek as the basic workweek. A first 40-hour tour of duty is the basic workweek without the requirement for specific days and hours within the administrative workweek.  All work performed by an employee within the first 40 hours is considered regularly scheduled work for premium pay and hours of duty purposes. Any additional hours of officially ordered or approved work within the administrative workweek are overtime work. See 5 C.F.R. 610.111(b) and HHS Instruction 550-1, “Premium Pay.”
• Ensure that regularly scheduled overtime is used prudently and that it is requested in writing and approved in advance of the administrative workweek, where practicable. 
• Track and record hours worked, leave usage, overtime, credit hours, compensatory time and other forms of paid and non-paid duty status.
• Authorize variations in work schedules for educational purposes and other circumstances consistent with mission objectives and applicable laws and regulations.
• Approve, modify, or terminate alternative work schedules in accordance with laws, regulations, HHS policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Approve or modify individual employee work schedules based on their assessment of the needs of the office and each employee's conduct and performance, and in order to accommodate, whenever reasonable and practicable, the employee's preferred arrival and departure times. Supervisors monitor staff attendance and work practices to determine the impact of the staff schedules on the functioning of the office.  As a result of such monitoring or assessments, supervisors may restrict, modify, or cancel an employee's participation in AWS.
• Direct changes in work schedules or modifications when necessary to meet operational needs of the organization or when the employee deviates from his or her approved work schedule.
• Ensure requests for changes in work schedules are approved in a fair and equitable manner.
• Report to work on time and adhere to the stipulated hours and days of work in accordance with their approved work schedule.
• Understand performance standards and abide by rules of conduct which factor into decisions associated with alternative work schedules.

610-1-60 Policy

• HHS shall observe an administrative workweek that consists of seven (7) consecutive calendar days which run from 12:01 a.m. Sunday to 12:00 midnight Saturday.
• The basic workweek, for full-time employees, shall consist of 40-hours over five (5) consecutive days.
• The regularly scheduled administrative workweek shall be from Monday through Friday, eight (8) hours per day with two consecutive days off on Saturday and Sunday. 
• The official hours of duty during the basic workweek are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., which includes a 30-minute meal break that is generally taken between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., except as otherwise provided within the respective collective bargaining agreement.  The meal break must be taken daily and cannot be forgone in order to shorten the daily tour of duty, unless an exception is approved by an authorized management official.  OpDiv/StaffDivs may vary the official hours of duty, the length of the meal break, and the timeframe during which meal breaks may be taken based on mission requirements and consistent with applicable law, regulations, HHS policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Under 610-1-50(B) above, OpDiv/StaffDivs may prescribe certain exceptions to the basic workweek.

OpDiv/StaffDivs are responsible for establishing the CWSs available for their OpDiv/StaffDivs and may choose to establish either, or both, or none of the following available CWS options:

• A full-time employee works eight 9-hour days and one 8-hour day for a total of 80 hours in a biweekly pay period.  The employee has one (1) day off each biweekly pay period.  The OpDiv/StaffDiv determines the number of hours each day a part-time employee must work in a 9-day biweekly pay period.
• In the case of a full-time employee who works a four-day workweek, the employee must work 10 hours a day, 40 hours a week and 80 hours in a biweekly pay period.  In the case of a part-time employee who works a four-day workweek, the OpDiv/StaffDivs will determine the number of hours each day a part-time employee must work in a four-day workweek and the number of hours in a biweekly pay period.

