Permissive TAD (PTAD) and SkillBridge

Start Here If You Are New to PTAD

Permissive Temporary Additional Duty is non-chargeable administrative absence granted for specific authorized purposes. PTAD does NOT count against your accrued leave balance. Common categories include House Hunting PTAD (up to 10 days for PCS, incremental use allowed per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24), Transition PTAD (for separation or retirement preparation), and SkillBridge PTAD under the rank-based three-category framework per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 (Cat I E1-E5 up to 120 days, Cat II E6-E7 WO-CWO3 O1-O4 up to 90 days, Cat III E8-E9 CWO4-CWO5 O5 and above up to 90 days). PTAD executes before any authorized leave including terminal leave, and the combined PTAD plus leave absence cannot exceed your category cap. SkillBridge is at commander discretion and is not an entitlement. NCMIS is the SkillBridge system of record with a 365-day application window. The local commander approves PTAD for the specified purposes. Exception-to-policy requests route through the first O-6 commander in your admin chain to HQMC MPO. PTAD cannot be misused to accumulate leave instead of using it.

This page walks you through PTAD from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The PTAD framework as non-chargeable administrative absence
• House Hunting PTAD (up to 10 days, incremental use per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24)
• Transition PTAD for separation or retirement
• SkillBridge PTAD under the three-category rank-based framework (Cat I 120 days, Cat II 90 days, Cat III 90 days per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24)
• Approval authority by category (LtCol+ for Cat I and II, GO for Cat III, O-6 endorsement for joint Marines)
• Combined absence cap (PTAD plus leave) and the PTAD-before-leave order of execution
• IDES eligibility under NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B special considerations
• NCMIS as the SkillBridge system of record (365-day application window)
• UCMJ jurisdiction during participation and the no-extension-of-obligated-service rule
• The O-6 commander exception-to-policy routing
• The terminal leave combination restrictions per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24
• The IG checklist oversight framework

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 5 (19 May 2009), MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 (20 December 2024), MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 (17 June 2024), NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B (15 December 2022), DoDI 1322.29DoDI 1322.29 (14 January 2014), DoDI 1327.06DoDI 1327.06, and Title 10 U.S.C. section 1143Title 10 U.S.C. section 1143.

What PTAD Is

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 5 paragraph 1, administrative absence is non-chargeable absence from the duty station for specific authorized purposes. Permissive Temporary Additional Duty (PTAD) is the most common form of administrative absence.

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.e, PTAD allows commanders to provide administrative support to Marines and Sailors during.

• Specific transition requirements.
• Participation in official Marine Corps programs.
• Professional training directly relevant to the Service Member's primary military duties.

The training should unequivocally enhance the Marine's value to the Marine Corps, particularly in cases where funded travel is deemed inappropriate.

PTAD Is Non-Chargeable

PTAD does NOT count against the Marine's accrued leave balance. The Marine remains in a duty status during PTAD with full pay, allowances, and benefits. The PTAD authorization is documented through MOL or unit orders.

Authorized PTAD Categories

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 5 and MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24, the authorized PTAD categories include the following.

House Hunting PTAD

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.a, House Hunting PTAD is intended to facilitate tasks related to setting up a household in preparation for an ordered PCS. These tasks include.

• Searching for a new residence.
• Locating and viewing potential homes.
• Purchasing or renting a home.
• Initiating or terminating utility services.
• Enrolling dependents in school or daycare facilities.
• Packing and unpacking household goods.

10-Day Maximum

The total number of eligible PTAD days remains a maximum of 10 days regardless of how the PTAD is taken.

Incremental Use (Per MARADMIN 625/24 Paragraph 5.b)

Marines executing a PCS have the OPTION, if approved, to use House Hunting PTAD in INCREMENTS rather than a single continuous period. This flexibility allows them to use PTAD days both.

• BEFORE departing the current PDS, AND
• AFTER arriving at the new PDS.

Regardless of how the days are split, the total is capped at 10 days.

