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EO 12556Executive OrderReagan · R

Executive Order 12556

Mailing privileges of members of Armed Forces of the United States and of friendly foreign nations

This executive order delegates the President's authority to designate areas where U.S. and friendly foreign military personnel receive free mailing privileges to the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary must consult with the Secretary of State, USPS, and other agencies as appropriate when making such designations.

51 FR 13205
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Key directives

  • Delegate to Secretary of Defense the function of designating areas for free mailing privileges under 39 U.S.C. § 3401(a)
  • Secretary of Defense shall consult with Secretary of State and USPS, and other Executive agency heads as appropriate
  • Secretary of Defense shall provide timely notice to USPS of any designations or terminations

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of designation authority from President to Secretary of Defense takes effect

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of Defense to establish consultation procedures with State Department and USPS

Long term

  • Ongoing designation/termination of free mailing privilege areas by Secretary of Defense

Risks & tensions

  • No explicit deadlines or reporting requirements; 'timely notice' standard is vague
  • Potential tension between Defense Department operational needs and State Department diplomatic considerations in designating areas
  • USPS bears implementation burden without formal role in decision-making
Executive Order 12556: Mailing privileges of members of Armed Forces of the United States and of friendly foreign nations · Executive Orders