When it comes to appreciating the full sweep of military history, sometimes doing research from home isn't enough. Rather, you may feel the need to have real, tangible experiences. Fortunately, there are plenty of officially sanctioned and well-organized historical tours that can guide you through the stories and sacrifices of brave fighting men and women who came before.

Because the history of U.S. military engagement is spread around the world and spans centuries, any list of tours will be incomplete by its very nature. We've assembled four fascinating places to start when you're seeking to book an in-person experience for this year and beyond. We've limited ourselves to sites within the continental U.S. and attempted to capture a wide breadth of time periods and areas of interest.

With that in mind, here are some places where you can immerse yourself in military history:

The USS Midway Museum, San Diego, CA

The USS Midway Museum is a floating attraction consisting of a real World War II-era aircraft carrier. Docked on Harbor Drive in San Diego, the ship contains authentic aircraft, along with a variety of exhibits and a multimedia theater. This is one of the most well-known military history sites in the country, winning a 2023 TripAdvisor Best of the Best award.

Tour details: A self-guided audio tour is available for the ship alongside the cost of a ticket — $31 for adults, $21 for veterans or kids ages 6-12. If you're traveling with a group, however, you can arrange for a one-hour docent tour, which is $550 for groups of up to 9 and $55 per person for groups of 10-60. To get a feel for the ship ahead of time, you can take a virtual tour from home.

Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, PA

Perhaps the most iconic battlefield associated with the Civil War, Gettysburg is a location steeped in history. The actual field is vast, but it centers around a world-class visitor center and museum. From there, you can trek out to see the places where events unfolded over the course of the bloody battle.

Tour details: There are multiple ways to tour the battlefield at Gettysburg. The Battlefield Tour takes 2.5 hours and costs $38 for adults, $23 for kids ages 6-12. There are also package deals with museum admission. Tours typically take place in buses, but there are also options for personal car tours and even bike tours run by a private company.

Oscar-01 Tour, Whiteman Air Force Base, MO

The Oscar-01 Missile Launch Control Facility is a much more esoteric location to tour, but one that paints a truly distinct portrait of a unique time in military history. This was the sole operational missile command site located on an active U.S. military base during the Cold War, and it served in that capacity from 1964-1993.

Tour details: Groups of up to eight people can book a tour of the missile facility on Mondays through Fridays. To explore the site, the group members already need to be approved for access to Whiteman Air Force Base.

Fort Drum History Tours, Fort Drum, NY

The U.S. military has been active in this area near the Canadian border since the War of 1812. While the present-day Fort Drum dates back to 1974, the site has lived many lives. It served as a training barracks from the early 1800s on, and was also a prisoner of war camp during World War II. Today, it hosts the 10th Mountain Division (LI), a prominent and frequently deployed light infantry division.

Tour details: Free history tours set off by bus by prior appointment from Monday through Friday, with guides providing historical information. Because the tours take place on an active military base, tour rosters need approval beforehand. The base is also home to a museum of Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division history.

We hope you have a wonderful year and set aside some time to see the most fascinating military sights this country has to offer.

Whether it's a Military ball or another formal event for the Armed Forces, these scenarios can add up after a while. That's why Operation Deploy Your Dress (ODYD) was developed. It's a chance for women of the Armed Forces to look their best at any formal affair, without the costs that come with it.

We'll explore more about this organization and how you can get involved.

Meet: Yvonne Coombes

Yvonne started as a Navy Family Readiness Group Leader from 2005 to 2007. This means that she represented a group of people who supported other spouses of those in the Armed Forces during deployment. This role helps directly connect commanders with their community, even during deployment.

From there, Yvonne continued to facilitate communication, community and commonplace between those on deployment and their family and friends. From helping with CrossCountry Mortgage to what is now the ODYD, Yvonne is dedicated to helping Armed Forces families get the support they need to lead the lives they want.

She truly believes that everyone who serves should feel the "tradition and camaraderie that takes place at military balls and formal functions."

Yvonne has been a Military wife for 20 years, and has helped hundreds of families connect and feel taken care of around the world.

What is ODYD?

Military balls are a significant part of the culture in this sector. Yvonne is the cofounder of ODYD, and began this journey in 2015 when she and her friends did a dress swap among the other women within their unit and their spouses. The intention was — and remains — to offset the cost of attending formal Military affairs.

They decided to expand this idea on a national and international level. Yvonne and her friends opened up these swaps to other units, which helped them gain more media attention. In the past 8 years, they have opened 13 stores around the country, with one in Germany that "deploys" dresses to any Military ID holders.