Transition PTAD

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 5 and MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.d, Transition PTAD facilitates separation or retirement preparation. The duration is set by Service-specific guidance based on years of service and circumstances.

Common transition activities include.

• Final out-processing.
• Out-of-area job interviews and pre-employment activities.
• Veteran benefits enrollment (VA, TRICARE for Life, etc.).
• Civilian housing setup.
• Household goods coordination.

SkillBridge PTAD

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 (Interim Guidance) and MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.c, SkillBridge is an authorized DoD program allowing transitioning Service Members to participate in industry training, apprenticeships, and internships in the period leading up to separation, retirement, or end of active service (EAS).

SkillBridge PTAD Subcategory

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.c, MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J will include a new PTAD subcategory for SkillBridge to facilitate accurate tracking of participants and authorized days. Marine OnLine leave and travel modules were updated by end of calendar year 2024 to implement the SkillBridge PTAD subcategory.

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, while a Marine participates in SkillBridge they are reported under PTAD (Other) pending future updates to MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J. The PTAD administrative absence status is limited to SkillBridge participation only.

Commander Discretion, Not an Entitlement

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 2, SkillBridge authorization is at the commander's discretion. It is not a Marine's entitlement. Participation is prioritized for those who require additional transition assistance. The commander considers impact on the command and needs of the service. Force readiness remains paramount.

Three-Category Rank-Based Day Limits

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.a, the three-category system prescribes the maximum number of days Marines participate in SkillBridge prior to their separation, retirement, or EAS. Category I Marines transitioning from the Service are the principal audience for SkillBridge, and additional time within the program maximizes their opportunities for success post-Marine Corps.

• Category I. E1-E5. Up to 120 days.
• Category II. E6-E7, WO-CWO3, and O1-O4. Up to 90 days.
• Category III. E8-E9, CWO4-CWO5, and O5 and above. Up to 90 days.

The total days spent participating in a SkillBridge program shall NOT exceed the listed category limit.

Combined Absence Cap

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, PTAD or leave in conjunction with SkillBridge is authorized. The COMBINED period of absence from duties (PTAD plus leave) must fall within the three-category timeline limits.

Order of Execution. PTAD Before Leave

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, if used in conjunction, all authorized PTAD (e.g., Transition PTAD and SkillBridge PTAD) must be executed PRIOR to any authorized leave (e.g., Terminal leave).

Combination with Terminal Leave (Allowed Within the Cap)

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.d, SkillBridge PTAD may be authorized for use in conjunction with terminal leave AND authorized transition PTAD. SkillBridge PTAD is one of the few PTAD categories that combines consecutively with terminal leave without a duty day separating the absences. The total combined absence cannot exceed the rank-based category limit per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24.

No Service Obligation Extension

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, Marines are NOT authorized to extend obligated service to complete the SkillBridge program. Participation in SkillBridge can extend beyond a Marine's time in service but at the expense of the member.

UCMJ Jurisdiction and Accountability

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, during SkillBridge participation Marines remain subject to the UCMJ. Commanders are required to establish detailed accountability protocols.

Industry partners do NOT have authority to grant Marines absences that fall within leave or out-of-bounds parameters. Marine Commanders retain that authority. Such requests must route via the chain of command, which requires the appropriate change in absence status (leave vice PTAD).

Approval Authority by Category

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.c, the approval authority depends on the Marine's category.

• Category I and II. Commanders at the grade of Lieutenant Colonel and above (as defined by MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J).
• Category III. General Officers. Category III participation cannot result in a gapped billet.
• Joint Marines. Marines serving within joint organizations or commands obtain an O-6 level endorsement from their operational chain as a supplement to the application requirements outlined in the Marine Corps Manual. Final approval authority for all joint Marine applicants is their appropriate (based on category) administrative Marine Commander.

IDES Marines

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 4.b, Marines navigating the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) remain eligible for SkillBridge participation under the special considerations section of NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B.

