Reserve Travel Reimbursement

Reserve Travel Categories

Per MCRAMM Chapter 5 and JTR, Reserve members might receive travel reimbursement for various duty types.

IDT Travel Reimbursement

For drill weekends and other inactive duty.

• Specific eligibility for distance-based reimbursement
• Programs vary annually per current MARADMIN
• Per mile or specific allowance

AT Travel

For Annual Training (AT).

• Travel reimbursement under JTR per active duty rules
• Per diem during travel
• Lodging reimbursement

Active Duty Travel

For ADOS, mobilization, or other active duty.

• Standard active duty travel rules apply
• Per diem and lodging per JTR
• Reimbursement via DTS

Inter-Service or Cross-Country Travel

For specific assignments requiring significant travel.

• Specific rules per JTR
• Coordinate with PAC for unusual situations

IDT Travel Reimbursement Programs

Per current MARADMIN, IDT travel reimbursement programs.

Mileage Reimbursement

For members traveling to drilling location.

• Specific distance threshold (typically over 100 miles)
• Per mile rate per JTR
• Annual cap on reimbursement

Lodging Reimbursement

For members requiring lodging during drill weekend.

• Specific eligibility rules
• Government rate or actual lodging cost
• Specific approval required

Subsistence Reimbursement

For members eating at non-government facilities during drill.

• Per diem for meal periods
• Specific rules per JTR

Programs vary annually. Always reference current MARADMIN.

Eligibility for IDT Travel Reimbursement

A member qualifies for IDT travel reimbursement when meeting these.

• Drilling SMCR member
• Distance to drilling location exceeds threshold
• Specific MOS or unit eligibility per current program
• Continued satisfactory participation

Performance Steps for IDT Travel Reimbursement

Step 1 - Verify Eligibility

When member submits travel claim.

• Verify SMCR drilling status
• Verify distance from member's residence to drilling location
• Verify member meets program criteria

Step 2 - Receive Travel Claim

Member submits.

• Travel voucher or claim form
• Mileage documentation
• Lodging receipts if applicable
• Subsistence documentation if applicable

Step 3 - Calculate Reimbursement

Per current rates and rules.

• Mileage at JTR rate
• Lodging at government or actual rate
• Subsistence per diem

Step 4 - Process Reimbursement

Submit for processing.

• Through DTS or specific reimbursement channel
• Coordinate with DFAS for payment
• Track to closure

Step 5 - Verify Payment

Confirm member receives reimbursement.

• Pay deposit verified
• Member acknowledges receipt
• Documentation filed

AT Travel Reimbursement

For Annual Training.

Pre-AT

• Member receives AT orders
• Travel arrangements coordinated
• Initial travel period for AT departure

During AT

• Per diem for travel periods
• Lodging for travel nights
• Standard active duty travel rules

Post-AT

• Return travel
• Final per diem
• Travel voucher submission

Performance Steps

Standard AT travel processing.

1. Member receives AT orders
2. Member coordinates travel
3. Member submits travel voucher within 5 days of AT end
4. PAC processes voucher
5. Reimbursement to member

ADOS and Mobilization Travel

For extended active duty.

• Standard active duty travel rules
• DTS processing for vouchers
• Per diem and lodging per JTR

These coordinate with member's gaining unit IPAC, not I&I.

Travel Voucher Documentation

For all travel reimbursement, documentation required.

Mileage Documentation

• Source and destination
• Date of travel
• Mileage calculation
• Vehicle used

Lodging Documentation

• Lodging receipts
• Date of stay
• Government rate or actual cost
• Specific approval if exceeding government rate

Subsistence Documentation

• Per diem dates
• Specific situations if claiming actual cost
• Coordination with DTS for active duty

Specific Approvals

For non-standard situations.

• Specific commander approval
• Documentation supporting approval
• Reference to specific JTR provisions

Common Travel Reimbursement Errors

These hit during processing.

1. Late voucher submission. AT vouchers due within 5 days of AT end. Late vouchers create audit issues.
2. Insufficient documentation. Member submits voucher without receipts or mileage details. Reject and request complete package.
3. Wrong rate applied. JTR rates change. Verify current.
4. Member exceeds annual cap. IDT travel reimbursement might have annual cap. Verify before processing.
5. Member not eligible. Distance threshold or program eligibility not met. Verify before paying.

Tax Treatment of Travel Reimbursement

Per IRS rules.

• Travel reimbursement generally not taxable
• Specific situations might have tax implications
• Per diem at government rate generally not taxable

Coordinate with member's tax preparer for specific questions.

Audit Implications

Travel reimbursement is audit-relevant.

• Improper reimbursement creates findings
• Late vouchers create documentation issues
• Member without eligibility receiving reimbursement creates findings
• Specific JTR compliance required

PAC coordination supports unit audit posture on travel.

Coordination Touchpoints

Travel reimbursement processing touches.

• DTS: For active duty travel processing
• DFAS: For reimbursement payment
• JTR-trained personnel: For specific JTR questions
• Local travel office: For installation-specific rules

Quality Control on Travel Reimbursement

Before submitting travel claims.

• Verify member eligibility
• Verify documentation complete
• Verify rates current
• Verify within annual caps where applicable

Related Roles

Travel reimbursement affects Reserve members traveling to drill and AT.

• Marines submit travel vouchers within timelines.
• Leaders at units verify member eligibility and route claims.
• Commanders at I&I support travel reimbursement processing.