Their line of dresses includes a full bridal department where brides-to-be can pick from 27 brand-new wedding gown styles, accessories and looks. The entire process is done online through video conferencing so that any bride can work with the ODYD Bridal team so they're matched with the perfect dress.

Their newest installation occurred in 2022, with a partnership with David's Bridal. David's Bridal launched the Frontline Fierce Corporate Philanthropy Initiative to support frontline workers with formal dresses.

Fittings and Volunteers

The organization is run entirely by volunteers, donations and pure partnerships. They found support through the Fort Bliss Garrison Command and the Spouses' Club, which helped them expand their offerings and locations.

A Military cardholder can come by any one of the shops or contact the team online to pick up one dress and one accessory a year.

Being part of the Armed Forces or a spouse of someone serving isn't easy, but organizations like ODYD and their partners work hard to support in any way they can. You can make a donation or become a volunteer online by contacting them today.

Is life insurance the most overlooked, misunderstood and underrated kind of insurance? It may just be, specifically because it's so hard to envision needing this kind of coverage. It's uncomfortable to consider needing life insurance, and if you're young and in great health, it can seem like such a remote prospect, you might simply ignore it.

But that kind of attitude, while understandable, leaves people without the coverage they need. Only 53% of men in the U.S. have life coverage, and even fewer women — just 46%. This is why the insurance sector has come together to declare September Life Insurance Awareness Month. It's the time of year to take some of the fear and mystery out of life insurance and see it for what it is: An important and affordable way to look out for your loved ones.

What Is Life Insurance and Why Do You Need It?

Simply put, a life insurance policy exists to ensure that if the holder passes away, their nearest and dearest will receive financial support. It's a way to help families get by in extremely hard circumstances — and considering just how vital this can be, the costs are low.

In some cases, it's clear why and how that money matters. If you're married, it will help your spouse. If you have children, it can go to their care. But what if you're single and childless? Life insurance still matters, and it was cases like this that Life Insurance Awareness Month was founded to address.

There are so many instances when extra funds could help the people and things you care about most. If you own your own company or have anyone financially dependent on you in any way, money may matter a great deal. You provide for the individuals in your life and look after them every day. It can be comforting to know you could do the same in your absence.

Costs simply add up. Family members will have to go grocery shopping every week. Any kind of business will need money to keep the doors open and the lights on. Life insurance helps these things keep going — it's a way to show you're watching out for all the pieces of your life, and it's typically not hard or overly expensive to get a policy.

How Do You Get Life Insurance — and Pick the Best Plan?

How much coverage do you need to provide for your loved ones? That depends, but you can narrow it down. For example, Life Happens, the same group responsible for Life Insurance Awareness Month, offers a calculator. Plug your information into this system and you'll figure out the best policy amount for your needs. Then it's time to choose a provider.

Finding a life insurance policy doesn't have to be complicated, but you should take the decision seriously. This might mean working with an insurance agent or broker. That could mean choosing an independent professional to compare companies' offerings or working directly with a provider's agent.

Every provider offers a slightly different selection of products, along with a unique experience for policyholders, and a broker could help you sort through the offerings. Policies may also be available through employers, but there are some complexities that come with certain professions.

This is a good time for a history lesson. In 1947, U.S. service members weren't able to find coverage that would pay a death benefit if they lost their lives in combat. This is the reason why AFBA was founded — to provide peace of mind to the people who were serving their country. That's what we're still doing today, offering benefits to active duty military members, veterans and first responders.

 

George Washington is quoted as saying, “We need chaplains” while addressing the Continental Congress before the service was formally established on July 29th, 1775. That means U.S. Army chaplains have been around since before the Declaration of Independence was signed.

During the Revolutionary War, they acted as spiritual leaders to help inspire and motivate soldiers. Little has changed since then. The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps (DACH) still serves a critical role in the daily functions of the Army by providing religious and moral support.

Every year since its birthday, the anniversary of the DACH is celebrated. This July 29th, you can use the opportunity to acknowledge the exemplary work of the DACH in your own way.

Here, we’ll discuss the DACH”s mission and how you can potentially become a chaplain.

What does the DACH do?

The primary purpose behind the DACH is to offer support to the U.S. Army. This is usually religious support for a wide range of faiths, but they also help those who do not subscribe to any particular religion. This can include counseling, church services or other moral support. They also:

• Serve in correctional or medical facilities or combat hospitals.
• Offer family or marriage counseling.
• Can act as instructors in officer service schools.