• Commanders consider the Marine's case and only authorize SkillBridge participation if they assess the Marine will separate within 180 days.
• Commanders address the special consideration criteria within their final approval letter.
• The commander authorizes participation based on the Marine's appropriate category assignment.

Application Process and NCMIS

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 4.c, successful SkillBridge participation begins with a direct tie-in with the servicing SkillBridge office. Installation SkillBridge coordinators guide, direct, and advise both Marines and commands on SkillBridge protocols.

• The Navy College Management Information System (NCMIS) is the Marine Corps' SkillBridge system of record.
• NCMIS utilization is required per NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B.
• Marines initiate an application up to 365 days from their EAS.
• For joint applicants, servicing SkillBridge offices are often co-located with the approving Commander or administrative chain of command.
• A list of servicing centers is at https://www.usmc-mccs.org/.

Effective Date

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 5, the changes go into effect on 31 August 2024. SkillBridge participation packages approved prior to the effective date are governed by NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B.

This MARADMIN applies to Active Component and eligible Reserve Component Marines on Active Duty.

PTAD Combination with Terminal Leave (Restrictions)

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.d.

Parental Leave Cannot Combine

Per SECNAVINST 1000.10BSECNAVINST 1000.10B, parental leave (MPLP) may NOT be taken consecutively or in conjunction with terminal leave or transition PTAD.

Default Rule. Duty Day Separation Required

With the EXCEPTIONS of authorized transition PTAD or SkillBridge PTAD, NO OTHER nonchargeable leave or administrative absence may be combined with terminal leave WITHOUT a duty day separating the absences.

Allowed Combinations

• SkillBridge PTAD + terminal leave (no duty day required, PTAD executed first per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24).
• Transition PTAD + terminal leave (no duty day required, PTAD executed first per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24).
• Other PTAD + terminal leave (DUTY DAY required between).

The Terminal Leave page on this site covers the framework in detail.

Exception to Policy

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.f, PTAD may only be granted for the specified purposes in MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J or current MARADMINs.

Routing Through O-6 Commander

Any request for an exception to policy must undergo thorough review by commanding officers and be routed through the FIRST O-6 commander in the Marine's administrative chain of command before submission to HQMC (MPO).

This process aims to uphold the intended purpose of administrative absences and ensures uniform application across the force.

IG Checklist Oversight

The Leave, Liberty, and Administrative Absence Inspector General Checklist provides oversight for commanders approving PTAD to ensure that only authorized criteria for PTAD are being approved by the command.

PTAD is NOT to be used as a way to accumulate leave (avoiding leave use to retain leave balance) rather than expending accrued leave. This use is considered misuse of the program and is subject to IG scrutiny.

Common Authorized PTAD Categories Beyond House Hunting and SkillBridge

Per MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J Chapter 5 and supporting directives, additional authorized PTAD includes.

Spiritual Retreat PTAD

For attendance at religious or spiritual retreats when liberty is inadequate. The retreat must be sponsored by an authorized religious organization. The duration is typically 3 to 5 days.

Wounded Warrior Visit PTAD

For Marines visiting wounded comrades or attending memorial services for fellow Marines. The duration is set by command discretion.

Marine Corps Marathon and Marine Corps Athletic Events

For Marines participating in official Marine Corps athletic events (Marine Corps Marathon, etc.). PTAD covers competition days and reasonable travel days.

Color Guard, Ceremonial Detail, and Recruiting Support

For Marines supporting authorized Marine Corps ceremonial events, color guard duties, or recruiting support visits to civilian organizations.

Educational Visits and Conferences

For Marines participating in educational visits, professional conferences, or symposiums where attendance directly enhances the Marine's military value. Funded travel may be inappropriate.

Convention or Reunion of Authorized Veterans Organization

For Marines attending conventions or reunions of authorized veterans organizations (VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League, etc.).

PTAD Authorization Process

Step 1. Submit PTAD Request

The Marine submits a PTAD request through MOL or unit forms with the specific purpose, duration, and destination.

