Army Reservist moved out of state waiting for Travel reimbursements. What are my options?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 20:42:48 -0400

I've moved out of state and I'm currently doing RST till my packet for Direct Commission goes through. I had to go back to my unit a few times to drill and they haven't reimbursed me it. The backlog is around $1500 as of now. They say that they do not have funds as of now. They have Annual Training scheduled for next month and I really don't want to add more to that backlog. An SFC advised me to do a Pre-authorization this time so that at least the funds have to be approved prior. What are my options at this point of time?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2019 9:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 May 2019 09:56:27 -0400

#1 If you haven't changed your HOR with RPAC when you moved/prior to travel, they may never reimburse you. #2 If you move outside the commuting distance, you don't have to keep drilling at your old unit, but you must find a new one within 90 days, I believe, or they can put you in the IRR if your absenses aren't excused/RST. Might look into a unit that actually has funding? #3 They are allowed to reimburse you for travel, but don't have to. Usually you will create a local DTS voucher with your expenses after travel. But there are policies that you need to be aware of, so you'll likely need counseled on them and have a memo from your Commander saying you can participate in the program. Its not an automatic thing. For example, you can book City Pair flights through the CTO on your GTC (USARC 37-2), but that doesn't mean anybody but you will pay for it unless you were authorized reimbursement through your command.