DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS 2 NAVY ANNEX WASHINGTON, DC 20380-1775 MCO 4631.10A ASM-4 29 Apr 97 MARINE CORPS ORDER 4631.10A From: Commandant of the Marine Corps To: Distribution List Subj: OPERATIONAL SUPPORT AIRLIFT MANAGEMENT Ref: (a) MCO 4630.21 (b) DoDINST 4500.56 (c) OPNAVINST 4631.2 (d) Operational Support Airlift (OSA) Users Guide, 19 Sept 96 (e) OPNAVINST 5410.13 (f) DoDINST 4515.13 (NOTAL) (g) DoDINST 4500.9 (NOTAL) (h) MCO P4030.19F (i) Joint Federal Travel Regulations (j) MCO P4600.7C (k) MCO 4630.16B Encl: (1) USMC Validating Activities (2) Standard Airlift Request Form MC11330 (3) Validation and Authorization Procedures (4) VIP Codes 1. Purpose. This Order amplifies the policies of references (a) through (k) and establishes the procedures for the peacetime operation and management of Operational Support Aircraft (OSA). This includes Marine Corps aircraft designated Operational Support Airlift (OSA) as defined by reference (a) and other logistics capable COMMARFOR aircraft when performing outside of the scope of their primary assigned mission. 2. Cancellation. MCO 4631.10. 3. Definitions a. Operational Support Airlift (OSA). Includes all airlift transportation in support of command, installation or management functions using DoD owned or controlled aircraft. Excludes transportation provided through Airlift Service Fund (ASIF), support DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED MCO 4631.10A 29 Apr 97 of presidential, attache, and Security Assistance Organizations, and aircraft assigned to the 89th Military Airlift Wing. b. Operational Support Aircraft. Those fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft acquired and/or retained exclusively for OSA, as well as any other DoD owned or controlled aircraft used for OSA purposes. c. Joint Operational Support Airlift Center (JOSAC). The joint scheduling activity assigned responsibility to schedule all valid CONUS OSA airlift requests and coordinate requirements with the requester and reporting custodian of OSA aircraft on all scheduled missions. JOSAC is located at the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Scott AFB, IL. d. Joint Air Logistic Information System (JALIS). JALIS is the automated scheduling system utilized by all Services to provide validated airlift requests to JOSAC for action. e. Validating Activity. The agency(ies) assigned responsibility to validate and input OSA airlift requests into JALIS to JOSAC for action. f. Field Validators. Personnel assigned to validating activities who are tasked with the responsibility for receiving, processing, verifying passengers/cargo eligibility, assessing priority of travel, and inputting valid airlift requests into JALIS. g. Valid Request. An airlift request which has been verified to contain all required approval authorizations and correctly prioritized using the Priority Urgency Justification Category (PUJC) codes. h. Aircraft Custodian. Unit(s) assigned OSA aircraft as their Primary Aircraft Authorization (PAA). 4. Background a. The DoD has established an inventory of OSA aircraft which is based solely on wartime requirements, and which operate in accordance with reference (a). Marine Corps OSA requirements have been established and are reviewed annually to ensure an appropriate level of OSA resources are maintained for wartime needs. b. Reference (b) is the Secretary of Defense memorandum on the Use of Government Aircraft and Air Travel. This memorandum prescribes 2 MCO 4631.10A 29 Apr 97 guidelines for the most effective use of airlift resources, and provides reporting and requesting procedures for the use of OSA assets. All DoD components are directed to comply with this memorandum. c. The fleet of Marine OSA consists of C-9B, UC-12, CT-39, and C-20 aircraft. d. On 10 October 1995, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) tasked USTRANSCOM to evaluate CONUS OSA operations and provide recommendations to increase efficiencies. The Secretary of Defense accepted two USTRANSCOM recommendations forwarded by CJCS and tasked the Services with the following: (1) retain ownership of OSA aircraft; and (2) consolidate scheduling under USTRANSCOM management. e. USTRANSCOM established JOSAC to maximize use of available CONUS OSA assets to support the highest priority requests by optimally programming, planning, scheduling, modifying, executing and tracking CONUS OSA missions. 5. Policy a. DoD maintains and operates an inventory of DoD OSA aircraft to meet approved DoD emergency and wartime requirements with due regard for available commercial transportation. Marine Corps OSA and the associated operating and management structure will be maintained at a level that will ensure emergency and wartime requirements can be met. These aircraft will be used in peacetime to provide essential training for operational personnel, cost effective seasoning of pilots, and the transport of passengers and cargo where military needs dictate. When these aircraft perform wartime or emergency missions, cost effectiveness requirements outlined in this Order are not applicable. b. Marine Corps OSA aircraft are assigned to organizations or commands to satisfy valid transportation requirements in support of internal administration and management functions as outlined in Title 10 U.S.C. 5013(b). Requirements for OSA outside these functions are to be referred to the Air Mobility Command (AMC) in accordance with reference (e). 3 MCO 4631.10A 29 Apr 97 c. Operational readiness shall be achieved within approved flight hour programs. d. JOSAC is the scheduling authority. The Marine Corps shall maintain validating activities to coordinate OSA airlift requests with JOSAC. e. Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), Aviation Manpower and Support (ASM), Aviation Support Coordination Office (ASCO) shall act as the Marine Corps liaison with JOSAC. All concerns regarding JOSAC policy shall be directed to this office for action. f. The priority of travel on military aircraft is to be determined on the basis of mission impact, rather than the rank of the requester. Scheduling and approving officials should follow the Airlift Priority System in reference (a). g. Eligibility criteria for passenger traffic is established by reference (f). h. Tactical (Fleet Marine Force organic) aircraft shall not be used for OSA missions except under extraordinary circumstances and with approval of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation. Additionally, the tactical aircraft must have already been scheduled for an official purpose and the travel must: (1) be on a noninterference basis; (2) not require a larger aircraft than already scheduled for the mission; (3) not require that scheduled official travelers or cargo be displaced; and (4) result in negligible additional costs to the Government. i. All OCONUS OSA airlift requests will be forwarded via message to CMC Washington DC//ASM// for action. j. All Marine Corps band airlift requests will be forwarded via message to CMC Washington DC//ASM/PA// for action. 4 MCO 4631.10A 29 Apr 97 k. OSA shall not be requested if appropriate ground transportation can provide movement to required destination within a period not to exceed 60 minutes. l. The uniform for passengers for all operational support airlift flights may be appropriate civilian attire or the uniform of the day as directed by the requesting unit. m. Hazardous materials will be prepared and certified for air transportation in accordance with reference (g). 6. Responsibilities a. The Air Support Coordination Office (ASCO), Aviation Department, HQMC, is the USMC liaison to JOSAC on all policy and scheduling issues. Additionally, this office is responsible for: (1) advising CMC and DC/S Aviation on all matters pertaining to operational support airlift; (2) ensuring effective airlift management and utilization of all Marine Corps operational support aircraft; (3) ensuring implementation of JALIS within the Marine Corps in accordance with reference (d); (4) reviewing this Order at the beginning of each calendar year, or as necessary, and submission of appropriate changes; (5) consolidating quarterly flight hour messages and submit to JOSAC; and, (6) preparation/submission of reports, as required. b. Validating activities for OSA are the various Aviation Transportation Coordination Office (ATCO) sections at Headquarters Marine Corps; Commander, Marine Corps Air Bases, East (COMCABEAST); Commander, Marine Corps Air Bases, West (COMCABWEST); Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma; and Commanding General, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. These activities are responsible for: (1) coordinating with the scheduling activity (JOSAC) on all OSA requests within the guidelines of references (a) through (k), with particular emphasis on use of the JALIS for scheduling and cost 5 MCO 4631.10A 29 Apr 97 comparisons as described in reference (d); (2) providing airlift request status to the requesting agency 5 days prior to requested movement date; and (3) entry into JALIS of all monthly Post Mission Reports (PMR), of the subordinate aircraft custodians, on the first workday following the flight, as outlined in reference (d). c. In addition to the above general responsibilities, the following specific duties are assigned: (1) HQMC ASCO shall: (a) validate and process airlift requests (regardless of cost effectiveness) originating from within Headquarters Marine Corps; CG MCCDC, Quantico, VA; Marine Barracks, Washington, DC; and other DoD organizations in the Washington, D.C. area; (b) refer approved OSA requests on tactical aircraft to the appropriate command; and (c) schedule all USMC OCONUS OSA mission support. (2) COMCABEAST ATCO shall: (a) validate and process airlift requests (regardless of cost effectiveness) originating from COMMARFORLANT, the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Corps Bases, Air Stations and independent Marine Corps activities located east of the Mississippi River (exclusive of the Washington, D.C. area); (b) coordinate scheduling of Marine OSA aircraft located at MCAS Beaufort, MCAS Cherry Point, and MCAS New River with the scheduling activity (JOSAC); and, (c) submit quarterly flight hours available for JOSAC scheduling to HQMC ASCO. (3) COMCABWEST ATCO shall: (a) validate and process airlift requests (regardless of cost effectiveness) originating from COMMARFORPAC, the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, and Marine Corps Bases, Air Stations and independent Marine Corps activities located west of the Mississippi River; 6 MCO 4631.10A 29 Apr 97 (b) coordinate scheduling of Marine OSA aircraft located at MCAS El Toro and MCAS Yuma with the scheduling activity (JOSAC); and, (c) submit quarterly flight hours available for JOSAC scheduling to HQMC ASCO. (4) CO MCAS Futenma shall: (a) validate and process airlift requests (regardless of cost effectiveness) originating from CG III MEF, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Corps Bases, Air Stations and independent activities located in the western Pacific; (b) schedule Marine OSA aircraft located at CO MCAS Futenma and CO MCAS Iwakuni. (5) 4th Marine Aircraft Wing ATCO shall: (a) validate and process airlift requests (regardless of cost effectiveness) originating from COMMARFORRES, 4th Marine Division, 4th Marine Air Wing, and 8th Marine Corps District; (b) coordinate scheduling of Marine OSA aircraft located at NAS New Orleans with the scheduling activity (JOSAC); and, (c) submit quarterly flight hours available for JOSAC scheduling to HQMC ASCO. (6) Marine Corps Representative at NALO shall provide liaison with the authorized scheduling activity for passage of airlift