What Is Not True About Dod Travel Policy?

The DoD has elaborate and extensive travel policies and procedures for military and civilian personnel. Nevertheless, there are some myths or rather things which may be considered false regarding DoD travel policy.

1. You always get to use nice limos

In general, DoD travelers are supposed to book affordable, good quality moderately priced hotels that meet adequacy criteria for off duty travel. Five-star hotels are generally not accredited.

2. It must be accompanied by a meal 

With few exceptions, beer cannot be reimbursed as part of an official travel expense. This applies irrespective of the fact that the alcohol was bought together with food or as a take-out. There are very few to none afford to ordinary civilians and officers, it is only allowed to some special duties civil and military personnel.

3. First class travel is prevalent 

To fly first or business class on DoD funds, the traveler must obtain approval and provide reasons for doing so. The majority of DoD travel should be conducted in the coach class. There are some cases in which there are no available coach seats or when the coach seat accommodation is not reasonable. It is allowed to upgrade flights with frequent flyer miles, which belong to a person.

4. You can go on side trips and enjoy vacations 

Official DoD travels are allowed only for business purposes. Any additions of days to travel or engaging in side personal business means to take leave and personally bear all additional costs without DoD reimbursement.

5. Family can accompany you 

The family and any other non-mission essential people can only travel with you in very extraordinary situations and only have DoD travel orders. They do not use the DoD money to pay or compensate for their traveling expenses as it is in most typical scenarios.

6. There are no receipt necessary

Specific receipts are needed for every expense amounting to $75 or more as part of the DoD travel reimbursements. Non-reimbursement is the potential result of lost receipts. In most cases, some sort of proof of purchase is expected even if the amount spent is below $75.

7. Travel days are not considered as leave

Travel start and end days are counted as leave days if there are any activities other than official work (for instance, a meal with the family). Yes there are more restricted exclusionary provisions, but the traveler is expected to explain off duty time during travel.

8. It is important to note that certain rules do not apply when on DoD aircraft

While there are very many stringent rules and regulations governing travel, these are mostly observed when on DoD aircraft or transport vehicles. Other items such as reimbursements, receipts, flight authorizations must still properly flow in the system.

9. Travel expenses are always reimbursed separately

travel vouchers advances and reimbursements may mean different things but are collectively grouped together when making payments. Limitations, receipt requirements and approvals are still necessary regardless of whether the payment is in the form of an advance, a government credit card payment or a reimbursement.

10. Policy implementation is voluntary

Deliberate violation of the DoD travel policy as well as non-adherence due to lack of information can attract disciplinary action or no reimbursement. Compliance with the rules is required for the choice of transportation means, accommodation, the amounts of reimbursement, the classes of flights, etc.

All in all, DoD travel is governed by strict regulations and restrictions regarding lodging amenities, transportation, companions, reimbursement, and vouchers. It is, however, important to note that although special exceptions can be authorized, such assumptions are not true for regular DoD travel policies. Lack of flexibility and higher expenditures are a norm for today’s military and civil personnel’s travel.

Read More:

What To See When Traveling to Poland?

Where To Travel in November?

How To Travel to And Around Seoul?

Is Parking at Airport Considered Travel Expense?

Where Can You Travel Without a Us Passport?

Can You Travel to Antarctica?