I have reviewed a couple of requests for rate reduction in the past few weeks for accounts opened after the date on the DoD database. The orders that accompany these requests are for the member to report for duty overseas for a specified time period and the date is after the account was opened. Would the orders provided with the request be used as the beginning date of active duty or the date from the DoD database?

Example: Member of the Army and DoD shows active duty since June 8, 2001. Orders are for a mission that begins September 7, 2015 for 187 days. Account opened August 1, 2012. Which date would be used for benefits?

If the servicemember has been on active duty continuously since 2001, any indebtedness incurred after that date (while already on active duty) would not be covered by the provisions of section 207 of the SCRA imposing a Maximum Rate of Interest on Debts Incurred before Military Service. Other protections of the SCRA will apply.