U.S. Airmen assigned to the 435th Security Forces Squadron carry their supplies to a rally point during exercise Frozen Defender in Grostenquin, France, Jan. 14, 2020. Frozen Defender tests the squadron’s capabilities in a contested environment under harsh conditions. The Defenders quietly entered the training site in formation while providing security from all directions. (Devin Boyer/Air Force)
Reuters: EXCLUSIVE-Pentagon orders halt overseas movement for U.S. military over coronavirus
WASHINGTON, March 25 (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Mark Esper has issued a stop movement order to the U.S. military halting travel and movement abroad for up to 60 days in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus through the ranks, the Pentagon chief told Reuters on Wednesday.
The measure is by far the Defense Department's most sweeping to date and will affect forces around the world.
Esper said in an interview that the order applied to all U.S. troops, civilian personnel and families, but noted that there would be some exceptions.
"The purpose is to make sure that we're not bringing the virus back home, infecting others, that we're not spreading it around the military," Esper said.
Esper said one exception to the order would be the drawdown under way in Afghanistan, which will continue.
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WNU Editor: Withdrawing U.S. forces from Afghanistan are the exception.
More News On The Pentagon Ordering A 60-Day Freeze On Overseas Troop Movements Due To The Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic
US orders a 60-day freeze on overseas troop movements due to coronavirus pandemic -- CNN
Pentagon orders 60-day troop freeze -- The Hill
Thousands of US Troops Will Be Stuck Overseas Under Sweeping New Travel Ban -- Military.com
US Imposes 60-Day Halt on Troop Movement to Counter Spread of COVID-19 - Pentagon -- Sputnik
