Renewal Agreement Travel (RAT) and COT

Start Here If You Are New to RAT and COT

Renewal Agreement Travel (RAT) is Government-funded round-trip travel back to CONUS for Marines who extend an OCONUS tour. The Marine returns to the same OCONUS PDS after the home leave. Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT) is the framework when a Marine moves directly from one OCONUS PDS to another OCONUS PDS. Both frameworks support OCONUS retention by providing travel and incentives that reduce the cost of extended overseas service. The OCONUS Tour Extension Incentive Program (OTEIP) on the Pay and Entitlements category covers the four OTEIP benefit options (special pay, bonus, SR&R absence with or without funded transport).

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

• RAT framework for OCONUS tour extensions
• COT framework for direct OCONUS-to-OCONUS PCS
• The relationship to OTEIP (Pay and Entitlements category)
• Eligibility criteria for both
• Travel benefit calculations
• Service agreement obligations

Every fact on this page comes from JTR Chapter 5 paragraphs 053605 and 053606, Vol 7A Chapter 14, Title 37 U.S.C. section 411Title 37 U.S.C. section 411b, and MCO 1300.8MCO 1300.8 Chapter 6 Section 13.

What RAT Is

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053605 and Title 37 U.S.C. section 411Title 37 U.S.C. section 411b, Renewal Agreement Travel is Government-funded round-trip travel from the OCONUS PDS to the Marine's home of selection in CONUS for Marines who execute an extension of the OCONUS tour.

RAT Eligibility

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053605, a Marine is eligible for RAT when.

• The Marine is on a designated OCONUS tour.
• The Marine executes a tour extension agreement for at least 1 additional year.
• The OCONUS location is on the RAT-eligible list per the Service framework.

RAT Travel Benefit

The Government provides round-trip transportation from the OCONUS PDS to the home of selection in CONUS (or alternate destination at no greater cost). The Marine.

• Departs the OCONUS PDS.
• Travels to the home of selection.
• Takes leave during the home period (chargeable annual leave).
• Returns to the same OCONUS PDS.

RAT Duration

The Marine takes 30 days of leave (or as authorized) during the home leave period. The Annual Leave page covers the 30-day leave framework. The travel time to and from CONUS is in addition to the leave days.

RAT vs. SR&R Absence

RAT and SR&R Absence (Special Rest and Recuperative Absence under OTEIP) are related but distinct.

• RAT. The travel benefit (Government-funded round trip).
• SR&R Absence. The leave-status framework (15 to 30 days non-chargeable).

A Marine on OCONUS extension may use RAT travel + SR&R non-chargeable leave for a more efficient home period. The R&R and SR&R Leave Programs page covers the framework.

What COT Is

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053606, Consecutive Overseas Tour is the framework when a Marine moves directly from one OCONUS PDS to another OCONUS PDS without returning to CONUS in between.

COT Eligibility

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053606, COT applies when.

• The Marine completes an OCONUS tour.
• The Marine is reassigned to a different OCONUS PDS.
• The travel between the two OCONUS PDSes is direct (not via CONUS).

COT Benefits

A Marine on COT receives.

• All standard PCS allowances (DLA, MEA, HHG, etc.) for the PCS to the new OCONUS PDS.
• The COT-specific incentives per Vol 7A Chapter 14.

COT and Travel Coordination

The Marine and dependents may take a CONUS leave en route as part of the COT, similar to standard CONUS PCS leave. The travel may be more efficient when going through a CONUS port.

OCONUS Tour Extension Incentive Program (OTEIP)

The Marine on OCONUS extension may elect one of four OTEIP benefit options under Vol 7A Chapter 14 paragraphs 2.2 and 3.2.

1. Special pay (up to $80/month for the extension period).
2. Annual bonus (up to $2,000/year).
3. SR&R absence (30 days non-chargeable leave).
4. SR&R absence (15-20 days plus round-trip Government transportation).

The OCONUS Tour Extension Incentive page on the Pay and Entitlements category covers OTEIP in detail.

OTEIP and RAT Relationship

OTEIP option 4 (SR&R + funded transport) is similar to RAT but is structured as an OTEIP benefit rather than a JTR travel benefit. The Marine elects ONE OTEIP option per qualifying tour extension. The election determines the specific leave and travel framework.

Service Agreement Obligation

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053605, RAT requires a written service agreement to extend the OCONUS tour for at least 1 year. The Marine.

• Signs the agreement before RAT travel.
• Completes the extended tour to fulfill the agreement.
• Faces recoupment of unearned RAT cost if separating early without exemption.

The Pay Problems and Fixes page covers the recoupment framework for unfulfilled service agreements.

Marine Corps Service Regulation

Per Vol 7A Chapter 14 paragraph 4.4, the Marine Corps regulation for OCONUS tour extensions and incentives is Marine Corps Order 1300.8 Chapter 6 Section 13. This order specifies which Marine Corps specialties and OCONUS locations are designated for OTEIP, the Marine Corps benefit election process, and the documentation required.

Common Questions Marines Ask

I am at MCAS Iwakuni and want to extend my tour. What benefits do I get?

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053605 and Vol 7A Chapter 14, you may be eligible for RAT (Government-funded round trip to CONUS) AND OTEIP benefits (special pay, bonus, or SR&R absence). Coordinate with your career planner to verify eligibility and elect the appropriate combination.

What is the difference between RAT and OTEIP?

RAT is the JTR travel benefit (Government-funded round trip). OTEIP is the Vol 7A pay/leave incentive program with four benefit options. They can interact, but the elections are separate.

I am moving from MCAS Iwakuni to Camp Hansen, Okinawa. Is this a COT?

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053606, yes. Direct OCONUS-to-OCONUS PCS without returning to CONUS qualifies as a Consecutive Overseas Tour. Standard PCS allowances apply plus COT-specific incentives.

How long can I take leave during RAT travel?

Standard leave during the home period is 30 days. SR&R Absence (option 4 of OTEIP) provides 15-20 days non-chargeable. RAT does not change the leave framework. The Annual Leave page covers leave use during PCS.

Do I need to sign a service agreement for RAT?

Yes. RAT requires a written agreement to extend the OCONUS tour at least 1 year. Failure to complete the extension triggers recoupment of unearned RAT cost.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• RAT eligibility verification. Coordinate with your career planner and the gaining unit.
• OTEIP election. Through your career planner per Vol 7A Chapter 14 and MCO 1300.8MCO 1300.8 Chapter 6 Section 13.
• COT travel planning. Through your career planner and the gaining unit S-1.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• PCS landing page lists all the PCS topics.
• OCONUS Tour Extension Incentive (Pay and Entitlements category) covers the four OTEIP benefit options.
• R&R and SR&R Leave Programs covers SR&R absence.
• Annual Leave covers leave during the home period.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the OTEIP election before signing the OCONUS extension agreement.
• Admin at S-1 supports RAT travel coordination and OTEIP election documentation.
• Commanders endorse RAT and OTEIP elections for OCONUS retention.

RAT provides Government-funded round trip to CONUS for OCONUS extensions. COT covers direct OCONUS-to-OCONUS PCS. Both support OCONUS retention. OTEIP (Pay and Entitlements category) provides four benefit options. The MCO 1300.8MCO 1300.8 Chapter 6 Section 13 governs Marine Corps OTEIP designation.