IDT Travel Reimbursement

Start Here If You Are New to IDT Travel Reimbursement

IDT Travel Reimbursement compensates select SMCR (Selected Marine Corps Reserve) Marines for the cost of commuting to their Reserve Training Center (RTC) when the unit is more than 150 miles from their Primary Residence Address (PRA). Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25 effective 24 March 2025, the reimbursement cap raised from $500 to $750 per round trip for trips ending on or after 27 December 2024. Eligibility requires assignment to specific SMCR billets, IMA Reserve Senior Leader Board (RSLB) billets, or DC M&RA Senior Leader and General Officer Assignments. The Marine must meet the 150-mile distance test (calculated by DTOD using PCS/TDY route type) and the BIC match requirement per MARADMIN 028/24MARADMIN 028/24. Reimbursement is limited to 11 round trips per FY (22 for aviators DIFOP at SMCR squadrons). Eligible round-trip expenses include commercial transportation, taxi, ground transport, POV mileage, and meals up to the locality M&IE rate. MARFORRES manages the IDT LOA via DTS. Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25, JTR, MARADMIN 028/24MARADMIN 028/24, MCTFSPRIUM, MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A.

This page walks you through IDT Travel Reimbursement from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25 framework and 24 March 2025 effective date
• The $500 to $750 cap increase effective 27 December 2024
• 150-mile distance test from PRA to RTC
• BIC match requirement per MARADMIN 028/24MARADMIN 028/24
• Eligible billets (SMCR, IMA RSLB, DC M&RA Senior Leader, General Officer)
• Aviator exception (22 round trips per FY for DIFOP)
• Reimbursable expense categories
• DTS submission via MARFORRES-managed LOA
• City Pair Program access for IDT travel

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25, MARADMIN 028/24MARADMIN 028/24, JTR, MCTFSPRIUM, MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A, and NAVMC 10274NAVMC 10274.

Background

The IDT Travel Reimbursement Program reimburses select Marines who perform IDT requiring a commute outside the local commuting distance.

Why the Program Exists

The Marine Corps relies on SMCR Marines to fill critical billets across geographically dispersed Reserve units. Marines often live more than 150 miles from their assigned RTC. Without reimbursement, the cost of monthly commuting can be a barrier to filling critical billets.

MARADMIN 193/22 Cancelled

Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25 paragraph 8, MARADMIN 193/22MARADMIN 193/22 (the predecessor) is hereby cancelled. The current authority is MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25.

Eligibility

Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25 paragraph 3.

Billet Categories

Eligible Marines are assigned to.

• Critical staffing shortfalls within the SMCR.
• SMCR command-screened billets.
• DC M&RA Senior Leader and General Officer Assignments.
• IMA Reserve Senior Leader Board (RSLB) billets.

IMA Members NOT Eligible

Members of the IMA Program NOT in General Officer or RSLB-screened billets are NOT eligible.

Distance Test (150 Miles)

Per paragraph 3.b, Marines must be assigned to a unit located 150 miles or more from their official PRA in MCTFS, calculated by the Defense Table of Official Distances (DTOD) using PCS/TDY route type.

BIC Match (Per MARADMIN 028/24)

Per paragraph 3.c, Marines must be assigned to a BIC equivalent to their PMOS, AMOS, have an exception request approved by Reserve Affairs (RA), or be an acceptable BIC mismatch per MARADMIN 028/24MARADMIN 028/24.

• Billet grade of one-up or one-down is authorized.
• Command-screened commanders may receive up to three additional months for turnover if placed in Excess BIC 009.
• Excess BICs or those categorized as a discrepancy per MARADMIN 028/24MARADMIN 028/24 are NOT eligible without an exception request.

No Rank or MOS Limitations

Per paragraph 3.d, no rank or MOS limitations apply within the eligible billet framework.

0211 PMOS Lateral Move Exception

Per paragraph 3.e, corporals, sergeants, and staff sergeants who submit a PMOS 0211 lateral move package to fill an open 0211 BIC are eligible for reimbursement to conduct the board interview process. Once travel is conducted, the unit contacts SMB_IDT_TRAVEL@USMC.MIL for the waiver and Line of Accounting.

4th Reconnaissance Company Hawaii Exception

Per paragraph 3.f, Marines assigned to 4th Reconnaissance Company located in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, who commute less than 150 miles to their RTC but require off-island travel are authorized reimbursement.

Reimbursement Cap

Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25 paragraph 5.

Effective 27 December 2024 - $750 Per Round Trip

Total reimbursement for a round trip with an end date occurring on or after 27 December 2024 is limited to $750 per round trip per JTR.

Trips Ending Before 27 December 2024 - $500 Per Round Trip

Total reimbursement for a round trip with an end date occurring before 27 December 2024 is limited to $500 per round trip.

Reimbursable Expenses

Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25 paragraph 5.a and JTR.

Commercial Transportation

Costs to and from the RTC, including.

