DTS Voucher Approval Process

Start Here If You Are New to the DTS Voucher Approval Process

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12, all Marine Corps DTS vouchers route through the servicing Disbursing or Finance Office (DO/FO) for final approval. This shifts pecuniary liability from local commands to DO/FO. Local commands retain Reviewing Official (RO) responsibility, validating that approved travel was executed within the commander's intent (2 working days from receipt). DO/FO Approving Officials (AOs) process within 3 working days of receipt. DO/FO personnel are granted a blanket grade waiver from the MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A grade requirement when serving as AO/COs. The only exception is TECOM Worldwide Travel (WWT), which retains its own routing. The new process applies ONLY to vouchers, NOT to authorizations. Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12, MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A, DODFMR Vol 5DODFMR Vol 5, DODFMR Vol 9DODFMR Vol 9.

This page walks you through the voucher approval process from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 framework and why it changed
• Reviewing Official role at the local command (2 working days)
• DO/FO AO role for final approval (3 working days)
• Pecuniary liability shift from command to DO/FO
• DD Form 577DD Form 577 appointment and the blanket grade waiver
• TECOM Worldwide Travel exception
• Authorization approval unchanged from the new framework
• Reviewing AO comments after approval

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12, MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A, MCO 4600.40CMCO 4600.40C, DODFMR Volume 5DODFMR Volume 5, DODFMR Volume 9DODFMR Volume 9 Chapter 3, and DD Form 577DD Form 577.

Why MARADMIN 291/12 Was Issued

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 2.

"While DTS has streamlined the overall travel process, the Marine Corps continues to struggle with travel voucher inaccuracies and lack of timeliness. A significant number of USMC vouchers are approved in error and average USMC voucher approval timelines are the slowest in DoD."

The fix.

• Route all DTS vouchers through the servicing DO/FO for final approval.
• Tighten internal controls.
• Realign core competencies with appropriately trained personnel.
• Remove pecuniary liability from local commands and shift to DO/FO.

Three-Tier Routing Process

The new framework uses three tiers.

Tier 1. Traveler Submits

The traveler creates and signs the voucher in DTS. The Submitting DTS Vouchers leaf covers this workflow.

Tier 2. Local Command Reviewing Official (2 Working Days)

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.D.

The local command Reviewing Official.

• Receives the voucher after traveler signature.
• Validates that approved travel was executed within the commander's intent.
• Verifies required receipts are attached.
• Returns for correction if errors exist.
• Signs and routes to the DO/FO AO if no errors.
• Has 2 working days from receipt of the voucher.

The Reviewing Official is typically the former local AO under the legacy framework. The role title changed but the position is similar.

Tier 3. DO/FO Approving Official (3 Working Days)

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.D.

The Disbursing or Finance Office AO.

• Receives the voucher after RO signature.
• Validates entitlements and payment accuracy.
• Validates the GTCC balance and ensures proper split disbursement covers any remaining outstanding balance.
• Approves, returns for correction, or adjusts as needed.
• Has 3 working days from receipt of the voucher.

The DO/FO AO is the final approver. After approval, the voucher routes to DFAS for processing.

Pecuniary Liability Shift

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 2.

"The new process will remove pecuniary liability from local commands and shift it to the DO/FO."

What Pecuniary Liability Means

If a voucher is approved in error and results in an improper payment, the Approving Official is personally financially liable for the recoupment.

Why the Shift Matters

DO/FO personnel are trained financial professionals. The shift aligns the financial accountability with the personnel best equipped to validate entitlements. Local commanders no longer carry personal financial risk for voucher approval errors.

DD Form 577 Appointment

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.G and DODFMR Vol 5DODFMR Vol 5.

DO/FO personnel are granted authority to serve as Approving and Review Officials through the previously established DD Form 577DD Form 577 approval process.

The Blanket Grade Waiver

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.G.

"Disbursing/finance personnel are granted a blanket waiver from the grade requirement established by ref a (MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A) when appointing AO/COs."

DO/FOs exercise due diligence per DODFMR Vol 5DODFMR Vol 5 when appointing AO/COs.

Why the Waiver

DO/FO personnel may be E-5 or E-6 financial professionals. Without the waiver, MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A grade requirements would limit them from acting as AO. The waiver allows the Marine Corps to staff DO/FO AOs from the available financial workforce.

TECOM Worldwide Travel (WWT) Exception

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 2.

"The only exceptions are those routed and processed via Training and Education Command's Worldwide Travel (TECOM WWT) office."

TECOM WWT handles formal school training travel. The WWT office serves as the AO for these vouchers. TECOM WWT routing lists are NOT converted to the DO/FO model.

Authorization Approval Unchanged

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.I.

"The revised routing process does not pertain to the approval of DTS authorizations."

Authorizations continue to route through the local command AO as before. Only vouchers route to the DO/FO. The Creating DTS Authorizations leaf covers the authorization workflow.

Implementation Timeline

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.H, full implementation was to be accomplished by 31 December 2012. The framework is now mature and operational across all Marine Corps DTS organizations.

Routing List Conversions

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.A.

DOs/FOs work with Lead Defense Travel Administrators (LDTAs) and Organizational Defense Travel Administrators (ODTAs) to convert routing lists. The TECOM WWT routing list(s) are NOT converted.

