GTCC Use During PCS (MARADMIN 478/24)

Start Here If You Are New to GTCC for PCS

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 effective 9 October 2024, the Marine Corps issues GTCCs to entry-level Marines completing Entry Level Training (ELT) who are on orders to OCONUS locations (including non-foreign overseas locations). The GTCC covers unanticipated official travel-related expenses during the PCS to the first Permanent Duty Station (PDS). The Distribution Management Office (DMO) arranges primary transportation. The GTCC is for delays, diversions, and unexpected lodging or meal costs. The losing command APC issues the card and places the account into PCS or Mission Critical status. The gaining command APC transfers the account into the gaining hierarchy upon arrival. Use during Permissive TAD or leave is prohibited. Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24, DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4, and MCO 4600.40CMCO 4600.40C.

This page walks you through GTCC use during PCS from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 framework and 9 October 2024 effective date
• Why entry-level Marines on OCONUS orders receive GTCCs
• The losing APC issuance and counseling workflow
• The gaining APC arrival and transfer workflow
• PCS and Mission Critical (MC) status codes
• Authorized PCS uses (delays, diversions, unanticipated expenses)
• Prohibited uses (primary OCONUS transportation, PTAD, leave)
• Responsibility framework during in-transit delays

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24, DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4, MCO 4600.40CMCO 4600.40C, and JTR Chapter 5.

What MARADMIN 478/24 Established

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24, the Marine Corps directs the issuance of the GTCC to Marines who.

• Complete Entry Level Training (ELT).
• Are issued orders to travel to locations Outside the Contiguous United States (OCONUS), including non-foreign overseas locations.

Background

The MARADMIN cited specific cases where entry-level Marines experienced travel delays during OCONUS PCS and did not have sufficient funds to cover expenses incurred because of the delay. The GTCC closes that gap by providing an authorized payment instrument for unanticipated official expenses.

Effective Date

9 October 2024 upon release of the MARADMIN.

Where the Card Is Issued

GTCCs are issued at the last training location prior to reporting to the first PDS. This is typically the formal learning center, schoolhouse, or Marine detachment where the Marine is currently assigned.

Who Receives the Card

GTCCs are issued only to Marines who receive orders to OCONUS locations. ELT Marines staying CONUS do not receive GTCCs under this MARADMIN.

Roles Under MARADMIN 478/24

Commanding General, Training and Education Command (TECOM)

Establishes procedures that facilitate the issuance of the GTCC to ELT Marines being assigned to OCONUS locations. TECOM HL3 APC oversight at the program level.

Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA)

Identifies Marines who will be assigned OCONUS as far in advance of transfer as possible. Allows time for the GTCC to be issued and received before detachment.

Command APCs (Losing Command)

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.C.

• Ensure Marines complete required training (Travel Card 101).
• Ensure Marines complete the Statement of Understanding (SOU).
• Submit account applications as soon as possible.
• Request expedited delivery on the application (no extra cost, requires physical mailing address).
• Place ELT accounts in newly established Hierarchy Levels (HLs) under Training Command schoolhouse HLs.
• Verify card receipt and PIN setup with the cardholder.
• Counsel cardholders during check-out on authorized use.
• Place accounts into PCS or Mission Critical (MC) status based on estimated dates of departure and arrival.
• Maintain credit limits at the levels set for the account type (Standard or Restricted).
• Remain responsible for GTCC actions during travel until the cardholder arrives at the gaining command.
• Provide losing APC contact information to the cardholder for in-transit issues.

Gaining Command APCs

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.D.

• Upon arrival at the new duty station, transfer the cardholder's account into the gaining command's hierarchy.
• Adjust account status codes to reflect end of travel.
• Verify the cardholder is integrated into the gaining unit's APC oversight framework.

Cardholders

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.E.

• Complete required training, SOU, and application in sufficient time to receive the card before detachment.
• Upon arrival at the gaining command, check in with the gaining APC.
• Promptly complete and submit travel claims.
• Pay the GTCC bill on time (split disbursement is required).
• Annotate split disbursement on documentation submitted for reimbursement.
• Retain losing APC contact information for in-transit issues.
• DO NOT use the GTCC during Permissive TAD or leave status.

What the GTCC Covers During PCS

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24, the GTCC during PCS is reserved for unanticipated official travel-related expenses. Common authorized uses include.

