[Views on DOD Rotation Policy for Overseas Civilian Personnel]

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided its views on whether the Army's overseas rotation policy for civilian employees is in violation of any law. GAO noted that: (1) under current policies, employees assigned to overseas posts are guaranteed that, upon return, they will not receive any reduction in seniority, status, and tenure held prior to overseas assignment; (2) commanders of major posts have the authority to approve overseas tour extensions beyond 5 years; (3) the Army's overseas rotation policy is not inconsistent with federal merit system principles; and (4) the Army's procedure for overseas rotation decisions does not violate any law.