Many people believe wrong things about DoD travel rules. These mistakes can lead to problems. You may lose money or break rules without knowing it. This guide will help you avoid those mistakes.
We will look at what is not true. We will explain each point in a clear and simple way.
DoD Does Not Pay for Everything
Many think DoD covers every cost on a trip. That is false. DoD only pays for some things. You get money for meals, hotel, and a few small costs. But there are limits.
If your hotel costs more than the allowed amount, you pay the rest. If you buy drinks or pay for fun, DoD will not pay you back. These are personal costs.
Always check the daily rates for meals and hotels. This is called per diem. If you go over the limit, you must pay.
Per Diem Does Not Cover All Costs
Per diem helps with food and hotel. It also covers small things like tips. But it does not pay for everything.
You cannot use per diem for laundry, phone bills, or gifts. If you need extra money, you must get approval. Do not assume per diem is enough.
Also, if someone gives you meals, your meal money may go down. If the hotel is paid for by the military, you will not get money for it.
You Cannot Pick Any Hotel
You may want to stay at a hotel you like. But the rules say you must use hotels that give the government rate. Some areas also have military lodging. If they are open, you must use them.
If no approved hotel is near your work, you must explain why you picked another place. You also need to show that the cost is close to the limit.
The Travel Card Is Not for Personal Use
You get a government travel card (GTCC) to pay for your trip. Some people think they can buy anything with it. That is wrong.
You can only use this card for meals, travel, and hotel during your trip. If you buy things not allowed, you could get in trouble.
You should never use the card before or after the trip. Also, you should not buy things for someone else. Always follow the rules when using the card.
Approving Officials Cannot Change the Rules
Some think that their boss or travel officer can approve anything. That is not true.
Authorizing Officials (AOs) must follow the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). If something is not in the rules, they cannot allow it. Even if the cost is small, it must follow the JTR.
If your AO approves something that breaks the rules, you could still lose money or face problems.
If It’s Not in the Rules, You Cannot Do It
Some think if the rules do not say “no,” it means “yes.” That is wrong. You must only do what the JTR allows. If the rule is silent, you cannot assume it is okay.
Always check the JTR. If you are not sure, ask before the trip. Do not guess. Wrong guesses can lead to rejected vouchers.
Travel Rules Can Change
Some think travel rules never change. But they do. New laws, updates, and system changes all affect the rules.
What worked last year may not work now. Always check the latest guidance. You can ask your travel office or visit the DTMO website for updates.
Family Travel Is Not Always Paid
When you move under PCS orders, you may think the government always pays for your family. That is not always true.
The orders must list your dependents. If not, their travel is not paid. Even if they go with you, you may not get money back unless they are on the orders.
Also, if you pick your own travel method, like driving instead of flying, your pay may be limited to the cheapest option.
Online Travel Tools Are Not Always Right
The DoD uses online systems to create travel plans and vouchers. These tools help, but they can still make mistakes.
Rates may be wrong. Some dates may be wrong. If you trust the tool without checking, you may lose money.
Always review your plan and voucher. Check the rates and rules. Fix errors before you submit.
You Will Not Always Get Full Per Diem
Some people think they always get the full daily rate. That is false. In some cases, per diem is reduced.
If your hotel is paid by the military, you get less. If your meals are covered by a meeting, your meal pay goes down. Some trips have group meals. These reduce your daily meal pay.
Always check what part of per diem you will receive. Do not assume you get the full amount every day.
Common Myths and Truths
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| DoD pays all travel costs | Only some costs are covered |
| Per diem covers all expenses | It only helps with food and hotel |
| You can stay anywhere | You must use approved lodging |
| Travel card can buy anything | Only official items are allowed |
| AO can approve any cost | AO must follow rules |
| If not forbidden, it’s allowed | Only allowed if written in the rules |
| Rules never change | Rules often change |
| Family travel is always paid | Only when orders allow |
| Online tools are always right | They can be wrong |
| Full per diem is always paid | Sometimes it is reduced |
FAQs
1. Can I stay with a friend and still get money for hotel?
No. If you stay with a friend or family member, you will not get lodging money. You only get money for meals and small costs.
2. What if the online system gives the wrong rate?
Check the per diem site or the JTR. If you see an error, tell your travel office. Fix it before you submit your voucher.
3. Can I use my own credit card for meals?
Some people use their personal card. But rules say to use the GTCC. If you use your own card, you may not get paid back quickly. It can also cause audit problems.
4. Do rules change often?
Yes. Travel rules can change every year. Sometimes they change more than once. Always check before you travel.
5. Can I mix personal and work travel?
Yes, but you need approval before the trip. Do not add personal time or stops without asking first. If you do, you may not get paid for all costs.
6. Will the government pay for my family when I move?
Only if your PCS orders list your family. Also, if you drive when a flight is cheaper, you may get less money.
Final Thoughts
DoD travel policy is strict. You must follow the rules. Many people make small mistakes that cost money. Now you know what is not true. Use this guide before every trip. If you are not sure, ask your travel office.
Stay smart. Stay within policy. And save your own money by doing things the right way.