TDY/TAD Overview and Orders

Start Here If You Are New to TDY/TAD

Temporary Duty (TDY) is the joint term across services. The Marine Corps also uses Temporary Additional Duty (TAD). Both terms mean the same thing. Short-term assignment with return to the original PDS. TDY differs from PCS in that the Marine returns to the home PDS, retains BAH and BAS at the home rate, and does not receive PCS allowances (DLA, TLE, MEA). Common TDY scenarios include conferences, training schools (under the duration that triggers PCS), inspections, exercises, deployments under specific JTR provisions, and operational deployments. The Marine receives per diem (lodging plus M&IE), transportation, and reimbursable expenses. Defense Travel System (DTS) processes most TDY actions.

This page walks you through TDY/TAD from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• TDY vs. PCS distinction
• TDY orders structure (authorization, funding, AO/RO oversight)
• Common TDY scenarios
• The Defense Travel System (DTS) framework
• BAH/BAS continuation at the home PDS
• Authorizing Official (AO) and Reviewing Official (RO) responsibilities
• Marine vs. traveler responsibilities

Every fact on this page comes from JTR Chapters 2-4, DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Volume 5, and the DTMO framework.

What TDY/TAD Is

Per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040101, Temporary Duty (TDY) is a temporary assignment of a Service Member at a location away from the permanent duty station for the purposes of duty performance.

TDY differs from PCS in three key ways.

• TDY is temporary (Marine returns to the home PDS).
• TDY does not relocate the Marine's household.
• TDY does not authorize PCS-specific allowances.

Marine Corps TAD vs. TDY

The Marine Corps historically used "Temporary Additional Duty" (TAD). The DoD-wide term is "Temporary Duty" (TDY). The terms are interchangeable and refer to the same status.

TDY vs. PCS Distinction

Common TDY Scenarios

Conferences and Symposiums

Marines attending professional conferences (e.g., Marine Corps League, JOPES, intelligence-specific conferences). Typical 3 to 7 days.

Training Courses

Marines attending short-term training courses (under the duration that triggers PCS). Typical 2 weeks to 2 months.

Inspections and Site Visits

Marines visiting subordinate units, gaining commands, or inspection sites. Typical 1 day to 1 week.

Exercises

Marines participating in field exercises, joint exercises, or partner-nation exercises. Typical 1 to 4 weeks.

Operational Deployments

Some operational deployments use TDY status (rather than PCS) for short-duration deployments under specific JTR provisions.

Court-Martial or Investigation Witness Duty

Marines required to travel for court-martial, investigation, or legal proceedings.

Recruiter Support TDY

Marines supporting recruiting events at locations other than the home PDS.

TDY Orders Structure

The TDY orders specify.

• Origin (home PDS).
• Destination (TDY location).
• Duration (start date, end date).
• Purpose (training, conference, exercise, etc.).
• Travel mode authorized.
• Per diem authorization.
• Lodging arrangement.
• Reimbursable expenses authorized.
• Funding line (parent unit or gaining unit).

TDY Funding

TDY is funded by either.

Parent Unit Funding

The Marine's home unit pays for the TDY. Common for training that benefits the Marine's home unit (PME schools, MOS-specific training).

Gaining Unit Funding

The gaining TDY unit pays for the TDY. Common for inspections, recruiting support, or specific operational support.

Joint or Combined Funding

Some TDY scenarios involve combined funding (e.g., a joint exercise where multiple commands share costs).

The funding line on the orders specifies who pays.

Authorizing Official (AO) and Reviewing Official (RO)

Per JTR Chapter 1 and DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Volume 5.

Authorizing Official (AO)

The AO approves TDY orders and reviews travel vouchers for compliance with JTR. The AO has DoD-trained certification authority. Common AO positions.

• Battalion or unit commander (or designee).
• HQ or activity commander.
• Specific designated AO at large commands.

The AO has financial accountability for TDY actions and is subject to review.

Reviewing Official (RO)

The RO reviews TDY orders and vouchers BEFORE the AO approval. The RO is typically.