If your unit's voucher routing has not been updated, coordinate with the unit ODTA. Improperly routed vouchers either sit unapproved or get returned for correction.

DO/FO Validation Requirements

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.C.

The DO/FO AO validates.

Entitlements and Payment Accuracy

Verify per JTR Chapter 4 and DODFMR Vol 9DODFMR Vol 9.

GTCC Split Disbursement

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.C.

"DOs/FOs shall validate Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) balances and ensure proper split disbursement to cover any remaining outstanding balances. This does not eliminate the requirement for reviewing officials to ensure the total outstanding GTCC balance is split disbursed as directed in refs B and C."

The Reviewing Official also remains responsible for verifying GTCC split disbursement before signing.

Supporting Documentation

Verify required receipts, DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 (where applicable), and Memo in Lieu of DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 (where applicable per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25).

Performance Monitoring

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.D.

"Disbursing/Finance Offices shall monitor reviewing official's performance, accuracy, and timeliness to coordinate feedback to local commands."

DO/FOs track.

• Reviewing Official accuracy (returns for correction).
• Reviewing Official timeliness (2-working-day target).
• Coordinate feedback with local commanders.

Reviewing AO Comments After Approval

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.F.

"Following final voucher approval, travelers and reviewing officials are responsible for reviewing vouchers for all comments made by approving officials to take necessary follow-on action as required."

Common AO comments and required follow-on actions.

Adjusted Expense

The AO removed or reduced an expense not allowable per JTR. The traveler reviews the adjustment, and if the adjustment is incorrect, coordinates with the AO and FDTA to dispute.

Receipt Resubmission Required

The AO returned the voucher for unclear or missing receipts. The traveler resubmits with corrected documentation.

Split Disbursement Adjustment

The AO adjusted the split disbursement amount to match the actual GTCC balance. The traveler verifies the adjustment posts correctly to the GTCC.

Reduced Per Diem Applied

The AO applied the proportional meal rate due to government meals. The traveler verifies the calculation.

Common Questions Marines Ask

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 shift improves accuracy and timeliness and removes pecuniary liability from local commands.

Who is the Reviewing Official?

Typically the former local AO under the legacy framework. The Reviewing Official validates the voucher reflects approved travel and required documentation, then routes to the DO/FO AO. 2 working days from receipt.

How long should it take to get my voucher approved?

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12, the Reviewing Official has 2 working days. The DO/FO AO has 3 working days. DFAS processes the disbursement in 3-5 business days. Total time from voucher submission to payment is typically 8-13 business days.

What if my voucher is stuck at the RO or AO?

Coordinate with the unit ODTA to identify the bottleneck. The ODTA can escalate to the LDTA, FDTA, or DO/FO leadership.

Does this apply to authorizations too?

No. Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.I, the revised routing applies ONLY to vouchers. Authorizations continue to route through the local command AO.

What is the TECOM WWT exception?

TECOM Worldwide Travel handles formal school training travel. WWT routing is NOT converted to the DO/FO model. WWT serves as the AO for those vouchers.

What is pecuniary liability?

Personal financial liability for improper payments approved by the AO. Under MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12, this shifted from local commanders to DO/FO personnel.

What is the blanket grade waiver?

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

What if the AO adjusts my voucher?

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.F, review the AO comments and take any required follow-on action. If the adjustment is incorrect, coordinate with the AO and FDTA to dispute.

How does the Reviewing Official verify GTCC split disbursement?

The Reviewing Official confirms the split disbursement amount in DTS matches the traveler's GTCC balance for the trip. Both the RO and the DO/FO AO have responsibility for split disbursement validation per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 paragraph 3.C.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Voucher routing questions or stuck documents. The unit ODTA who escalates to LDTA, FDTA, or DO/FO leadership.
• DD Form 577DD Form 577 appointment process. Through DODFMR Vol 5DODFMR Vol 5 and the DO/FO appointment authority.
• TECOM Worldwide Travel routing. TECOM Travel Support at smb_tecom_travel_support@usmc.mil.
• Routing list conversions. The unit LDTA or ODTA.
• DTS PMO escalation. OMB_HQMC_PR_RFF_DTS_GTCC@USMC.MIL.
• 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.
• Creating DTS Authorizations covers the unchanged authorization workflow.
• Submitting DTS Vouchers covers the voucher submission workflow that triggers RO/AO routing.
• DTS Outstanding Travel Orders covers MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25 zero-dollar voucher framework.
• DTS Roles and Routing covers all stakeholder roles including DO/FO AOs.
• GTCC Split Disbursement covers the split disbursement framework that the RO and AO both validate.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the 2-day RO window and 3-day AO window expectations.
• Admin at S-1 supports the unit ODTA and assists Marines with routing list issues.
• Commanders coordinate with DO/FOs on Reviewing Official performance feedback.

Per MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12, all Marine Corps DTS vouchers route through the servicing DO/FO for final approval. RO at the local command (2 working days). DO/FO AO (3 working days). Pecuniary liability shifted from command to DO/FO. DD Form 577DD Form 577 appointment with blanket grade waiver. TECOM WWT is the only exception. Authorizations are unchanged. Reviewing Officials and travelers must review AO comments after approval.