The eligibility requirements for armed forces travel are determined by each branch of the military. Generally, travel benefits are available to active duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, retirees, and their eligible family members. The rules vary based on status, type of orders, and other factors.
Eligibility for Active Duty Members
Active duty members are eligible for government-funded travel for permanent change of station (PCS) moves. This includes travel to a first duty assignment after training, as well as between duty stations for reassignment. It also includes final move to separation or retirement.
Other types of TDY (Temporary Duty) travel may also be authorized, such as for temporary training assignments, schools, deployments, or special missions. Active duty members must have orders authorizing government-funded travel for PCS and TDY moves.
Eligibility for Reservists and National Guard Members
Reservists and National Guard members may be eligible for travel benefits when performing certain types of active service. This can include:
- Initial Active Duty Training (IADT)
- Annual training or drill weekends
- Active duty schools or training
- Mobilization or deployment
- Transition between active duty and reserve status
Orders calling reservists to active service will specify any authorized travel. Members should check orders to confirm eligibility before government-funded travel.
Eligibility for Retired Members
Military retirees and their eligible dependents are authorized certain travel benefits spaced over their lifetime. This includes:
- Final Move Travel – Retiring members are eligible for one final PCS move to their home of selection within one year after retirement.
- Space Available Travel – Retired members can travel in recreational Space-A status after 20+ years of service.
- Medical Travel – Travel to or from a designated medical facility for evaluation or treatment.
- Survivor Travel – Eligible surviving dependents can travel to the funeral and/or burial site.
Retired members should check with their military branch on the specific travel benefits available to them.
Eligibility for Family Members
The eligible family members of active duty, reserve, and retired service members may qualify for certain government-funded travel. This can include travel related to:
- Accompanying the member on a PCS move
- Visiting the member for emergency leave due to a family crisis
- Traveling to the burial site of an active duty member who died while serving
- Moving to/from an overseas duty station
Eligible family members are typically spouses and dependent children. The full list of eligible family members is defined by each military branch.
Types of Authorized Travel
Different types of travel available to armed forces members and families include:
PCS (Permanent Change of Station) Travel
PCS travel is government-funded travel to a new permanent duty station assignment. It includes:
- One-way travel to first duty station for new recruits
- Travel between duty stations for reassigned active duty members
- Final move for retirement or separation from service
- Dependent travel for relocation based on the member’s PCS orders
TDY (Temporary Duty) Travel
TDY travel is temporary travel away from the permanent duty station for duties such as:
- Training, schools, or conferences
- Deployment or mobilization
- Special missions, exercises, or assignments
- Medical evaluations or treatments
Emergency Leave Travel
Service members may be granted emergency leave travel to attend to certain immediate family emergencies, such as:
- Serious injury or illness
- Death of an immediate family member
- Other family crisis situations
Space-Available Travel
Space-A travel allows members to occupy empty seats on military flights after mission requirements are met. Retired members with 20+ years of service can travel Space-A in recreational status after age 60.
Travel Policies and Restrictions
Authorized armed forces travel must follow all applicable rules and regulations of each service branch. Some key policies include:
- Orders – Official travel orders are always required
- Space-A – Space-A travel is allowed on a space available basis after the mission is met
- Leave / Liberty Travel – Generally restricted to emergency situations
- Personal Travel – Must be taken as ordinary leave and is not government-funded
- Recreational Travel – Only allowed for certain retired members on Space-A status
There may also be restrictions on length of stay, family member travel, number of funded moves per year, or other limitations. Members should check regulations and consult their chain of command.
Travel Allowances and Funding
Authorized armed forces travel is generally funded through government allowances. Typical allowances cover expenses such as:
- Transportation (plane, train, bus, POV mileage)
- Lodging
- Meals and per diem
- Shipping household goods
- POV storage when overseas
- Miscellaneous expenses
Allowance amounts are set based on type of travel and number of dependents. Actual reimbursement is based on receipts up to the maximum allowance. Temporary duty travel is typically funded differently than PCS moves.
Arranging Official Travel
Service members must follow proper procedures to arrange funded travel through official channels. Steps typically include:
- Receiving qualified orders authorizing travel
- Completing required paperwork and requests through chain of command
- Obtaining travel accommodations and support through SATO/CTO
- Reviewing itinerary and government allowance provided
- Verifying reservations and reporting as directed for travel
Last minute arrangements are usually not authorized. Members should ensure they understand how to properly arrange funded travel prior to their reporting date.
Booking Personal Travel
Military personnel are responsible for booking and funding any personal travel they elect to take. Typical options include:
- Using ordinary leave to travel while funded by the member
- Taking Space-A flights in recreational travel status (retirees only)
- Using military discounts on commercial airlines, hotels, etc.
- Taking advantage of morale trips through MWR offices
Leave requests must be approved for personal travel. Members should check leave balances, ensure they can afford travel costs, and comply with any military restrictions.
Conclusion
In summary, eligibility requirements for armed forces travel vary based on duty status, orders, and other regulations. Active duty members receive funded travel for PCS and authorized TDY. Reservists and National Guard receive travel funding on certain types of active service orders. Retired members and family members also qualify for limited travel benefits.
Authorized travel must follow strict military procedures and regulations. Service members are responsible for their own expenses when taking personal leave for leisure travel. By understanding the rules for armed forces travel, members can take maximum advantage of authorized benefits.