• Unit S-1 or designated travel section staff.
• Adjutant or executive officer.
• Specific designated RO at large commands.

The RO checks for completeness, JTR compliance, and policy compliance before routing to the AO.

Marine Traveler Responsibilities

The Marine on TDY is responsible for.

• Submitting accurate orders and vouchers.
• Following JTR-compliant travel and lodging.
• Retaining receipts as required.
• Submitting the voucher within 5 business days of return per DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Volume 5.
• Cooperating with audit reviews.

Defense Travel System (DTS)

Per DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Volume 5, DTS is the DoD's standard system for TDY orders, vouchers, and reimbursement.

DTS Functions

• Create TDY orders.
• Book commercial air through City Pair Program.
• Reserve lodging.
• Submit travel vouchers.
• Track reimbursement status.
• Coordinate with GTCC.

DTS Access

Marines access DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/. CAC authentication required. Initial DTS account setup is through the unit's Defense Travel Administrator (DTA).

The Defense Travel System page covers DTS in detail.

BAH and BAS During TDY

Per Vol 7A Chapters 25 and 26, BAH and BAS continue at the home PDS rate during TDY. The Marine's pay does not change because of TDY status.

The BAH and BAS pages cover these allowances.

Travel Voucher Submission

Per DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Volume 5, the Marine submits the travel voucher within 5 business days of return from TDY.

Voucher Components

• Lodging receipts.
• Transportation receipts (if reimbursing rather than DTS-booked).
• Reimbursable expense receipts (over $75).
• Per diem days claim.
• Mileage claim (if POV).

The Travel Vouchers and Reimbursement page covers the voucher process.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is the difference between TDY and TAD?

The terms are interchangeable. "TDY" is the joint DoD term. "TAD" is the historical Marine Corps term. Both mean the same thing. Short-term assignment with return to the original PDS.

When does TDY become PCS?

Generally, training over 180 days at one location triggers a PCS instead of TDY. The specific threshold varies by service and circumstances. The PCS with TDY En Route page covers the framework.

Who pays for my TDY?

Either the parent unit or the gaining unit, per the orders. Most short-term training is parent-unit-funded. Joint exercises may be combined-funded.

What does the AO do?

The Authorizing Official approves TDY orders and vouchers. The AO is DoD-certified and has financial accountability for TDY actions.

What is DTS?

The Defense Travel System is the DoD-wide system for TDY orders, vouchers, and reimbursement. Access at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/ with CAC authentication.

When do I submit my travel voucher?

Within 5 business days of return from TDY per DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Volume 5.

Will my BAH change during TDY?

No. BAH continues at the home PDS rate during TDY. BAH adjusts only at PCS, not TDY.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• TDY orders submission. Through DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/ in coordination with your unit travel section.
• TDY funding questions. Coordinate with your unit financial section and the AO.
• DTS account setup. Through the unit Defense Travel Administrator (DTA).
• DTS technical support. The DTS Help Desk through the unit DTA or directly through DTS.
• Voucher submission. Through DTS within 5 business days of return.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• TDY/TAD landing page lists all the TDY topics.
• TDY Per Diem covers the per diem framework.
• TDY Lodging covers lodging rules and ILP.
• TDY Transportation covers air, rental car, POV, and local transport.
• Defense Travel System covers DTS in detail.
• Government Travel Charge Card covers GTCC.
• Long-Term TDY covers TDY over 30 days.
• Travel Vouchers and Reimbursement covers the voucher process.

Related Roles

• Leaders ensure Marines understand the TDY framework before departure and submit vouchers on time.
• Admin at S-1 supports DTS account setup, RO review of orders, and voucher submission coordination.
• Commanders serve as AO (or designate) for unit TDY actions and approve orders for operational requirements.

TDY/TAD is short-term assignment with return to the home PDS. Per diem, lodging, transportation, and reimbursables provided. BAH and BAS continue at home PDS rate. Defense Travel System is the standard system. Authorizing Official approves. Submit vouchers within 5 business days. JTR Chapters 2-4 govern.