How do I write a Permanent Limited Duty (PLD) request?

A PLD request is a formal naval letter to Navy Personnel Command (PERS-454), via your commanding officer, that cites MILPERSMAN 1300-1401 and SECNAV M-1850.1 Chapter 4 paragraph 5.d, states the grounds for your retention, and attaches your PEB findings and commentary. This builder assembles that letter in the correct format from the grounds you select. Submit it within 15 calendar days of your PEB findings.

What grounds can I use in a PLD request?

You can stack more than one: a critical or undermanned NEC or unique skill, a required mission-essential billet on the command AMD, a service obligation, hardship or extraordinary circumstances, completion of a treatment regimen, and your continued contribution on limited assignment. Value-to-the-Navy grounds (critical skill or a required billet) are the strongest.

Does this tool store my information?

No. Everything you type stays in your browser. Nothing is saved, sent, or logged. The letter is assembled on your device, and you copy or download it yourself.

Navy PLD Request Builder

Found unfit by the PEB and want to stay Navy? This builds a Permanent Limited Duty request in the proper naval letter format. Pick your grounds, add your specifics, and copy or download a clean draft for your PEBLO and DES counsel. It cites both governing instructions for you, and nothing you type is saved.

🇺🇸 Built by a veteran, for veterans·100% free — no login, no upsell·Reviewed July 2026

Sources: MILPERSMAN 1300-1401 (Permanent Limited Duty), SECNAV M-1850.1 (DES Manual), Ch. 4

Everything you type stays in your browser. Nothing is saved, sent, or logged. Close the tab and it is gone.

Rank / RateName (First MI Last)ComponentCommand (for the Via line)PEB findingsPEB docket # (optional)PEB findings dateRequested PLD end dateContact emailContact phone

Pick your grounds (stack as many as apply)

Lead with value to the Navy (critical NEC or a required billet). Anchor any milestone reason inside a service obligation — a request built only on reaching retirement can be denied as "solely to increase monetary benefits."

Critical / undermanned NEC or unique skillStrongest ground — goes straight to value to the Navy. (M-1850.1 §5d(1))

Required, mission-essential billetA real required AMD billet pending relief — not a temporary or "stashed" billet.

Service obligationAlready obligated (enlistment, or education/training obligation). Anchors a milestone reason so it is not "solely for monetary benefit."

Hardship / extraordinary circumstancesTour completion based on hardship, extraordinary circumstances, or needs of the Service. (M-1850.1 §5d(3)(a))

Completion of a treatment regimenContinuity of an ongoing course of treatment. (M-1850.1 §5d(3))

Continued contribution on limited assignmentWhat you still do in-rate and out-of-rate within your limitations.

Include the "PLD is not an entitlement / 12-month re-evaluation" acknowledgment paragraph (recommended)

Your draft (proper naval letter format)

[Place on command letterhead. Fill any remaining bracketed fields before submitting.]

                                                          [Date]

From:  [Rank/Rate] [First MI Last], USN
To:    Commander, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-454)
Via:   (1) Commanding Officer, [COMMAND]
       (2) President, Physical Evaluation Board

Subj:  REQUEST FOR PERMANENT LIMITED DUTY

Ref:   (a) SECNAVINST 1850.4F
       (b) SECNAV M-1850.1 of 23 September 2019, Chapter 4, paragraph 5.d
       (c) MILPERSMAN 1300-1401 of 26 February 2025

Encl:  (1) Informal Physical Evaluation Board Findings of [date]
       (2) Physical Evaluation Board Commentary
       (3) Command endorsement / supporting correspondence, if any

1.  Upon receipt and review of enclosures (1) and (2), and per references (a) through (c), I respectfully request Permanent Limited Duty (PLD) until [dd Month yyyy]. I understand that the final determination will be made by the appropriate service headquarters, and that the decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

2.  I understand that PLD is a continuation of a member found unfit on limited assignment, that it is not an entitlement, and that it may be terminated early or referred to the Disability Evaluation System for re-evaluation if the period exceeds 12 months. I acknowledge that at any time I may withdraw this request in writing to PERS-454 via my chain of command.

3.  Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions, I may be reached by telephone at [xxx-xxx-xxxx] or by email at [email].

                                 Very respectfully,

                                 [First initial. LAST NAME]

This is a drafting aid, not legal advice. PLD is discretionary and not an entitlement. Submit within 15 days of your PEB findings, coordinate with your Detailer and Community Manager, and have your PEBLO and assigned DES counsel review before submitting. Verify the current MILPERSMAN 1300-1401 and SECNAV M-1850.1.

Before you submit

Submit within 15 calendar days of your PEB findings, via your CO to PERS-454.
Coordinate with your Detailer and rating Community Manager first, and make sure a required AMD billet exists where your medical care is available.
Have your PEBLO and assigned DES counsel review the draft before you sign.

New to all this? Start with the Permanent Limited Duty guide to understand who gets approved and why. Related: MEB/PEB process and IDES vs legacy DES.