• Commercial airfare (City Pair eligible).
• Rail or bus.
• Taxi or other paid transportation between PRA and terminal.
• Taxi or other paid transportation between terminal and RTC.

POV Mileage

If a privately owned vehicle is used.

• Mileage reimbursed at the "other mileage rate" per JTR.
• Parking fees and tolls are reimbursable.

Rental Car (When Authorized or Approved)

Only costs for travel days to and from the IDT location may be paid.

• Use of rental vehicle between home and the terminal.
• Use between the terminal and the training location.
• The Disbursing Office or Finance Office calculates the reimbursable amount if a rental vehicle is retained for the duration of the IDT period.
• All JTR rental vehicle rules apply.

NOT Reimbursable

No authority exists to reimburse transportation expense incurred WHILE EXECUTING IDT at the IDT location.

Meals and Incidentals

Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25 paragraph 5.a.

• Only "actual" costs for meals, trips, and taxes may be reimbursed up to the maximum M&IE rate for the duty location.
• Receipts required for any individual expenditure of $75 or more per JTR.
• Travelers advised to retain and submit ALL receipts.

Frequency Limits

Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25 paragraph 5.b.

Standard Limit

11 round trips per Marine per Fiscal Year (FY).

Aviator Exception

Aviators (MOS 75XX) assigned Duties Involving Flying - Operational (DIFOP) to SMCR squadrons are allowed reimbursement not to exceed 22 round trips per FY, including additional paid drills (APD) necessary to meet minimum annual flight hour requirements.

Reimbursement Authorization Date

Per paragraph 5.c, reimbursement, if approved, is authorized to begin on the day approved by COMMARFORRES.

Waivers

Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25 paragraph 4.

Waiver requests for eligibility requirements are considered case-by-case by RA. Marines submit requests via NAVMC 10274NAVMC 10274 endorsed by the chain of command, including the MSC Headquarters, and COMMARFORRES AC/S G-1.

Coordinating Instructions

Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25 paragraph 6.

MARFORRES Eligibility Roster

MARFORRES compiles the list of all potentially eligible Marines monthly by applying the rule sets in paragraph 3. Members not properly joined to the unit per MARADMIN 028/24MARADMIN 028/24 or who do not have a valid BIC and PRA in MCTFS by the data compilation date are NOT eligible for that month.

MARFORRES publishes the monthly eligible-Marines list to each MSC AC/S G-1 and the Finance Offices.

IDT LOA Management

MARFORRES adds eligible SMCR Marines (via cross-org) to a restricted list in DTS used to settle IDT Travel Reimbursement claims. The FY LOA corresponds with the travel period.

LOA Settlement Deadline

All outstanding claims must be settled against the previous FY LOA no later than 31 December of the same calendar year. Example. FY25 LOA claims must be settled by 31 December 2025.

IMA Coordination

IMA Operational Sponsors coordinate with MARFORRES to add eligible IMA General Officers and board-selected senior leader assignments to the IDT LOA.

LOA Access Questions

Per paragraph 6.c, questions concerning access to the IDT LOA are communicated via unit administrators to SMB_IDT_TRAVEL@USMC.MIL. Questions regarding the DTS voucher process or funding are directed to the unit/MSC G-1 section and/or unit/MSC ODTA/LDTA.

Unit Verification

Parent units verify that their Marine meets the criteria in paragraph 3, is on the eligibility roster for the month claimed, or is in receipt of a waiver from COMMARFORRES.

Annual Review by RA

Reserve Affairs (RA) conducts an annual review and publishes updates to eligibility requirements to ensure funds incentivize critical manpower shortfalls.

Cannot Combine With Off-Site IDT Travel

Per paragraph 6.g, this travel authorization is separate from and may NOT be combined with the authorization for off-site IDT travel per JTR.

Commanders Cannot Deny Eligible Requests

Per paragraph 6.h, commanders are NOT authorized to deny a reimbursement request that meets program eligibility requirements in MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25.

City Pair Program (CPP)

Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25 paragraph 7.

What City Pair Provides

• Fully refundable tickets.
• No advance purchase required.
• No change fees or cancellation penalties.
• Stable prices for accurate budgeting.
• No blackout dates.
• Fares priced on one-way routes.

Marines Attending IDT With GTCC

Eligible to request flight reservations using City Pair fares through the Commercial Travel Office (CTO), currently Cruise Ventures, Inc (CI Travel).

How to Request Tickets

A passenger reservation request form must be filled out. The form is available on the RA Career Management Team website under Resources, labeled IDT Travel Form. Completed forms are emailed to marforres@ciazumano.com. Tickets are normally issued by next business day.

DTS Submission Workflow

The IDT Travel Reimbursement claim is submitted through DTS using the MARFORRES-managed IDT LOA.

Pre-Submission

1. Confirm you are on the MARFORRES monthly eligibility roster.
2. Verify your PRA and BIC are correct in MCTFS.
3. Coordinate with the unit ODTA to confirm IDT LOA access in DTS.

