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By Thomas Sullivan•Last Updated April 16, 2025

Common Misconceptions About DoD Travel Policy: What You Need to Know

Introduction

The Department of Defense (DoD) travel policy is designed to ensure that travel by military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors is safe, efficient, and compliant with federal law. However, several misconceptions persist about what the policy allows and restricts. In this article, we examine what is not true about DoD travel policy by clarifying key points, debunking myths, and providing actionable guidance for anyone planning or approving official travel within the DoD.

Understanding DoD Travel Policy: The Essentials

The DoD travel policy is governed by several core documents, including the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) , the Defense Travel System (DTS) regulations, and DoD Instructions on commercial travel management. These set the framework for official travel, covering everything from authorizations to reimbursement procedures and allowable expenses. The policy applies to all service members, DoD civilian employees, and others traveling at the Department’s expense [4] .

What Is

Not

True About DoD Travel Policy?

Several beliefs about DoD travel policy are inaccurate or incomplete. Below, we examine common myths and provide the verified facts, along with specific guidance and alternatives for navigating DoD travel requirements.

Myth 1: Any Travel Can Be Approved Without Documentation

Fact: All official travel within the DoD must be authorized in advance, and proper documentation is essential. For example, extended Temporary Duty (TDY) assignments (180 days or more) require written approval from the appropriate authority, and documentation must be maintained with the travel authorization as substantiating evidence [1] . Failure to provide adequate documentation can result in denial of reimbursement or disciplinary action.

How to Ensure Compliance:

Always request written approval for TDY assignments exceeding 180 days.
Attach all necessary documentation in the Defense Travel System (DTS) or retain physical copies as required by your command.
Consult your unit’s travel coordinator or the Defense Travel Management Office for the latest documentation requirements.

Myth 2: The DTS Can Be Used for All Types of Travel, Including Personal Leave

Fact: The DTS is designed for official travel. However, Personal Leave with Official Travel (PLOT) is allowed only when taken at an official Temporary Duty (TDY) location and all travel occurs at official itinerary points. The use of DTS for travel that is purely personal or unrelated to official duty is not permitted [1] . Improper use of DTS for personal trips can result in financial liability for the traveler.

Steps to Manage PLOT Properly:

Ensure that any personal leave coincides with official travel locations.
Include all dates-both official and personal-within your DTS authorization.
Consult your Approving Official (AO) to confirm eligibility and compliance.

Myth 3: The DoD Travel Policy Applies the Same Rules to Contractors and Government Employees

Fact: Travel for government contractors and their employees is governed separately under the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), not the JTR. Contractors must adhere to the terms of their contract, which may differ from those that apply to DoD personnel [3] .

Guidance for Contractors:

Consult your employer’s travel coordinator or contracting officer for the specific travel guidelines outlined in your contract.
Do not assume government employee rules apply to contractor travel; differences may exist in per diem rates or allowable expenses.

Myth 4: The JTR and DTS Regulations Override All Other Travel Rules

Fact: While the JTR and DTS regulations are authoritative, they do
not
override the DoD Financial Management Regulation (FMR) or statutory law. In cases of conflict, higher-level laws and regulations take precedence [2] .

Best Practice:

Familiarize yourself with both the JTR and DoD FMR when planning travel.
For questions or conflicts, reach out to the Travel Assistance Center through the Travel Explorer (TraX) or call 1-888-HELP-1-GO for guidance.

Myth 5: All DoD Personnel Are Covered by the Same Travel Allowances

Fact: Travel allowances vary based on employment status. Uniformed Service members’ allowances are established under U.S.C. Titles 10 and 37, while civilian employees are governed by U.S.C. Title 5 and the GSA’s Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) [4] . Some non-DoD uniformed services may only use DoD policy as guidance [5] .

What This Means for You:

Always verify which regulations apply to your travel status before making arrangements.
Access the most recent version of the JTR and GSA’s FTR for up-to-date allowances.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Compliant DoD Travel

To ensure your official travel is compliant and avoids common pitfalls, follow these actionable steps:

Determine Your Status and Applicable Regulations: Identify whether you are a uniformed service member, civilian, or contractor. Use the JTR or FAR as appropriate.
Obtain Required Approvals: Secure written authorization for all official travel. For long-term TDY, get higher command approval and maintain documentation.
Use DTS Appropriately: Enter all official travel into the Defense Travel System. For PLOT, ensure your leave and official travel locations align and include all necessary dates.
Consult the Latest Policy Documents: Download the current JTR from the Defense Travel Management Office’s official website. Review recent updates and cover letters for policy changes.
Prepare for Reimbursement: Retain all receipts and required documentation. Submit claims promptly through DTS, following all substantiation requirements.
Seek Help When Needed: If unsure, use the Travel Explorer (TraX) for help tickets or call the Travel Assistance Center at 1-888-435-7146. Alternatively, consult your unit or agency travel coordinator.

Case Study: Avoiding Common Errors in DoD Travel

A DoD civilian attempted to use DTS for a personal trip by adding vacation days outside the TDY itinerary. This resulted in a denial of reimbursement and a requirement to repay government funds. The individual had misunderstood the difference between official and personal travel. After consulting the JTR and contacting the Travel Assistance Center, they learned to separate personal leave from official travel and update their authorizations accordingly.

Challenges and Solutions

Travelers often face challenges such as policy changes, system errors in DTS, or unclear approval authority. To address these:

Stay informed by reviewing monthly JTR updates and communicating with your travel office regularly.
If DTS encounters technical issues, document the problem, exhaust local troubleshooting options, and escalate through TraX if needed [2] .
If policy seems unclear, reference the Defense Travel Management Office’s website and seek clarification from your command’s legal or financial office.

Alternative Approaches and Additional Resources

If you are unable to access DTS or have unique travel circumstances (e.g., emergency travel, foreign military personnel), contact your chain of command or the Defense Travel Management Office for tailored instructions. Some exceptions may require SecDef approval or additional permissions, especially for foreign travelers or exceptional cases [3] .

Summary and Key Takeaways

DoD travel policy is complex but structured to ensure accountability and efficiency. Understanding what is
not
true about the policy-such as assuming personal travel is always covered, or that contractors follow the same rules as government employees-can help you avoid costly errors. Always verify your travel status, use official channels for approvals, and seek guidance when in doubt. For the latest policy details, visit the Defense Travel Management Office’s official website or consult your local travel coordinator.