Some chaplains choose to further their training and education to prepare them for higher-level work. This could mean taking on staffing responsibilities, handling personnel-related tasks, or being involved in financial and logistical duties.

The DACH never stops working. In peacetime or war, whether soldiers are deployed or at home, chaplains are always there to offer their services. They understand that servicemembers have a near-infinite variety of backgrounds, and they aim to help all who could benefit.

Army chaplains aren’t restricted in what type of unit they serve. Intelligence, infantry, community ministries, hospitals — you will find chaplains in all these places.

Considered non-combat personnel, chaplains are supported by religious affairs specialists. In addition to organizing worship services and religious programs, these specialist troops have administrative duties and must act as an armed guard to ensure chaplains’ safety in combat situations.

How do you become an Army chaplain?

Chaplains serve a vital purpose in their units, meaning they must undergo extensive education and training programs to prepare themselves for such great responsibilities. They’re treated as Army officers and receive all the privileges other officers have.

Unlike some other Army positions, Army chaplains must have formal higher education: at least a bachelor’s degree. In some cases, graduating college seniors can enlist.

An endorsement from the applicant’s faith group is necessary, as is being enrolled full-time in an accredited graduate program that can qualify them for ordination.

Another challenge is the Chaplain Candidate Program (CCP). Ministry students may begin this training while they’re still in school.

Chaplains are exempt from Basic Combat Training (BCT) but still undergo physical tests to build strength and endurance. Chaplains must pass the Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course (CHBOLC): In addition to requiring an adequate level of fitness, this course trains chaplains academically and spiritually.

Celebrate the anniversary of the Chaplain Corps this July 29

The DACH has had nearly 250 anniversary celebrations during its lifetime, and they’ve remained a core part of many Army units. On July 29th, show your appreciation for the DACH and its role in providing religious support to every soldier.

 

A shared holiday between the U.S. and South Korea, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day has been celebrated every year for the past 70 years on July 27 since 1953. Its purpose is to honor veterans of the Korean War, which gave South Korea (then known as the Republic of Korea) independence from North Korea, which was called the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at that time.

The Korean War is often referred to as “The Forgotten War” because of how little media attention it got. However, advocates for Korean War veterans fought to bring recognition to the heroic sacrifices of the many who died during the conflict. Soon after, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day was nationally recognized. It became a tradition for the President of the United States to make an address each year on the armistice’s anniversary.

The Deadly Chosin Reservoir Campaign

The Chosin Reservoir Campaign was an especially deadly period in which over 5,000 American troops died in the winter of 1950, either from the elements or in combat. One key battle in which the Chinese attacked the U.S. Marine-led forces became pivotal to winning the war. These efforts were not in vain and ultimately led to the U.S. and South Korea succeeding in rebuking North Korea and China.

Acting as a backup force for the North Koreans, this campaign was a core aspect of the Chinese Second Offensive. Its purpose was to force the United Nations to retreat from North Korea by destroying the 1st U.S. Marine Division, which had entered North Korea from the east before marching inland. They were in a weakened state and in a vulnerable position when the Chinese chose their moment to attack. About 120,000 Chinese soldiers attacked the remaining 15,000 U.S. soldiers and Marines, who fought alongside 15,000 UN soldiers.

The remaining U.S. and UN forces battled through the Chinese ranks to reach transport ships at the coast. This required moving through a series of mountain passes, a bridged chasm and a narrow road — a 78-mile hike through the most treacherous terrain in Korea.

Despite the odds being strongly against them, the historic General Douglas MacArthur led an effort that succeeded in heroically fighting through the Chinese army and evacuating 98,000 refugees while preventing the annihilation of the UN forces. The battle became legendary in Marine Corps lore as one of their greatest moments.

The end of the Korean War

The U.S. considered the Korean War a fight against communism itself. They feared that if North Korea succeeded in overtaking South Korea, the Soviets and their allies would be emboldened to invade more countries.

There was fear among some, especially the Americans, that a prolonged conflict could bring Russia into the war — potentially bringing about World War III. They were thus strongly motivated to reach an armistice as soon as they could. By the time the Korean War ended in July 1953, an estimated 23,600 U.S. servicemembers had died. North Korea’s invasion was unsuccessful, and there were few territory shifts.

Pay respects to Korean War veterans on July 27

Thanks to the efforts of advocates, July 27 is a national holiday in which we honor veterans of the Korean War. Pay your respects to these distinguished individuals when the anniversary of the armistice comes. These are servicemembers who most certainly shouldn’t be forgotten in “the forgotten war.”