Step 2. Command Review

The commander or designated leave granting authority reviews the request against the authorized PTAD categories.

Step 3. Approval or Denial

The commander approves or denies based on operational requirements and the validity of the PTAD purpose.

Step 4. Documentation

The PTAD authorization is documented in MOL or unit orders. The Marine receives the authorization documentation.

Step 5. Execution

The Marine executes the PTAD per the authorization. Pay, allowances, and benefits continue throughout the PTAD period.

Exception to Policy Routing

For PTAD requests outside the authorized categories per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.f.

1. The Marine submits the request through the chain of command with detailed justification.
2. The first O-6 commander in the Marine's admin chain reviews and endorses (or denies).
3. The endorsed request is submitted to HQMC MPO for final determination.
4. HQMC MPO reviews against policy and grants or denies the exception.

Verifying PTAD Authorization

A PTAD authorization confirms the absence period and purpose.

Step 1. Verify in MOL

Confirm the PTAD authorization appears in MOL or unit orders.

Step 2. Verify Pay Continues

PTAD is non-chargeable and the Marine remains in a duty status. Basic pay, BAH, BAS, and other entitlements continue.

Step 3. Verify the Purpose Documentation

The PTAD authorization should clearly document the authorized purpose and duration.

Step 4. Resolve Discrepancies

Coordinate with your S-1. The reporting unit (I&I S-1 with direct UD/MIPS access, or a battalion S-1 routing through their PAC) routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.

Common Questions Marines Ask

I am PCSing to MCB Camp Lejeune. Can I take House Hunting PTAD?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.a, yes. House Hunting PTAD is up to 10 days for tasks related to setting up a household at the new PDS. You can use the 10 days continuously or in increments before departing the current PDS and after arriving at the new PDS.

Can I take 5 days House Hunting PTAD before PCS and 5 days after?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.b, yes. Incremental use is allowed if approved. The total cap is 10 days regardless of how you split it.

I want to participate in a SkillBridge program. How does PTAD work?

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 and MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.c, you participate as authorized PTAD up to your category cap. Category I (E1-E5) up to 120 days. Category II (E6-E7, WO-CWO3, O1-O4) up to 90 days. Category III (E8-E9, CWO4-CWO5, O5 and above) up to 90 days. The PTAD is non-chargeable and reported as PTAD (Other) pending updates to MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J. You combine SkillBridge PTAD with terminal leave consecutively, but the COMBINED absence cannot exceed the category cap.

What category am I in for SkillBridge?

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.a, your category is set by your rank. E1-E5 are Category I (120 days). E6-E7, WO through CWO3, and O1-O4 are Category II (90 days). E8-E9, CWO4-CWO5, and O5 and above are Category III (90 days, GO approval required, no gapped billets).

Who approves my SkillBridge package?

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.c, Categories I and II are approved by commanders at the grade of LtCol and above. Category III is approved by General Officers. If you serve in a joint organization, you need an O-6 endorsement from your operational chain. The final approval is your administrative Marine Commander based on your category.

Can I combine my SkillBridge PTAD with terminal leave?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.d and MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, yes. SkillBridge PTAD combines with terminal leave without a duty day separator. PTAD must execute BEFORE any authorized leave including terminal leave. The combined PTAD plus leave cannot exceed your rank-based category cap (90 or 120 days).

I am in IDES. Am I eligible for SkillBridge?

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 4.b, yes, under the special considerations section of NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B. Your commander only authorizes participation if they assess you will separate within 180 days. The approval letter must address the special consideration criteria. Your category is set by your rank.

Can my command extend my obligated service so I can finish SkillBridge?

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, no. You are not authorized to extend obligated service to complete SkillBridge. Participation can extend beyond your time in service but at your expense.

Can my industry partner grant me time off during SkillBridge?

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, no. Industry partners have no authority to grant absences. Marine Commanders retain that authority. You route the request through your chain of command. The change in status (leave vice PTAD) is documented.

