If I am in a Reserve unit in another state, can I be reimbursed lodging and travel expenses for drill weekends and annual training?

Gil Gonzalez — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:30:01 -0400

If I am in a unit in another state, say across the country.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2023 10:40 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:40:23 -0400

Units have what is called Lodging In Kind. That will pay for your hotel room for however many nights you're authorized (distance from HOR to unit is the factor). There is also IDT funds that will reimburse your travel expenses UP TO $500.00.

The caveat is if there is funds available for LIK and IDT. There are times when those pots of money could run dry. Before the FY is out.

Response by COL Randall C. made Apr 6 at 2023 10:43 AM

COL Randall C. — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:43:38 -0400

I assume what you're asking about is called Reserve IDT Travel Reimbursement. Specific to the USAR (different service components have different policies) the last policy in effect is the one signed March of 2020.*

Keep in mind this is an overall policy for the USAR - the specifics will be determined by your Major Subordinate Command. Why? This isn't a mandatory entitlement. The NDAA that allowed it authorizes the reimbursement, but it is up to the Services and components of that service to determine if they will fund it.

IF you are eligible and it is funded, you can get up to $500 to pay for IDT travel if you live more than 150 miles away from your drill location. Full details in the referenced memorandum.

If you're not eligible, there are many instances where lodging will be provided by the command (called Lodging In Kind)for the Soldiers traveling long distances (travel may not be covered, but at least you won't have to get a hotel room for the night).

Again, you have to get your specific major command policies to get the exact details of how it applies to you.
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* https://www.usar.army.mil/Portals/98/Documents/Publications/memos/FY20%20USAR%20IDT%20TRP%20Policy%20Update.pdf?ver=2020-07-13-125019-327

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Response by CSM William Everroad made Apr 6 at 2023 10:51 AM

CSM William Everroad — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:51:45 -0400

I don't recommend joining the Army Reserve to travel across the country every month as an E1-E6.

IDT travel reimbursement maxes out at $500 and would "help" cover the cost of Air travel and Rental Car+Fuel. Lodging is provided by the unit (if they manage the program well).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2023 11:05 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 11:05:18 -0400

Your army reserver recruiter will try to put you in a unit near your home based on skill level. When I joined the National Guard as an enlisted, I had a unit that was Within a half hour drive of my house. Later, I wanted a specific unit and it was further away. Now later in your military career you could choose a unit that is further away when you get to a higher rank if you want to get a command but I would recommend staying close to home to keep expenses low and to have to not give up a day of travel time each way like I did for many years. I moved to Canada and I still went to my Army Reserve units in Southern California and later I found a position up in Washington State and that $500 reimbursement and lodging in kind helped. But I was an officer not a junior enlisted. Where did you ask these questions because others may want to know what's your unit will usually take care of you. If not, you have people here who can help you and guide you to the right people to speak to. The Army Reserve does have an advantage because if you're in the National Guard and you get a job that takes you to other states I'm a civilian side, the Army Reserve to transfer you to another unit where your job is at and you wouldn't have to turn in any of your equipment before you transfer. I answered this enough explanatory way because some people have unusual situations and I have seen them and experience them myself.

I appreciate it all the input from the other leaders here because I'm trying to cover areas they did not.

Response by Gil Gonzalez made Apr 6 at 2023 4:35 PM

Gil Gonzalez — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:35:47 -0400

Its not looking good for the 88 series. Next is 68W combat medic. Any advice or input please...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2023 10:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 22:37:26 -0400

There are nuances to Logging in Kind, and not all units treat it equally. There are layers of administrative memos, and approvals and the finally submission of vouchers for pay through the Defense Travel System. It can range from being a pain in the ass to just about impossible.

I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but that's a major consideration before I jump into a new unit. I don't want to deal with LIK. Yea, I'd deal with it if I had to, but I'd also take a position where I'd be willing to eat the costs for the roll and opportunity. I've never had a year where every single month's LIK submission was paid as it should have been (funding, budget timing, fiscal year end, etc...)

I'd highly recommend against enlisting into the USAR and needing LIK right off the bat.

Example......... OK, you enlist, and ship out in 4 months. So you could potentially attend battel assembly as a Future Soldier (before you go to basic training). No one knows you from Adam, you don't have a Government Travel Card, and you'd be expected to process the LIK expenses through the Defense Travel System, this would include getting a memo from the commander authorizing you for LIK, and would include following up the submission with a photo copy of the sign-in roster for Battel Assemble (after it has been processed for pay) where you signed (SSN's blacked out). That would of course only be e-mailed to you via Military E-mail, which you don't have, and can't get into because you won't have a Military CAC ID until basic training.

I'm going to wager, at best, a new soldier will take three months to sort out getting LIK to function correctly, so expect to float three months of Battel Assembly travel expenses. There's a pretty good chance those expenses can be paid retroactively if your admin staff is proactive and works in your best interest.

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Putting on my company commander hat.

Getting to Battel Assembly is the #1 sob story for new soldiers. It's also the #1 question I ask of new soldiers when they meet the commander for the first time. How far are you from the unit, do you have your own transportation, do you go to school, and what is your civilian employment situation.