 

When summer hits, the kids are off, your spouse’s PTO is saved up and the promise of a fun adventure is on the horizon. A trip to Washington DC could serve to be a rewarding experience for the whole family. Not only do you get to feel the heartbeat of America, but you can also dive into its deep history.

Before booking your trip, here’s what you need to know and some spots to put on your itinerary.

Planning your trip

DC has a lot to offer the common traveler. From the White House and Capitol to the presidential and military memorials. With so many attractions and potentially not a lot of time to see them, it’s important to narrow your choices and focus on a specific aspect of the city. Let’s get down to how to plan your trip.

AFBA travel benefits

If you’re an AFBA member, you have certain travel benefits you should take advantage of before booking anything.

• Car rental discounts: While DC is notoriously easy to walk through and shared rides are abundant, you may consider booking a car rental. This can be helpful if you want to stay somewhere outside the city and visit surrounding sites, want to make DC more accessible on your own time or have specific travel needs like wheelchair access.
• Armed Forces vacation club: From hotels to exclusive discounts, any member of AFBA can benefit from starting their itinerary with this one-stop-shop website.
• Wholesale hotel rates: Receive wholesale rates at over 600,000 hotels around the country — that’s 60% of any hotel on the list!

All of these advantages can put your trip on the right foot.

What to bring and not bring

Traveling comes with it a host of decisions, but here’s what to bring and leave behind on your trip.

Summer in DC is known for its humidity and average temperatures falling between the high 80s and low 90s. These two weather conditions combined make for summer storms as well. So, pack your raincoat, a good pair of walking shoes and your favorite breezy summer clothes to make this trip the best one yet.

DC is also a fairly large city, and it could get confusing if you’re not familiar with the area. Map out where each site and attraction is beforehand so you’re not wasting your time zig-zagging across town. If you book a tour, be sure to mark where the guide will meet you.

The top museums and locations to visit

Along with the main attractions like the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial, here are the best places to see if you’re a military history enthusiast:

• The Korean War Veterans Memorial.
• National World War II Memorial.
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
• National Museum of the United States Army.
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
• National Museum of the United States Navy.

There is a lot to do and see when you visit Washington DC. Once you have your itinerary planned out, enjoy the music, food, art and culture of the area.

 

Virtually everyone has used insurance at least once. It comes in a wide range of forms covering practically everything, from life and auto insurance to protection for parcels in the mail. You can even insure items like your watch or smartphone against being lost or stolen. The list may genuinely be endless.

If it can be insured, someone probably offers coverage for it. But do you regularly compare your insurance needs with the insurance you own? Are you getting what you need at the right price?

Do you need life insurance when you’re young (you do) or should you wait until you’re older? How likely do you think you are to be in an auto accident? Are you covered if you become ill or injured and need an emergency room visit or hospitalization?

Depending on the answers to questions like these, you may wish to alter your insurance plans. That’s what National Insurance Awareness Day — observed on June 28 every year — is for.

Insurance has been available for thousands of years

Some of the earliest civilizations had insurance. Somewhere between 4000 and 3000 BCE, Babylonian sea merchants would purchase bottomry contracts. These had a ship’s owner use their vessel as collateral in exchange for a loan including interest. If the ship was lost at sea or heavily damaged, the insurer would be out of luck; but if the ship returned safely in good condition, the loan and its interest would be repaid.

Marine insurance continued to develop in new forms across the world, including in ancient Greece and those who traded with them. The Romans, while they were busy revolutionizing civilization, invented life insurance.

In the 17th century, the famous and still-existing Lloyd’s of London was founded. Its founder, Edward Lloyd, would gather information about shipments from docks and compile them into the Lloyd’s List publication. While its information-gathering is a little more sophisticated than when it began, Lloyd’s List is still being updated today.

Why evaluate your insurance needs?

First, consider what you want to be insured. Medical bills and your automobile are some of the most popular options. Other types such as life insurance are all too often passed over.

Even if you have all the insurance you need, you may be paying too much. Rates are constantly changing, and it’s worth the time and effort to shop around for the best price.

If your life circumstances change, so should your insurance. Have you taken a new job that requires driving in dense traffic? Has your health changed? What about your marital status? Many life events warrant taking a fresh look at your insurance options.

You don’t necessarily need to shop for a new insurance provider and go through the paperwork all over again. You can talk to your current company and ask if they have other choices or promotions that might better suit your life situation. Many insurance companies allow you to customize your plan online.