requests to the DoN for OSA missions which cannot be satisfied with existing USMC assets. (7) Marine Corps Representatives at JOSAC are responsible for: (a) liaison with HQMC ASCO on all policy and scheduling issues that affect the management and utilization of USMC OSA aircraft. (b) assisting CMC in submission of monthly reports to the SecDef on senior federal official travel; and, 7 MCO 4631.10A 29 Apr 97 (c) coordination of any special reports requested by the CMC (HQMC ASCO). (8) Aircraft Custodians of OSA Aircraft shall: (a) provide OSA aircraft as directed by JOSAC; (b) implement a training program which will maintain sufficient aircrew in a ready status to meet emergency and wartime requirements, and all scheduled peacetime operations; (c) provide, via JALIS, an aircraft status report of all forecasted non-available aircraft to the scheduling activity (JOSAC); (d) ensure the preparation and submission of PMR’s to JALIS the next working day following the completion of all flights (OSA, training, PMCF); and, (e) submit quarterly flight hours available for JOSAC scheduling to the validating activity. 7. Requests for OSA Transportation a. Supported units are responsible for submitting airlift requests via message as outlined in enclosure (2), or via NAVMC 11330, Request for Transportation form, enclosure (3). These requests will be forwarded to the appropriate Validating Activity listed in enclosure (2). CMC WASHINGTON DC//ASM4// shall be an info addressee on all airlift request messages. b. Units are required to identify the purpose of travel in paragraph 9 of the airlift request message, or in the block titled "Specific Purpose of Travel", NAVMC 11330. This will allow the validating activity to ensure the appropriate priority and justification codes are assigned. c. Airlift requests will be signed by the senior official traveler. d. Supported units must ensure that all individuals listed on the request will be traveling on funded Government, or civilian invitational, travel orders in accordance with reference (i). 8 MCO 4631.10A 29 Apr 97 8. Requests for Transportation of DoD Senior Officials, General/Flag Rank Officers a. Transportation requests for DoD senior officials and general/flag officers, other than Required Use and Official Duty Required Use travelers, as defined by reference (b), shall be submitted in writing to HQMC ASCO (CMC WASHINGTON DC//ASM4//) for validation. The request format is shown in enclosure (3). b. The request will be signed by the senior official traveler certifying the need to use MilAir and to expend the associated costs. This signature authority may not be delegated. c. Funded Travel. As outlined in reference (b), family member travel may be approved when there exists an unquestionably official function in which the family member will actually participate in an official capacity, or such travel is deemed in the national interest because of a diplomatic or public relations benefit to the United States. Submit family member travel requests to the Director, Marine Corps Staff (DMCS), for Assistant Commandant (ACMC) approval, info CMC WASHINGTON DC//ASM4//. d. Unfunded Travel. Such travel is authorized for a family member only when accompanying a senior DoD official or other Federal official traveling on a military aircraft on official business. This category of travel differs from the space available privilege set forth in reference (f) in that it is limited to travel in the company of a senior DoD official and is reimbursable by the traveler at the full commercial coach class fare rate. Such travel is authorized on MilAir only under the following circumstances: (1) the aircraft is already scheduled for an official purpose; (2) this noninterference use does not require a larger aircraft than needed for the official purpose; (3) official travelers are not displaced; and, (4) it results in negligible cost to the government and the government is reimbursed at the full commercial coach class fare rate. e. Approval Authority. COMMARFORLANT and COMMARFORPAC have blanket authority to have their spouses accompany them on official business when in the national interest. All other general officers will submit family member travel requests to CMC WASHINGTON DC//DMCS/ASM//. 9 MCO 4631.10A 29 Apr 97 9. Validation and Authorization Process a. OSA may be authorized when it is cost effective, or when it is required to accomplish the mission of the traveler considering any combination of the following factors: (1) travel destination, (2) itinerary, (3) schedule requirements, (4) security needs, (5) communications needs, (6) availability of commercial air, or (7) aircrew readiness training requirements. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation will authorize and validate travel for senior officials and general/flag officers. b. Validating activities will review, validate, and submit transportation requests in accordance with references (a) through (k). c. JALIS provides validating activities the ability to compute cost comparisons based on seat factors of the various OSA aircraft. Users may contact the validating activities for this comparison. References (c) and (d) contain detailed procedures for cost comparisons. 10. Action a. CMC DC/S for Aviation (CMC (A)), Headquarters Marine Corps. Maintain a Headquarters Air Transportation Coordination Office. b. Headquarters Marine Corps ASCO. Act as the Marine Corps liaison with JOSAC and Validating Activity for the National Capitol Region and, as such, coordinate the use of OSA in compliance with references (a) through (k). c. Commanders, Marine Corps Air Bases, East and West, Commanding General, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing; Commanding Officer, MCAS Futenma. Maintain air transportation coordination offices. d. Operational Support Aircraft Reporting Custodians. Shall provide: 10