For authorized travel expenses during your permanent change-of-station move, the Defense Department requires that most service members use the Government Travel Charge Card. When you get your orders, go to your organization’s point of contact for the travel card to secure one.
And don’t delay.
“One common trend we’re seeing is that soldiers aren’t requesting their travel card in time for the PCS,” said retired Army Col. Eldon Mullis, deputy director and chief operating officer of Army Emergency Relief.
You’re reimbursed up to the limit of your travel allowances, so if these purchases exceed that amount, you’ll have to pay the rest of the bill — and do so within the required time frame after you complete your PCS.
Relocation expenses include transportation costs, lodging and meals during your allowable travel time, along with related costs.
They also include any relocation items normally purchased with a dislocation allowance — items you’d buy at a retail store to set up your household at your new location, such as cleaning materials, a lamp or even a new television.
RELATED
Troops heading out on deployment, or changing their duty station, can get out of their lease without penalty in most cases thanks to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
You can use the travel charge card for deposits at the new location, such as those for utilities and rent. But those deposits are not reimbursable from the government: You’ll have to pay the bills within the required time frame after your move.
And if you decide to take a side trip on your way to your next duty station for a quick family vacation or even a visit with relatives, don’t put those expenses on your travel card. Use of the GTCC is limited to official relocation costs.
Need more travel-card background? Check out this online tutorial.
Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fla., and Athens, Ga.
Be careful -- Interest rates on VA home loans may be ticking higher amid economic turmoil.
Maximizing the options available to you is essential to making the most out of your military career.
New rules make it easier to use VA home loans, but there are some increased fees.
Navy veteran Zack Baddorf and Marine Corps veteran Russell Midori have launched Military Veterans in Journalism, a professional association designed to help veterans transition into media careers that will provide veterans with a journalism workshop next year.
The move comes after a months-long review of VA loan practices that found tens of thousands of errors.
The Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center wants to do a better job collecting data so it can identify trends that could improve future training events.
Experts are split on the Army's quick reversal of high school education waivers, but some applicants are left out in the cold.
"It was clear from the onset and confirmed throughout our visit that volunteers played a critical role in the defense of Kyiv, yet their role has not been systematically studied."
President Joe Biden is bestowing the nation’s highest military honor to four Army soldiers for their heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Vietnam War.
Judges should deliver their decision in the coming weeks.
Putin has declared victory in the eastern Ukraine region of Luhansk, but the high cost of Russian gains may limit a new advance.
Retired Vice Adm. Rich Brown was named accountable for the loss of the amphibious ship Bonhomme Richard but was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing in December. Six months later, he's facing censure from the Navy secretary.
The last remaining Medal of Honor recipient from World War II will lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol.
Sunday’s statement comes as North Korea’s neighbors say the country is ready for its first nuclear test in five years
About 6,000 Navy, Army and Air Force families were affected by the toxic spill. Their trust in the military remains low.
Load More