Authorization

Per JTR and MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25.

1. Build the DTS authorization for the IDT travel.
2. Select the IDT LOA (cross-org from MARFORRES).
3. Book City Pair air through the CTO if using commercial transportation.
4. Sign and route to the AO.

Voucher

Per JTR and MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A.

1. After IDT, submit the voucher in DTS within 5 working days of return.
2. Attach all receipts (any single expense over $75 requires a receipt).
3. Verify reimbursement total does not exceed $750 (or $500 for trips ending before 27 December 2024).
4. Sign and route through the standard RO and DO/FO AO chain.

The Submitting DTS Vouchers leaf covers the voucher framework.

Common Questions Marines Ask

Who is eligible for IDT Travel Reimbursement?

SMCR Marines in critical staffing shortfalls, SMCR command-screened billets, DC M&RA Senior Leader and General Officer Assignments, and IMA RSLB billets. Must be 150+ miles from PRA to RTC and meet BIC match per MARADMIN 028/24MARADMIN 028/24.

How much is reimbursed per round trip?

$750 for trips ending on or after 27 December 2024. $500 for trips ending before that date.

How many round trips can I claim per year?

11 per FY for most. 22 per FY for aviators (MOS 75XX) DIFOP at SMCR squadrons (includes APD for flight hour requirements).

How is the 150-mile distance calculated?

By the Defense Table of Official Distances (DTOD) using PCS/TDY route type, from your PRA in MCTFS to your assigned RTC.

What if my BIC does not match my MOS?

You may be eligible if you are an acceptable BIC mismatch per MARADMIN 028/24MARADMIN 028/24, billet grade is one-up or one-down, or you have an RA-approved exception. Excess BICs and discrepancies require waivers.

What if I am 4th Reconnaissance Company in Hawaii and my commute is less than 150 miles?

Per paragraph 3.f, you are authorized reimbursement if you require off-island travel. The 150-mile rule does not apply.

How do I submit a waiver?

Submit NAVMC 10274NAVMC 10274 endorsed by the chain of command including MSC HQ, to COMMARFORRES AC/S G-1. Waiver decisions are case-by-case.

How do I access the IDT LOA in DTS?

MARFORRES adds eligible SMCR Marines (via cross-org) to the IDT LOA list in DTS. Coordinate with your unit administrator. Questions to SMB_IDT_TRAVEL@USMC.MIL.

When do I need to settle FY claims?

By 31 December of the same calendar year. Example. FY25 claims must be settled by 31 December 2025.

Can I combine IDT Travel Reimbursement with off-site IDT travel authorization?

No. Per paragraph 6.g, the two are separate authorizations and may not be combined.

Can my commander deny my reimbursement?

No. Per paragraph 6.h, commanders are not authorized to deny a reimbursement request that meets program eligibility requirements.

How do I book City Pair flights for IDT?

Use the CTO (CI Travel). Email the IDT travel form to marforres@ciazumano.com. The form is on the RA Career Management Team website under Resources.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Eligibility verification. Through your unit AC/S G-1 or check the MARFORRES monthly eligibility roster.
• IDT LOA access in DTS. Unit administrator to SMB_IDT_TRAVEL@USMC.MIL.
• Waiver request. NAVMC 10274NAVMC 10274 through chain of command to COMMARFORRES AC/S G-1.
• DTS voucher process and funding. Unit/MSC G-1 or unit/MSC ODTA/LDTA.
• 0211 lateral move waiver. Unit contacts SMB_IDT_TRAVEL@USMC.MIL after travel for waiver and LOA.
• City Pair flight booking. Email IDT travel form to marforres@ciazumano.com.
• BIC match questions. Through unit AC/S G-1 referencing MARADMIN 028/24MARADMIN 028/24.
• MARFORRES IDT POC. SMB_IDT_TRAVEL@USMC.MIL.
• RA POC. RAP@USMC.MIL or (703) 784-9615.
• 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 authorization workflow.
• Submitting DTS Vouchers covers the voucher submission framework.
• DTS Profile and Setup covers profile updates including PRA verification.
• Reserve Pay and Entitlements covers broader reserve pay framework.
• Reserve Component Parental Leave covers other reserve-specific leaves and entitlements.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach SMCR Marines on the eligibility framework and the BIC match requirement.
• Admin at S-1 supports unit verification of eligibility roster status and IDT LOA access.
• Commanders ensure eligible Marines are not denied reimbursement (paragraph 6.h).

IDT Travel Reimbursement is for select SMCR and IMA RSLB Marines whose RTC is 150+ miles from their PRA. Per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25, the cap raised from $500 to $750 per round trip for trips ending on or after 27 December 2024. 11 round trips per FY (22 for aviators DIFOP). Eligible expenses include commercial transportation, POV mileage, taxi, and M&IE up to locality rate. MARFORRES manages the IDT LOA via DTS. City Pair available through CTO. Commanders cannot deny eligible requests.