Glossary
Temporary duty (TDY)
TDY is a temporary assignment at a location other than a service member's permanent duty station.
Applies to: All TRICARE plans · All regions
TDY stands for temporary duty. Military OneSource defines it as a temporary assignment at a location other than a service member’s permanent duty station. It is different from a permanent change of station (PCS), which relocates the member to a new duty location.
TRICARE does not have a single rule for TDY. Whether you can keep your primary care manager, how you get care while away, and which plan applies can depend on your plan, where you are, and how long the orders last. Ask your regional contractor or your military hospital or clinic before you travel, and see choosing or changing a PCM.