It will now be easier for combat-wounded Marines to stay in uniform, thanks to changes being made to the Permanent Limited Duty (PLD) status policy.
In a Corps-wide message signed by Commandant Gen. Robert Neller, it states that, “Under the new Expanded Permanent Limited Duty Status policy, Marines approved for retention can re-enlist for 48 months at a time, and continue to do so without having to face more retention boards.”
If a Marine is accepted into this new program, they will not have to repeat the steps for subsequent re–enlistments, unless there’s a change in their medical status, Marine Corps Times reports.
The MARADMIN states that Marines who would like to stay on active duty, despite their medical restrictions, must submit medical and physical evaluation board results and a letter to the commandant stating the reason for retention.
Also, the Marine must be willing to accept a lateral move and geographic assignment if determined necessary, the Times article says.
Manpower officials have not said how many Marines apply for and are granted this status each year, so it’s unclear how many PLD Marines are eligible.
The message also warned Marines that once they’re accepted into the program– which would require them to show a fitness for continued duty – they could “adversely affect some benefits and entitlements they would otherwise receive through the Veterans Affairs Department.”
Any Marine seeking retention under this policy must be “fully counseled on the implications of their decision.”
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