Use of Shortcut URLs
While all webpages on Military OneSource have an absolute URL, some pages also have shortcut URLs, also known as vanity URLs. These URLs are shorter versions that redirect to the full, absolute URL.
The purpose of the shortcut URL is to make it quick and easy for users to type the URL into their browser or for a call center representative to read a URL to the user over the phone. This is in contrast to a full-length absolute URL that contains folders and paths, representing the location in which the page lives on the website.
Users who type in a shortcut URL may notice their browser will be redirected to the absolute URL where the content resides within a website or application so they can access the most current information, for example, the shortcut URL www.militaryonesource.mil/pcs redirects users to the destination URL of https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/plan-to-move/pcs-and-military-moves/.
If a shortcut URL will change its destination regularly, for example to redirect to the newest eNewsletter online version, it should be a temporary 302 redirect URL. If the shortcut URL will likely always send to the same destination URL, such as an article, it should be a permanent 301 redirect URL. See below for examples of the different redirects.
302 Redirect:
301 Redirect:
Typically, 301 redirects are used for expired pages, after URLs have moved, and when consolidating duplicate content. The 301 redirects also make sense to use for a shortcut URL that will always go to the same destination URL.
