DTS Roles and Routing

Start Here If You Are New to DTS Roles

DTS has many roles, each with a specific responsibility. The Marine traveler is the central role, building authorizations and submitting vouchers. The unit Organizational Defense Travel Administrator (ODTA) supports travelers, monitors unsubmitted voucher reports, and coordinates with NDEAs to close OTOs. The Lead Defense Travel Administrator (LDTA) manages routing lists and supports ODTAs. The Finance Defense Travel Administrator (FDTA) reconciles obligations and accounting issues. The Non-DTS Entry Agent (NDEA) submits vouchers on behalf of travelers who cannot. The Authorizing Official (AO) approves authorizations at the unit level and final vouchers at the Disbursing or Finance Office level (per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12). The Reviewing Official replaces the former local AO for vouchers. The DTS Program Management Office (PMO) at HQMC P&R-RFF runs the program. Per MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A, MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12, and MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25.

This page walks you through DTS roles and routing from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The Traveler role
• ODTA, LDTA, and FDTA roles
• NDEA role and zero-dollar voucher submission
• AO roles split between authorizations (unit) and vouchers (DO/FO) per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12
• Reviewing Official role at the local command
• DTS PMO role at HQMC P&R-RFF
• Debt Management Monitor (DMM) and I&L LPS-D supporting roles
• TECOM Worldwide Travel exception
• The Zero Voucher routing list (PMO-only)

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A, MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12, MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25, DODFMR Volume 5DODFMR Volume 5, DODFMR Volume 9DODFMR Volume 9, and MCO 7300.21BMCO 7300.21B.

Traveler

The Marine on TDY, PCS, or other authorized travel.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a current DTS profile (GTCC, EFT, AO routing, organizational placement).
• Build the authorization in DTS before travel.
• Book reservations through DTS (City Pair, DoD Rental Car, GSA per diem lodging).
• Sign the authorization and route to the AO.
• Execute the trip in compliance with the approved authorization.
• Submit the voucher within 5 working days of return per JTR Chapter 4 and DODFMR Vol 9DODFMR Vol 9.
• Cancel the authorization immediately if the trip will not execute (per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25).
• Verify split disbursement covers the GTCC balance.
• Respond to ODTA outreach for unsubmitted vouchers.
• Review AO comments after final approval and take follow-on action as required.

Organizational Defense Travel Administrator (ODTA)

The local DTS administrator at the unit level.

Responsibilities

• Support travelers in authorization and voucher creation.
• Process AO routing changes and organizational placement updates.
• Monitor the DTS Unsubmitted Voucher Report weekly per MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A.
• Notify travelers with unsubmitted vouchers per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25.
• Coordinate with the NDEA at 30 days for zero-dollar voucher initiation.
• Notify the FDTA of accounting rejects.
• Maintain unit-level DTS configuration.
• Train new travelers on DTS basics.

Lead Defense Travel Administrator (LDTA)

The senior DTS administrator at the unit or installation level.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple ODTAs.
• Manage routing list conversions per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12.
• Coordinate with the DO/FO for voucher routing alignment.
• Configure cross-org access for travelers funded by other commands.
• Support the unit comptroller and FDTA.
• Coordinate with the DTS PMO on program-level issues.

Finance Defense Travel Administrator (FDTA)

The financial DTS administrator coordinating with the comptroller.

Responsibilities

• Reconcile DTS transactions with the DAI accounting system per MCO 7300.21BMCO 7300.21B.
• Identify accounting rejects, unmatched obligations, and discrepancies.
• Validate obligation status in the accounting system.
• Coordinate with G-8 for funding and accounting issues.
• Monitor the OTO Report weekly with ODTAs per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25.
• Coordinate with the DTS Debt Management Monitor (DMM) for debts due to the U.S. Government.
• Provide monthly reports to the Commanding Officer with OTO summaries.
• Validate manual de-obligation requests.

Non-DTS Entry Agent (NDEA)

The trained non-traveler with authority to submit vouchers in DTS on behalf of travelers.

Responsibilities

Per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25 paragraph 3.c.

• Create and submit zero-dollar vouchers when travelers fail to submit.
• Sign the voucher to initiate routing for approval.
• Reduce itinerary to one day, trip duration to 12 hours or less, and zero out expenses.
• Attach a Memo in Lieu of DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 (do NOT use Memo or Other expense label).
• Process three voucher variants based on expense type.
  • Without reimbursable expenses (Submitting a Zero-dollar Voucher statement option).
  • With reimbursable expenses (uploads signed DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2).
  • With CBA expenses (Reconciling a CBA Transaction statement option, do NOT remove CBA transaction).
• Add the standardized comments to the AO per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25 paragraph 3.c.5.

The DTS Outstanding Travel Orders leaf covers NDEA procedures in detail.

Authorizing Official (AO) - Unit Level (For Authorizations)

The local commander or designated officer who approves DTS authorizations.

