Augmentation FAQs

1. What is the difference between GSA, OSA and IAMM?

These are the three different categories of Individual Augmentation (IA) assignment for active component (AC) members.  The differences in each category are described below:

• Officer Global Support Assignment (GSA).  GSA detailing allows an active duty officer the ability to negotiate GSA orders within his/her normal detailing window at his/her Projected Rotation Date (PRD). The officer is detached from his/her parent command via PCS orders to an Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center (ECRC) detachment in either Norfolk or San Diego.  Concurrently, PERS-45 issues the officer Temporary Duty (TDY) orders which take the officer from the ECRC DET through any required training to the deployment ultimate duty location.  After the officer completes the GSA, the officer returns to the ECRC to execute PCS orders to the next duty station. (See NAVADMIN 333/10 for additional guidance). 

• Overseas Contingency Operation Support Assignment (OSA).  Only active duty enlisted members may volunteer for OSAs.  Enlisted sailors may view and apply for OSAs on CMS/ID.  Enlisted sailors must choose to participate in an OSA via the special programs tab of the preference page.  The member should make this election within the 10 to 12 month window prior to his/her PRD and prior to negotiating PCS orders with his/her detailer.  After selecting OSA, the member will be contacted by the OSA detailing team (within enlisted assignments division of PERS-4) to assist and offer detailed OSA billet information and opportunities.  Like GSA, OSA orders will be executed at the end of the member’s normal PCS tour.  However, the member will be issued TDY orders from their existing parent command so that the member and the member’s family will maintain the traditional parent command relationship for sailor and family support.  (See NAVADMIN 334/10 and NAVADMIN 171/10 for additional guidance).

• Individual Augmentation Manpower Management (IAMM).  Both active duty officer and enlisted members are eligible for IAMM assignment.  A member tasked to fill an IAMM assignment will be issued Temporary Duty (TDY) orders to the IA assignment and then will return to the parent command after the IA assignment is complete.  Members may volunteer for IAMM assignment with approval from parent command.  (See NAVADMIN 332/10 for additional guidance).

2. Do I need a Security Clearance to execute a GSA, OSA or IAMM assignment?

The majority of GSA, OSA and IAMM assignments require a security clearance.  If slated to fill a GSA, OSA or IAMM assignment, you must meet the minimum security clearance requirement as stated in your orders.  Furthermore:
 

• Your security clearance must remain current for the duration of the IA tour;
• Your command security manager must sign the last page of your orders stating that your required clearance is reflected in JPAS;
• If your clearance needs to be updated, you and your parent command must ensure that this action is completed BEFORE you detach for your assignment; 
• You must bring a copy of the JPAS report to the Navy Mobilization Processing Site (NMPS) as required by the Expeditionary Screening Checklist (NAVPERS 1300/22).

3. When are TDY orders available?

TDY orders should be available no later than 60 days prior to deployment.  Once issued, members can access their orders on the Navy Marine Corps Mobilization Processing System (NMCMPS) via BUPERS On-Line (BOL).  If orders are not on BOL, contact your detailer.  DO NOT detach from your current duty station without TDY orders in hand.

4. What is a NE Number?

NE stands for Noble Eagle and is a tracking number applied to a specific billet in support of a specific mission. Your NE number can be found in your orders following the itinerary and resembles NE-1234-1234.  This number is used to track both the billet and the individual assigned to the billet. The NE number may also be referred to as your Requirement Tracking Number (RTN).

5. What must my Command and I do to prepare for a GSA, OSA or IAMM assignment?

GSA, OSA and IAMM sailors must read their orders in their entirety and complete all of the pre-deployment requirements outlined in their orders prior to detachment from their command. Each command is required to designate a Command Individual Augmentee Coordinator (CIAC) to assist the member with completion of the pre-deployment requirements, suitability screening and to answer questions the member may have concerning the orders.  Screening requirements are outlined in MILPERSMAN 1300-318 and must be completed within 30 days of receipt of orders.  For additional pre-deployment guidance, refer to the USFLTFORCOM IA website at https://www.usff.navy.mil/ia/.

6. Does a GSA assignment qualify as Sea Duty?

Yes, all ECRC FWD UIC's are currently designated Type Two Sea Duty.

7. What are the GSA Entitlements for myself and my family?

Dependents shall not accompany officers on the TDY portion of GSA assignments. Based on the arduous nature of these assignments, GSA officers are entitled to move dependents to the new ECRC duty station or to leave them at their detaching Permanent Duty Station (PDS).
 

Due to Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA) with host nations, members of foreign OCONUS duty stations may not be authorized to leave dependents in place at the detaching OCONUS PDS; they may not be covered by the SOFA even if otherwise authorized to stay.
 

For example, a spouse who is a citizen of the foreign nation may choose to stay at the foreign duty station, but may not be covered under the SOFA once the service member executes PCS out of country. Dependents remaining at the detaching duty station are entitled to retain military housing and BAH entitlements based on current PDS or dependent location.
 

If the GSA assignment exceeds 210 days (pre-deployment training and in-theater time combined), officers may qualify for a designated place move via Indeterminate Temporary Duty (ITDY) orders. Contact your detailer for more information.
 

For additional information on GSA entitlements, refer to the attached document.

OPNAV (N130) GSA Pay Entitlement Policy

8. Where can I find additional information on OSA, GSA and IAMM assignments?

For OSA business rules, refer to

• NAVADMIN 334/10
• NAVADMIN 171/10

For Officer GSA business rules, refer to

• NAVADMIN 333/10

For IAMM business rules, refer to

• NAVADMIN 332/10