Military Postal Service Agency formed in 1980

1980

MPSA formed

The Military Postal Service Agency was formed in 1980, consolidating the postal operations of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. The Department of Defense designated the Secretary of the Army as the single military mail manager.

* | Tags: People USPS Fact #319 | March 20, 2023

Military and Diplomatic Mail in brief.

  • The Military Postal Service provides service in 63 countries.
  • There are 401 land-based military Post Offices and 626 based on ships.
  • The U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Post Office serves 32,500 customers at 184 diplomatic missions across 103 countries around the world.
  • Within the military and diplomatic services, 1,200 ZIP Codes are served around the world.
  • The Military Postal Service Agency was formed in 1980, consolidating the postal operations of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. The Department of Defense designated the Secretary of the Army as the single military mail manager.
  • Members of the military and diplomatic corps receive virtually the same level of service as they would if they were at home in the United States. Differences are based on the country in which they’re stationed and the type of mission in which they’re involved.
  • Military and Diplomatic Mail moves within the United States via the Postal Service transportation network to major mail processing facilities.
  • If it’s First-Class Mail, Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express, the item moves from major airport gateways in the United States to overseas airport gateways on commercial aircraft. It then moves by various methods to designated military or diplomatic postal facilities for delivery to individual members. Mail also moves by military aircraft when necessary.