Travel Delays

• Lodging during weather, mechanical, or operational delays.
• Meals during extended travel days beyond the original itinerary.
• Ground transportation between airports during diversions.

Diversions

• Lodging at intermediate locations when original travel is rerouted.
• Meals during diversion stops.

Lost Baggage and Equipment Replacement

• Authorized replacement of essential items during baggage delay.

Unanticipated Official Expenses

• Per JTR Chapter 5, the cardholder retains receipts for all such expenses for submission with the travel claim.

What the GTCC Does NOT Cover During PCS

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.C.4.

Primary OCONUS Transportation

The GTCC will NOT be used for transportation to the OCONUS location. The servicing Distribution Management Office (DMO) arranges the travel.

Personal Expenses

Standard GTCC prohibitions apply. Personal expenses, gifts, entertainment, and non-official charges are prohibited.

Permissive TAD or Leave Use

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.E.4, use of the GTCC while in Permissive TAD or leave status is prohibited.

This is the most common compliance issue for ELT Marines combining house-hunting PTAD with PCS travel. Track your status carefully. The GTCC use clock starts when official travel begins and stops at the start of any PTAD or leave.

PCS and Mission Critical Status Codes

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.C.6, the losing APC places the account into specific status codes during the PCS travel period.

PCS Status

The default status during the standard PCS travel window. Reflects.

• The Marine is in transit between PDS locations.
• Expected charges align with PCS travel allowances per JTR Chapter 5.
• The account is monitored by the losing APC until arrival at the gaining command.

Mission Critical (MC) Status

Used for short-notice or urgent travel where standard PCS status timing does not apply. Reflects.

• The Marine is on operationally critical travel.
• Elevated monitoring may be applied.
• Status duration is bounded by the mission window.

Credit Limits Remain at Default

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24, credit limits remain at the levels set for the account type (Standard or Restricted) during PCS or MC status. Limit raises require the Standard process (commander validation, APC adjustment) covered in the Standard vs Restricted IBAs leaf.

Account Hierarchy Transfer

The account hierarchy transfer is the administrative move from the losing command's APC oversight to the gaining command's APC oversight.

Step 1. Losing APC Pre-Travel

Before detachment, the losing APC.

• Confirms the account is active.
• Places the account in PCS status.
• Issues the cardholder a copy of the SOU and APC contact information.

Step 2. In-Transit (Losing APC Retains Responsibility)

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.C.7, the losing APC remains responsible for GTCC actions during travel until the cardholder arrives at the gaining command. If issues arise during transit, the cardholder contacts the losing APC.

Step 3. Gaining APC Transfer (Upon Arrival)

Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.D.

• Cardholder checks in with the gaining APC.
• Gaining APC transfers the account into the gaining command's hierarchy in CitiManager.
• Gaining APC adjusts the account status codes to reflect end of travel.
• Gaining APC takes over ongoing monitoring and oversight.

Step 4. Routine Operation

Once transferred, the cardholder operates under the gaining APC for all future card actions, training currency, and limit adjustments.

DTS Profile Update at the Gaining Command

After hierarchy transfer, the cardholder updates the DTS profile to reflect.

• The new unit and DTS organization.
• The new AO routing.
• The new GTCC hierarchy.

The Defense Travel System leaf and the Joining a Unit page cover the post-arrival DTS update.

Travel Voucher Submission

Per JTR Chapter 5 and MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.E.2, the cardholder submits the PCS travel voucher promptly upon arrival.

Standard Timeline

Within 5 working days of report at the gaining command.

Required Components

• All travel receipts (lodging, transportation, ground transport).
• Documentation of any unanticipated charges paid via GTCC during delays.
• Split disbursement annotation.
• TLE, DLA, MEA, and PCS per diem claims.

Where to Submit

Through DTS at the gaining command. The Travel Vouchers and Reimbursement page covers the workflow.

Common In-Transit Scenarios

Scenario 1. Weather Delay at Connecting Airport

The Marine is delayed overnight due to weather. The Marine.

• Charges authorized lodging to the GTCC.
• Charges meals during the delay to the GTCC.
• Retains receipts.
• Notes the delay on the travel voucher upon arrival.

Scenario 2. Mechanical Diversion

The Marine's commercial flight is diverted. The Marine.

