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DoD Mandates Two-Year Unaccompanied, Three-Year Family Tours in South Korea

Effective Oct. 1, 2025, the policy cuts relocation costs by extending tours to match lengths in other overseas postings.

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An undated file photo of the U.S. Forces Korea's Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, some 65 kilometers south of Seoul, taken from the USFK's Facebook page (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Unaccompanied service members will serve 24-month tours and those accompanied by families will have 36-month assignments, aligning Korea postings with other overseas commands.
  • Officials anticipate roughly $90 million in annual savings by reducing permanent change of station moves and strengthening unit cohesion.
  • Limited 12-month solo tours will remain for cases where family sponsorship cannot be accommodated, with eligible soldiers receiving separation pay.
  • The directive excludes rotational deployments such as nine-month Stryker Brigade rotations and preserves the congressionally mandated force level of 28,500 troops.
  • Service branches are adjusting implementation schedules and reviewing assignment incentive pay to facilitate the transition to longer tours.