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Q: Is Tops In Blue a reassignment, Permanent Change of Station (PCS), or Special
Duty assignment?
A: No. The members of Tops In Blue are on Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY) during
the duration of their tour. They remain assigned to their home organizations while
on tour.
Q: Do I get paid per diem when I tour with Tops In Blue?
A: No. Because the Tops In Blue is a Permissive TDY and not a regular TDY, per diem
is not paid. However, the Tops In Blue members do receive a small daily stipend
known as a Personal Maintenance Expense Allowance (PMEA), totaling about $240
a month. All lodging, travel, special clothing and equipment needs are taken care of
by Air Force Entertainment. In addition, many of the performance locations voluntarily
provide meals for the team, thereby defraying some of the costs for food.
Q: How long does it take to learn the Tops In Blue show?
A: Each year’s show is prepared during the Staging period, which is about six weeks
long and takes place at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas.
Q: How long is a Tops In Blue tour?
A: About one year, from the beginning of Staging to the final show.
Q: Does Tops In Blue deploy?
A: Yes, to perform for troops stationed in remote forward locations. One of the most
important missions of Tops In Blue is to raise the morale of troops stationed away
from home and family, potentially in harm’s way. Over the past few years, Tops In
Blue has entertained troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Kuwait,
and the United Arab Emirates.
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