Responsibilities

• Review the authorization for compliance with JTR Chapter 4 and MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A.
• Validate the trip purpose and funding source.
• Approve, return for correction, or deny.
• Per MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A, target 5 working days for approval (less for short-notice or operationally critical travel).

Authorization vs Voucher Distinction

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.I, the unit AO retains authorization approval authority. Voucher approval routes through the DO/FO under the new framework.

Reviewing Official (RO) - Unit Level (For Vouchers)

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12, the local command Reviewing Official replaces the former local AO role for vouchers.

Responsibilities

• Receive the voucher from the traveler.
• Validate that approved travel was executed within the commander's intent.
• Verify required receipts are attached.
• Verify required comments are included.
• Verify GTCC split disbursement matches the GTCC balance.
• Sign and route to the DO/FO AO if no errors.
• Return for correction if errors exist.
• Has 2 working days from receipt of the voucher.

Authorizing Official (AO) - DO/FO Level (For Vouchers)

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12, the Disbursing or Finance Office AO has final voucher approval authority for Marine Corps DTS vouchers.

Responsibilities

• Receive the voucher from the unit Reviewing Official.
• Validate entitlements and payment accuracy per JTR and DODFMR Vol 9DODFMR Vol 9.
• Validate the GTCC balance and ensure proper split disbursement covers any remaining outstanding balance.
• Approve, return for correction, or adjust the voucher.
• Has 3 working days from receipt of the voucher.

Pecuniary Liability

The DO/FO AO carries pecuniary liability for improper payments per DODFMR Vol 5DODFMR Vol 5. Local commanders no longer hold this liability under MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12.

Blanket Grade Waiver

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.G, DO/FO personnel are granted a blanket waiver from the MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A grade requirement when serving as AO. This allows the Marine Corps to staff DO/FO AOs from the available financial workforce.

The DTS Voucher Approval Process leaf covers the DO/FO AO framework in detail.

DTS Program Management Office (PMO)

The HQMC-level program management office at HQMC P&R-RFF.

Responsibilities

Per MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A and MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25.

• Maintain the Marine Corps DTS configuration.
• Set and update routing lists at the program level.
• Manage the Zero Voucher routing list (PMO-restricted).
• Coordinate with DTMO for system updates.
• Initiate automated zero-dollar voucher processing for OTOs at 90 days per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25.
• Provide program-level escalation for unresolved issues.
• Coordinate with HQMC RFF DTS-GTCC office for cross-program issues.

Key Contacts

• DTS PMO Distro List. OMB_HQMC_PR_RFF_DTS_GTCC@USMC.MIL.
• Angela Howard, MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25 POC. (703) 784-9110.
• David Fuqua, GTCC and DTS Program Manager. (703) 432-9813.

Debt Management Monitor (DMM)

The DTS DMM at the financial side of DTS.

Responsibilities

Per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25 paragraph 3.g and MCO 7300.21BMCO 7300.21B.

• Address actions resulting in a debt due to the U.S. Government.
• Coordinate debt identification.
• Coordinate debt settlement per applicable regulations.
• Reactivate accounting system records when required.
• Coordinate with FDTA on debt-related issues.

I&L LPS-D (CBA Reconciliation)

Logistics Policy and Sustainment Distribution Branch (I&L LPS-D).

Responsibilities

Per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25 paragraph 3.a.1.

• Initiate zero-dollar vouchers to remove reimbursable expenses and reconcile CBA at 45 days past the trip end date.
• Reduce delayed CBA payments through proactive reconciliation.
• Maintain the CBA reconciliation routing list.

TECOM Worldwide Travel (WWT)

The Training and Education Command travel office.

Responsibilities

• Handle formal school training travel for TECOM-funded events.
• Serve as the AO for TECOM WWT vouchers (exception under MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 from the standard DO/FO routing).
• Maintain TECOM WWT routing lists (NOT converted under MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12).
• Coordinate with TECOM HL3 APC for ELT GTCC issuance per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24.

Key Contact

TECOM Travel Support. smb_tecom_travel_support@usmc.mil.

The Zero Voucher Routing List

Per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25 paragraph 4.

The DTS PMO has established a dedicated Zero Voucher routing list specifically for processing zero-dollar vouchers. This list is automatically populated across all Marine Corps DTS organizations.

Restrictions

• Restricted to RFF DTS PMO personnel only.
• NOT authorized for general command use.
• ODTAs must NOT add this routing list during Global Maintenance.

The Zero Voucher routing list is the routing path for automated zero-dollar voucher processing at 90 days.

Visualizing the Routing Flow

For a standard voucher under MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12.

1. Traveler signs voucher in DTS.
2. Voucher routes to local command Reviewing Official.
3. Reviewing Official has 2 working days. Signs and routes to DO/FO AO.
4. DO/FO AO has 3 working days. Signs and routes to DFAS.
5. DFAS processes the disbursement (3-5 business days).