Variable Week Schedule - Week 1

Variable Week Schedule - Week 2

Maxiflex Schedule

• Leave or Other Excused Absence. AWS has no effect on an employee's right to use annual or sick leave.  All requirements for the advanced approval of non-emergency leave remain in effect.  Responsibilities of employees and supervisors with regard to requesting and approving or disapproving leave, both annual and sick, remain the same. Time off during an employee's basic workweek or AWS must be charged to an appropriate leave category, compensatory time off, credit hours, or other excused absence.  Approved leave taken for the entire day will be charged according to the number of hours that would normally have been worked.  If an AWS employee uses annual or sick leave on a day the employee was otherwise scheduled to work, the employee must be charged leave for the total number of hours required by the work schedule on that day.  Excused absence may be granted to employees on AWS under the same circumstances as with employees on other work schedules.  Refer to HHS Instruction 630-1, “Leave and Excused Absence,” for HHS policy on use of leave and excused absence.
• When a holiday occurs on a Saturday, the Friday immediately before is a legal holiday for employees whose basic workweek is Monday through Friday;
• When the actual holiday falls on a Sunday, the legal holiday will be the following workday (Monday for most employees). 
• For an employee whose basic workweek is other than Monday through Friday, when the actual holiday occurs on a regular weekly non-workday, except the regular weekly non-workday administratively scheduled for the employee instead of Sunday, the legal or in-lieu-of holiday is the workday immediately before the actual holiday.
• Part-time CWS and FWS employees are not entitled to an in-lieu-of holiday.  
• For federal employees who have duty posts outside the US, and who have a basic workweek other than Monday through Friday, and are regularly scheduled to work on Monday, their legal public (or in-lieu-of) holiday is the first workday of the workweek in which the Monday designated for the observance of the holiday occurs. 5 U.S.C. 6103(b)(3)
• Federal employees in the Washington DC area are entitled to a holiday on the day a President is inaugurated (January 20 following a Presidential election).  Employees are entitled to this holiday if they are employed in: District of Columbia, Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties in Maryland; Arlington and Fairfax Counties in Virginia; and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church in Virginia.  Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 6103(c) , when January 20 “falls on Sunday, the next succeeding day selected for the public observance of the inauguration of the President is a legal public holiday for purpose of” pay and leave.
• Full-Time Employees who are authorized to work a flexible work schedule who are relieved or prevented from working on a day designated as a holiday by Federal statute or Executive order are entitled to pay with respect to that day for eight (8) hours. If the President issues an Executive Order granting a half-day holiday, a full-time employee on a flexible work schedule is credited with half the number of hours he/she was scheduled to work, not to exceed four (4) hours. 
• Full-Time Employees who are authorized to work a compressed work schedule and who are relieved or prevented from working on a day designated as a holiday by Federal statute or Executive Order are entitled to basic pay for the number of hours of the compressed work schedule on that day.  For example, if an employee is scheduled to work a 9 or 10-hour workday, the employee’s holiday is 9 or 10 hours respectively.  If the President authorizes a half-day holiday, a full-time employee on a compressed work schedule is entitled to basic pay for half the number of hours he/she would otherwise work on that day. 
• Part-time employees on a flexible work schedule who are relieved or prevented from working on a day within the employee’s scheduled tour of duty that is designed as a holiday by Federal statute or Executive Order, are entitled to receive basic pay with respect to the holiday for the number of hours they are regularly scheduled to work on that day, not to exceed 8 hours.
• Part-time employees on a compressed work schedule who are relieved or prevented from working on a day within their scheduled tour of duty that is designated as a holiday by Federal statute or Executive order are entitled to basic pay for the number of hours of the compressed work schedule on that day.
• Part-time CWS and FWS employees are not entitled to an in-lieu-of day off when a holiday falls on a non-work day for the employee.
• If an employee has two basic workdays (i.e., two basic scheduled tours of duty) that overlap a single holiday, the employee is entitled to a holiday only for the tour of duty that commences (i.e., begins) on the holiday. The entire workday that begins on the holiday must be treated as if it fell on the holiday.
• A meal break is an approved period of time in a non-pay and non-work status that interrupts a basic workday or a period of overtime work for the purpose of allowing an employee to eat or engage in personal activities.  Employees who work five (5) or more hours in a day are allocated a 30-minute meal break.  Employees must take a meal break and may not save any part of the thirty (30) minutes in order to leave early or extend subsequent meal periods, unless an exception is authorized by the supervisor or other authorized approving management official.
• At the discretion of OpDiv/StaffDiv Heads, and subject to applicable collective bargaining agreements, management may authorize a brief period of paid work-time off of 15 minutes or less to improve organizational and employee proficiency.  However, breaks may not be scheduled immediately before or after a meal break or at the start or end of the workday, and may not be accumulated for use at a later time or in lieu of paid leave.
• Employees may request supervisory approval to extend the meal period and make up the difference either at the beginning or ending of the same day.
• An employee must be excused from job duties during his/her meal break. However, if an employee is recalled to job duties before the authorized meal break ends, the employee is entitled to be paid for compensable work in accordance with applicable law and regulation.