Seeking out other ways to lower your insurance costs is something else to consider. Have you purchased a new car with advanced safety features? Bring it up with your auto insurance company. Are you taking care of yourself better? Maybe hitting the gym more, eating well and better controlling your weight? You could be eligible for health insurance discounts.

Look at your insurance options on National Insurance Awareness Day

It’s strongly recommended that you take the time annually to look at all your insurance options and find the best policies and rates that fit your specific needs.

Perhaps the most important thing you get from insurance is peace of mind. Knowing you’re covered in the event of an incident makes you feel better with less stress and worry — which can mean a longer lifespan and better overall health.

 

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate dads everywhere. But serving dads — whether military dads or first responder dads — deserve special appreciation for the uncommon challenges they face while serving, whether directly or indirectly.

The different types of serving dads

All serving dads are included in Father’s Day, but what does that term include?

Military dad and first responder dad are terms that can apply to many people. It can be a father serving in the armed forces or a first responder unit to a mother, son or daughter at home. It includes a dad supporting a serving mom. Just as the term “military family” refers to any proud kin who’s there for a related servicemember, a military dad is any type of serving dad.

Unique challenges serving dads face

Depending on the role of the military or first responder dad in their family, each faces unique challenges to be recognized and appreciated on Father’s Day.

Serving dads can be called to duty at any time, leaving their families for as long as their service is needed. Military dads are often required to relocate frequently, perhaps staying in one location for no more than a few months before being redeployed elsewhere. This forces them to leave shallow roots in their former place of residence to grow new ones elsewhere, which can cause stress to everyone in the family.

Being in the armed forces or a first responder unit inherently involves a degree of danger. For the serving dad, they must come to terms with the worry they may impose on those at home. The serving dad works all hours, day or night, whenever he’s called to action, which can potentially make communication with family members at home difficult.

The dad who supports his serving family member is on the other end of this. Perhaps they worry for a mother, son or daughter who serves. Maybe they, too, are facing the difficulties of keeping in touch when their servicemember could potentially be halfway around the world, or a first responder works 12-hour shifts, from evening to morning the next day.

Serving dads sacrifice uncommonly to serve their country and community. It is important to acknowledge this on Father’s Day, whether you’re a friend or family member of one.

Ideas for celebrating serving dads

What a serving dad may appreciate most differs from one to the next, but almost all would cherish a special gesture or two on Father’s Day. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

Write them a letter by hand

The difference between a phone call and a letter is permanence. Serving dads would almost certainly appreciate a phone call, but having a genuine letter carries a special significance. When times are toughest, the serving dad can take the time to stop, feel the paper in their hands and read the letter as many times as they wish.

Include a printed photo as an added bonus that they’ll be sure to appreciate.

Pay them a visit

If possible, go to where the serving dad is and spend some time with them.

Being a good listener can come in handy here. A serving dad to a military or first responder family member may have fewer opportunities than they’d prefer to talk about their challenges.

If you think they’d appreciate it, take them out to a favorite place of theirs, whether it’s a park, restaurant or some other special location.

However you show your appreciation on Father’s Day, do it with sincerity

Feel free to use one of these ideas or think of something special yourself. Few are the serving dads who wouldn’t feel their spirits lifted at a Father’s Day gift — especially those that carry a sincere gesture from the heart.

 

There are few jobs as selfless or necessary as the military caregiver. These individuals — who can be friends, distant relatives, family members, or anyone else who wants to help — assist disabled members of the military with activities they can no longer perform on their own. This can include showering, eating or dressing. A military caregiver might also be called a veteran caregiver if the individual receiving care is a veteran but not an active servicemember.

Despite the name, not all military caregivers identify as caregivers. A military caregiver isn’t necessarily a job title (though for some, it can be), but rather a catch-all term for someone who helps a servicemember or veteran with daily activities.

While they’re necessary to the service member’s life, many military caregivers don’t get the resources they need to manage. Being a military caregiver is often extremely stressful, and many give up basic necessities in their lives to serve their member(s) of the military. That’s why, in addition to talking about how valuable military caregivers are, we’ll also be discussing the resources available to them — and how you can help.

How else do military caregivers help?

A military caregiver may not assist with physical activities at all, but instead (or even in addition to this) serve a servicemember by:

• Offering emotional support.
• Taking care of legal or financial responsibilities.
• Managing their schedule and transportation to and from appointments.

Active duty members of the armed forces and veterans alike often don’t get the help they need to function in their daily lives. A military caregiver is someone who makes that possible.