For a zero-dollar voucher initiated by NDEA at 30 days under MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25.

1. NDEA creates zero-dollar voucher with Memo in Lieu of DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2.
2. NDEA signs and routes through standard chain.
3. Reviewing Official validates the zero-dollar voucher (2 working days).
4. DO/FO AO approves (3 working days).
5. Authorization closed. Obligation released or reduced to mandatory expenses.

For an automated zero-dollar voucher initiated by DTS PMO at 90 days under MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25.

1. DTS PMO uses automated process via Zero Voucher routing list.
2. Voucher routes through PMO-restricted approval path.
3. Authorization closed. Obligation released.

For TECOM WWT exception under MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12.

1. Traveler signs voucher in DTS for TECOM-funded school travel.
2. Voucher routes to TECOM WWT (NOT to local DO/FO).
3. TECOM WWT serves as AO. Approves and routes to DFAS.

Common Questions Marines Ask

Who is my ODTA?

Ask the chain of command, the unit S-1, or the local travel help desk. Most units have one or more ODTAs at the company or battalion level.

What does the NDEA do?

The NDEA submits zero-dollar vouchers in DTS on behalf of travelers who fail to submit. The NDEA does NOT submit vouchers for travelers who can submit themselves. Per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25.

Why does my voucher route to the DO/FO instead of my unit AO?

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12, all Marine Corps DTS vouchers route through the servicing DO/FO for final approval. The unit AO retains authorization approval but the voucher AO role moved to DO/FO.

What is the Reviewing Official?

The local command position that validates the voucher reflects approved travel and required documentation, then routes to the DO/FO AO. Replaces the former local AO role for vouchers.

What is the DTS PMO?

The HQMC P&R-RFF Program Management Office that runs the Marine Corps DTS program. Reach at OMB_HQMC_PR_RFF_DTS_GTCC@USMC.MIL.

Who handles CBA reconciliation?

I&L LPS-D at 45 days past the trip end date per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25 paragraph 3.a.1. Uses the CBA reconciliation routing list.

What is the TECOM WWT exception?

TECOM Worldwide Travel is the AO for TECOM-funded school training travel. WWT routing is NOT converted to the DO/FO model under MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12.

What is the Zero Voucher routing list?

The DTS PMO routing list for processing automated zero-dollar vouchers at 90 days per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25. Restricted to PMO use only. ODTAs must NOT add this routing list during Global Maintenance.

Who is the Debt Management Monitor?

The DTS DMM coordinates with FDTAs on actions resulting in a debt to the U.S. Government per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25 paragraph 3.g. Ensures proper debt identification and settlement.

How do I escalate a stuck voucher?

Through the unit ODTA, who escalates to LDTA, FDTA, or DO/FO leadership. For program-level issues, contact the DTS PMO at OMB_HQMC_PR_RFF_DTS_GTCC@USMC.MIL.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• ODTA contact. Through chain of command, unit S-1, or local travel help desk.
• LDTA escalation. Through the ODTA.
• FDTA contact for accounting issues. Through the ODTA or unit comptroller.
• NDEA processing. Coordinated through the ODTA.
• DO/FO AO questions. Through the unit ODTA who coordinates with the servicing DO/FO.
• DTS PMO escalation. OMB_HQMC_PR_RFF_DTS_GTCC@USMC.MIL or (703) 784-9110.
• TECOM Worldwide Travel. smb_tecom_travel_support@usmc.mil.
• Debt management questions. Through the FDTA to the DTS DMM.
• I&L LPS-D for CBA reconciliation. Through the FDTA.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• DTS landing page lists all DTS topics.
• DTS Overview and Authorities covers the program framework.
• DTS Profile and Setup covers the cardholder profile underpinning these roles.
• Creating DTS Authorizations covers the unit AO authorization workflow.
• Submitting DTS Vouchers covers the traveler voucher workflow.
• Trip Cancellations in DTS covers ODTA cancellation assistance.
• DTS Outstanding Travel Orders covers NDEA zero-dollar voucher procedures.
• DTS Voucher Approval Process covers the MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 RO and DO/FO AO framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders work with the unit ODTA to ensure travelers are correctly placed in DTS organizations and routed to the appropriate AO.
• Admin at S-1 supports the ODTA and assists travelers with DTS profile and routing issues.
• Commanders engage the LDTA, FDTA, and DO/FO leadership on unit-level DTS performance.

DTS roles span from the traveler to the HQMC PMO. The traveler builds authorizations and submits vouchers. ODTA, LDTA, and FDTA support at the unit level. NDEA submits zero-dollar vouchers per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25. AO at unit level approves authorizations. AO at DO/FO approves vouchers per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12. Reviewing Official replaces former local AO for vouchers. DTS PMO runs the program at HQMC P&R-RFF. Zero Voucher routing list is PMO-restricted. TECOM WWT is the only voucher AO exception.