How do I apply for SkillBridge?

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 4.c, you initiate an application in NCMIS up to 365 days from your EAS. NCMIS is the Marine Corps SkillBridge system of record. Coordinate with your installation SkillBridge coordinator at the servicing center. The list of servicing centers is at www.usmc-mccs.org.

Can I take parental leave consecutively with terminal leave?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.d (citing SECNAVINST 1000.10BSECNAVINST 1000.10B), no. Parental leave cannot be taken consecutively or in conjunction with terminal leave or transition PTAD. A duty day must separate parental leave from terminal leave.

I want PTAD for a non-listed purpose. How do I request it?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.f, submit through the chain of command. The first O-6 commander in your admin chain reviews and endorses. The endorsed request goes to HQMC MPO for final determination.

I am attending a religious retreat. Is that PTAD?

Yes. Spiritual retreat PTAD is authorized when liberty is inadequate for the duration. Coordinate with your chain of command for the specific purpose and duration.

Does PTAD count against my 60-day annual leave cap?

No. PTAD is non-chargeable administrative absence. It does NOT count against your accrued leave balance or the 60-day annual leave cap.

Can my command use PTAD to give me a "free" weekend after long hours?

Per MARADMIN 625/24MARADMIN 625/24 paragraph 5.f, no. PTAD must be granted for the specified purposes in MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J. Compensatory liberty (per the Liberty page) is the proper mechanism for compensation for long hours, not PTAD.

What does the IG checklist look at for PTAD?

The Leave, Liberty, and Administrative Absence Inspector General Checklist provides oversight to ensure only authorized criteria for PTAD are approved. The IG looks for misuse (e.g., commanders granting PTAD to avoid leave use rather than for the specified administrative purposes).

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• House Hunting PTAD request. Submit through MOL or unit orders coordinated with your detaching S-1 for PCS.
• SkillBridge PTAD request. Initiate the application in NCMIS up to 365 days from EAS. Coordinate with your installation SkillBridge coordinator and the unit's Transition Readiness Program coordinator.
• SkillBridge servicing centers. List at https://www.usmc-mccs.org/.
• HQMC SkillBridge POC. Email HQMC_SKILLBRIDGE@usmc.onmicrosoft.com (per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24).
• Transition PTAD request. Submit through the chain of command coordinated with your Transition Readiness Program coordinator.
• Exception-to-policy PTAD request. Submit through the chain of command to the first O-6 commander, then to HQMC MPO.
• LES corrections during PTAD. Your S-1 routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Leave and Liberty landing page lists all the leave and liberty topics.
• Annual Leave covers the chargeable leave framework.
• Liberty and Special Liberty covers the parallel liberty framework.
• Terminal Leave covers the end-of-service leave framework and the PTAD combination rules.
• Military Parental Leave Program covers MPLP and the PTAD-parental leave restriction.

Related Roles

• Leaders ensure PTAD is granted for authorized purposes only and route exception requests through the O-6 commander.
• Admin at S-1 processes PTAD authorizations through MOL and verifies the authorized purpose.
• Commanders grant PTAD for authorized purposes within MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J and current MARADMINs. Endorse exception-to-policy requests at the O-6 level.

PTAD is non-chargeable administrative absence for specific authorized purposes. House Hunting PTAD up to 10 days (incremental use allowed). Transition PTAD for separation. SkillBridge PTAD with rank-based caps per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 (Cat I E1-E5 up to 120 days, Cat II E6-E7 WO-CWO3 O1-O4 up to 90 days, Cat III E8-E9 CWO4-CWO5 O5+ up to 90 days). PTAD executes before terminal leave and the combined absence cannot exceed the category cap. NCMIS is the SkillBridge system of record with a 365-day application window. SkillBridge is at commander discretion, not an entitlement. Other PTAD requires duty day separation from terminal leave. Exception-to-policy routes through the O-6 commander to HQMC MPO. The IG checklist provides oversight against misuse.