The challenges military caregivers face (and the help they can get)

Serving indirectly as a military caregiver isn’t easy. It can be incredibly stressful and eventually lead to burnout, which in turn can lead to serious psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Luckily, there are some programs available that aim to assist those who sacrifice more than just their own time and energy to care for active service members and veterans (many give up their education, health and finances as well). One is the Department of Defense, which has been reaching out to military caregivers since 2013 to provide support. They offer resources such as networking opportunities with other caregivers to help each other cope emotionally, physically and financially. For many military caregivers, opportunities like these are invaluable for their own well-being.

Other nonprofit programs such as the Wounded Warrior Project exist to help wounded members of the military return to being active participants in their community, among many other services the organization offers. Military caregivers can also take advantage of the extra help.

What can you do to help?

If you want to become involved in helping military caregivers care for both their service member(s) and themselves, reach out to one and offer whatever assistance you can. They will surely appreciate it.

Alternatively, you can donate to a cause such as the Wounded Warrior Project that directly benefits military caregivers. You can also call up your nearest army station or veterans affairs office and ask if they know of any local opportunities to get involved.

Become a positive force for military caregivers so they can continue to serve

Military caregivers give their bodies and souls to caring for an active duty service member or veteran. Just as the military community constantly needs help, so are the people who are crucial in improving their quality of life.

This May, recognize and honor those who indirectly serve in this way.

 

If you’re a servicemember, veteran, dependent or any other eligible type of passenger, you may qualify for free accommodations on Space-A flights if a vacancy is available.

What is a Space-A flight?

Space-A stands for space-available flight and is also referred to as military hopping. If a Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft has vacancies when traveling between air bases, eligible persons may fill these seats at no charge, according to the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act. The purpose of Space-A is to give certain types of people the freedom to travel on flights that have vacancies.

Space-A flights can be on commercial airplanes, but they might also be on fuel tankers or cargo aircraft.

The different categories of travelers

Depending on who you are and the reason for your travel, you’re placed in one of six categories. When Space-A considers who gets priority when someone requests to fill a vacancy, the lower categories get picked first. Here are the different categories and what they might include:

Category 1: Emergency leave travel

The emphasis here is on the word “emergency.” People who might qualify for this category include DoD civilian employees who are stationed overseas or full-time American Red Cross employees serving in a military capacity.

Category 2: Accompanied environmental and morale leave (EML)

This might include DoD Dependent School (DoDDS) teachers on vacation or sponsors traveling for EML purposes.

Category 3: Ordinary leave, house hunting TDY

Those on ordinary leave or military members who are house hunting (following PCS orders) generally qualify for this rank.

Category 4: Unaccompanied dependents on EML

Family members on EML are in this tier. This also encompasses DoDDS teachers and their family members.

Category 5: Permissive TDY, students, dependents, post-deployment/mobilization respite absence

If their sponsor is stationed overseas or in Alaska or Hawaii, students fall into this group.

Category 6: Retirees, dependents, reservists and disabled veterans

This category would apply to these types of flyers on vacation, for example.

How to sign up for Space-A flights

Signing up for a Space-A flight is very different from booking a seat on a commercial aircraft. You won’t be using traditional airports or booking accommodation at all; instead, you’ll communicate with an Air Mobility Command (AMC) Passenger Terminal to reserve a spot.

These are instructions to keep in mind, according to AMC. More information can be found on their website.

1. Ensure your eligibility. There are six categories of travel that determine your eligibility for Space-A, with lower categories getting higher priority. This includes emergency leave, unfunded travel, and accompanied or unaccompanied environmental and morale leave (EML). Which category you fall into depends on the reason behind your travel and your duty status.
2. Check which locations are available. Review your closest AMC Passenger Terminal through their social media page or website.
3. Make sure your documents are in order. Look at which travel documents you need to prepare before your flight. This includes your passport (with visas, if applicable).
4. Register at an AMC Passenger Terminal.
5. Look at flight schedules. There is a 72-hour flight schedule on the American Forces Public Information Management System (AFPIMS) web page.
6. Check-in at the terminal counter. Familiarize yourself with any newly updated flight information and declare that you are present. If everything is in order, the terminal will give you a Space-A call when they’re ready for you to board.

Roam the skies for free with Space-A flights

While not everyone is eligible to ride on a Space-A flight under all circumstances, as long as you meet the basic requirements, you can take advantage of this perk. For more information, contact your nearest AMC passenger terminal.