• Charges intermediate lodging and meals to the GTCC.
• Retains receipts.
• Documents the diversion on the travel voucher.

Scenario 3. Lost Baggage

The Marine's baggage is delayed. The Marine.

• Replaces essential items (uniform supplies, hygiene) using the GTCC.
• Retains receipts.
• Submits the reimbursement claim under the appropriate JTR Chapter 5 framework (typically MEA-with-receipt for documented essentials).

Scenario 4. PTAD or Leave Mid-Transit

The Marine takes authorized PTAD or leave during the PCS window. The Marine.

• Stops using the GTCC at the start of PTAD or leave per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.E.4.
• Resumes GTCC use only when official travel resumes.
• Documents PTAD or leave dates on the travel voucher to support the GTCC use exclusion.

Common Questions Marines Ask

When did MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 take effect?

9 October 2024 upon release of the MARADMIN.

Who receives a GTCC under MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24?

Marines who complete ELT and receive orders to OCONUS locations (including non-foreign overseas locations).

Can I use the GTCC for my flight to OCONUS?

No. Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.C.4, the GTCC is NOT used for primary OCONUS transportation. The DMO arranges the travel.

Can I use the GTCC during house-hunting PTAD before my PCS?

No. Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.E.4, GTCC use during Permissive TAD or leave is prohibited.

What if I have a problem with my card while in transit?

Contact the losing APC. Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.C.7, the losing APC remains responsible for the account until you arrive at the gaining command.

How do I know my account is in PCS status?

Ask your losing APC. The PCS status code is set in CitiManager at the APC level. The cardholder does not directly see the status code.

Will my credit limit go up during PCS?

No. Credit limits remain at the default for your card type (Standard or Restricted) during PCS or MC status. Mission-specific limit raises require commander validation per the standard framework.

What do I do at the gaining command?

Check in with the gaining APC. The gaining APC transfers your account hierarchy and adjusts status codes. Submit your PCS travel voucher in DTS within 5 working days.

What if I forget to check in with the gaining APC?

The gaining APC may identify the missing check-in during routine account monitoring. The losing APC continues responsibility until the transfer occurs. Check in promptly after report to avoid administrative complications.

How do I document split disbursement on my travel voucher?

DTS automatically calculates split disbursement based on linked GTCC charges. Per MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.E.2, ELT cardholders annotate split disbursement on documentation submitted for reimbursement. Verify the split amount in DTS before submission.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Losing APC for in-transit issues. Contact information provided by the losing command before detachment.
• Gaining APC for hierarchy transfer at the new PDS. The gaining unit S-1 or local travel help desk.
• TECOM Travel Support for ELT-specific questions. smb_tecom_travel_support@usmc.mil.
• TECOM G-1 for MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 implementation questions. Forward via higher headquarters.
• Citi customer service. Phone 1-800-200-7056 (CONUS) or 1-757-852-9076 (OCONUS toll-free).
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).
• DC, P&R-RFF GTCC Program. David Fuqua, david.fuqua@usmc.mil, COMM (703) 432-9813.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• GTCC landing page lists all GTCC topics.
• GTCC Overview and Authorities covers the program framework.
• Apply for a GTCC covers the application process and ELT-specific workflow.
• GTCC Use During TDY covers TDY use and the relationship to PCS use.
• GTCC Misuse, Suspension, and Cancellation covers consequences of PTAD or leave use.
• PCS Orders and Overview covers the foundational PCS framework.
• Joining a Unit covers post-PCS check-in including the GTCC handoff.
• Travel Vouchers and Reimbursement covers DTS voucher submission within 5 working days.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach ELT Marines on the in-transit GTCC use rules and the PTAD or leave exclusion.
• Admin at S-1 supports the gaining APC during the hierarchy transfer.
• Commanders ensure ELT Marines understand the MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 framework before detachment.

GTCC for PCS is governed by MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24. ELT Marines on OCONUS orders receive GTCCs at the last training location before reporting to the first PDS. Authorized for unanticipated official travel-related expenses during PCS. NOT for primary OCONUS transportation (DMO arranges). NOT for use during PTAD or leave. Losing APC retains responsibility during transit. Gaining APC transfers the account upon arrival. Cardholder retains losing APC contact for in-transit issues.