610-1-70 Documentation and Accountability

• Records including all documentation sufficient for third party reconstruction purposes, must be retained according to the record disposition schedule.  Generally, records created in a given year must be retained for a total of three (3) full years. 
• Records involved in litigation and grievance processes may be destroyed only after official notification is received from OPM, Department of Justice, courts, or the Office of the General Counsel, etc. that the matter has been fully litigated, or resolved and closed.
• ASA/OHR may conduct periodic accountability reviews to analyze compliance with this Instruction, HHS and OPM policy and guidance, and applicable federal laws and regulations.

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This Day In History : October 14

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U.S. servicemen sent to Vietnam for second tours

U.S. Defense Department officials announce that the Army and Marines will be sending about 24,000 men back to Vietnam for involuntary second tours because of the length of the war, high turnover of personnel resulting from the one year of duty, and the tight supply of experienced soldiers. This decision had an extremely negative impact on troop morale and the combat readiness of U.S. forces elsewhere in the world as troops were transferred to meet the increased personnel requirements in Vietnam.

Also on This Day in History October | 14

Anti-gay crusader anita bryant is hit in the face with a pie.

This Day in History Video: What Happened on October 14

“wake up little susie” becomes the everly brothers’ first #1 hit, theodore roosevelt shot in milwaukee, the battle of hastings, martin luther king jr. wins nobel peace prize.

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Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier

Nikita khrushchev ousted as premier of soviet union, dwight d. eisenhower is born, "the adventures of sherlock holmes" published, “pulp fiction” opens in theaters, trial begins in amityville murders, soviet missiles photographed in cuba, german general erwin rommel—aka “the desert fox”—dies by suicide, adolf hitler wounded in british gas attack.

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Colonel William Reeder, Last Captured Vietnam War Vet, to Speak at Barrington’s White House on March 31

Barrington's White House March 15, 2018 Community Events

Share the personal account of the last U.S. Army prisoner captured during the Vietnam War. Beyond the torment and pain of his ordeal, Reeder’s story is one of courage, hope and survival. Book signing following the presentation. Hosted by Barrington Village President Karen Darch and Barrington Area VFW. A breakfast buffet along with coffee and tea will be provided by Egg Harbor Cafe. Veterans are welcome for no charge. 

William Reeder is a thirty-year Army veteran with two tours of duty in Vietnam, flying armed OV-1 Mohawk reconnaissance airplanes and AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters. He participated in deep reconnaissance and surveillance operations throughout Southeast Asia and supported the special operations of MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command Vietnam, Studies and Observations Group). He has in excess of three thousand hours of flight time including more than one thousand hours in combat. During his second combat tour, he was shot down and captured by the communist North Vietnamese, spending nearly a year as a prisoner of war. He wrote a book on that experience, Through the Valley: My Captivity in Vietnam.

His military awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Valorous Unit Award, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and three Bronze Star Medals. He has three Purple Hearts for wounds received in action, the POW Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, and numerous Air Medals (one with “V” device for valor). In 1977 he was named Army Aviator of the Year and was inducted into the U.S. Army Aviation Hall of Fame in 2014. He was featured in the PBS documentary The Helicopter Pilots of Vietnam, as well as the “Attack Helicopters” episode of Deadliest Tech on the Military Channel. He has provided military commentary on CNN and the Discovery Channel. In 2017, he was chosen as the Naval Institute’s “Author of the Year.”

Colonel William Reeder

Tours of Duty

We were. We are. We will always be.

A Mission of Purpose

Tours of Duty unites the skills and experiences of military veterans as a search and recovery organization to rapidly deploy in support of bringing home our nations heroes.

Veterans possess critical skill sets for mission success in austere environments and the ability to adapt rapidly while maintaining mission integrity

Tours of Duty is dedicated to honoring and serving our nation’s veterans by tirelessly searching for Prisoners of War (POWs) and Missing in Action (MIAs), ensuring that their sacrifices and service are never forgotten. Through unwavering dedication, compassionate outreach, and collaborative efforts, we strive to bring closure to families and friends who have long awaited the return of their loved ones. With a commitment to excellence, we employ innovative techniques, cutting-edge technology, and a global network of partners to locate, recover, and repatriate those who have gone missing in service to our country. By advocating for their rights and promoting public awareness, we aim to create a lasting legacy that preserves the memory and respects the valor of our brave servicemen and women. Together, we bridge the past and the present, fostering healing, unity, and hope for a future where no veteran is left behind.”