Government Credit Card for every Soldier, good idea or bad idea?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:06:55 -0400

We require every Soldier who travels at least twice a year or are E5 and above to have a Government Credit Card (GOVCC). Is this a good idea or a bad idea? I have seen it work and I have seen it fail miserably. What is your experiences?

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Apr 9 at 2014 10:09 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:09:51 -0400

Good idea - with specific restrictions. It has worked in the past and can continue to if there are appropriate constraints applied. You will certainly have some that abuse the privilege, but the overwhelming majority will use is in the intended manner.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 9 at 2014 10:14 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:14:05 -0400

Good idea on paper, probably a terrible idea in practice. It would just take one idiot to ruin the entire program. While I'm sure 99.9% of those who are issued a "GOVCC" would use it correctly, the moment someone uses it incorrectly, the program would be shot down.

Response by CPT Laurie H. made Apr 9 at 2014 10:17 AM

CPT Laurie H. — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:17:52 -0400

Some people also never notice when those things expire, which can put you into an interesting situation when you try to get on a flight that it was supposed to have paid for.

I'm not speaking from experience or anything...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 10:22 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:22:18 -0400

Well it depends. With all the cutbacks in troop strength, this may be a way to find more people to get rid of!! VERY QUICKLY!!! I am sure it wouldn't take very long after issuing every soldier in the military a credit card to determine that it is a very bad idea. Have you been a company commander Sir (I didn't look at your profile). The ammount of finance issues you will se as a 1SG or commander will tell you first hand that this is a very bad idea.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 1:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:53:01 -0400

I have first hand experience at seeing the success and of course the failures of the GTCC program. I have to say the majority of users "get it" and understand how to use the GTCC and how to complete their DTS vouchers that go along with it. Having said that, there will ALWAYS be those individuals who fail to "get it" and misuse or don't pay the card and so forth. These few do add a lot of extra work for the DTS and GTCC managers but in the end individual cards to help lesson the load and places responsibility on the individual Soldier instead of the manager. In my opinion, if you are not responsible enough to manage 1 credit card that aids in your personal training then you shouldn't be in the military, that is not someone I want next to me going into battle, unreliable.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Apr 30 at 2014 9:39 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 21:39:29 -0400

One can only imagine what problems and misuse would happen if every Soldier had a GCC.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 1:00 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 01:00:04 -0400

It is a good idea as long as the Soldiers are properly educated on the use of the card. The cards are issued to protect both the service member and the Government. Having a Government travel card is supposed to keep the service member from going broke while in a TDY status. It is also supposed to make paying off travel vouchers in DTS much easier since the split disbursement automatically pays the credit card bill when used properly which decreases the paperwork burden on the government and makes account reconcilliation easier. The issues arise when a service member frivilously uses their card on unauthorized items. We trust our service men and women with weapons once they are properly trained; the same should be true for credit cards.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 13 at 2014 6:34 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 06:34:09 -0400

Oh CPT, CPT, CPT... have a got a huge NEGATIVE for this one...

Our Bde was down at Bliss back in the 90's (presumably you were in grade school by now as opposed to when I went to OBC) We had a medium truck company under us as part of our RI force structure and they were doing long ammo hauls (2-3 days each way). A few soldiers and NCOs started taking multiple $300.00 (then the ATM max) withdrawals and then entertaining themselves at strip clubs. Apparently like RI's own Foxy Lady, the "legs & eggs" breakfast deal is something else. if that wasn't bad enough, they also stayed at higher priced hotels.

After the expense reports all came in and the investigation was completed, a few soldiers became civilians, a few NCOs became privates and all became liable for $12K+ in unauthorized expenditures.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 13 at 2014 6:37 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 06:37:08 -0400

Most Os and SNCOs got a CC which was activated and deactivated as the SM needed to use it, ATs, school, etc

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 12:15 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 12:15:35 -0400

I think that ultimately the GTCC program is not a "bad" idea. But, it should be an option not a requirement to participate. As long as the member has a credit card and they can cover their travel expenses then they should be good to go. There have been several times where I have chosen to just use my own card.

I have seen failures on both sides, both with the service member and on the program coordinator/travel office side. Kids think that they can get away with using the card for stupid things that have nothing to do with official travel, then carry a balance on the card so they pop a red flag. I have had to fight with the Personnel Office because they want to come down on a Sailor for carrying a balance on their card. Not paying attention to the fact that the Sailor submitted their travel claim within the required 5 days of completion of travel, but the Personnel Office/Travel Office has not approved or dealt with the travel claim for over 30 days.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 8:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 20:27:03 -0400

That's because the government mandate them to use the government travel card on plane ticket and lodging (please correct me if I am wrong) for official travel. Personally, I rather use my own. It doesn't affect the price of the plane ticket or lodging. As a matter of fact, I don't think there is any difference using personal credit card or the government travel card. So why the mandate? So Citigroup can have a steady income?

I understand that some Soldiers may not have a credit card and they do need the government travel card for official travel. If we trust them to operate tactical vehicles, heavy machinery, and weapons, why shouldn't we trust them to manage a credit card that will only get activated for official travel?

I don't think it is a good or bad idea. It is more of a necessity.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 10:10 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 22:10:35 -0400

I think they are a great tool. I wish they weren't "mandatory" for travel, but I understand why they are according to the JTR. I think citi definitely has a good deal going for them. I've never had a personal card with so many fees. However, they seem to be a little more forgiving when RMO forgets to handle your $10k travel voucher for the month. I don't know if AMEX would be so understanding.

I never understood the preoccupation with misuse of the card. It really becomes the Soldier's card once it is issued. If they want to use it for the wrong things and then rack up charges they can't pay, I think they should get hit with finance charges and fees by the credit card company, not necessarily UCMJ Action. I never understood when I saw it pop up as a CCIR criteria in some units. I might be missing something though and would love to hear from someone who might have better insight.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 12:56 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 00:56:50 -0400

Omg, you really posted this crazy question? Haha, it always works out bad. If you sit in command and staff, they always... always talk about people $1000s of dollars in debt from not paying their cards off. Worse, it increases fraud and creates risk where debt/fraud are carried over into the workplace. As a former paralegal (27D), there are way too many stories about people abusing their govt cc. Good luck with that one!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 10:21 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 10:21:56 -0400

If the person that holds the GOVCC uses it right and submits their travel voucher like they are supposed too it is a great idea, but we know that at least 75% of people don't submit their voucher and at times when we have someone else do the voucher for the soldier the people that review or approve the voucher find something wrong with it and return it for correction. Then we get into the case were the people that do the voucher for the soldiers are not checking on the approval of the voucher and are not aware that it was returned for corrections over a week or month ago causing the soldiers to be delinquent on their GOVCC. But the soldiers are also wrong because they fail to say anything about it to the individuals that do the vouchers for them.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 11:13 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 23:13:52 -0400

That's a grey area in my opinion. There are soldiers with very responsible habits that have the common sense to know what they can and cannot use the government credit card for. But unfortunately some individuals ha e that lapse of judgement and.just do.stupid crap. Personally I dont touch Mine I leave it in my wallet and use my own money and close.my dts out no questions asked.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 4 at 2014 10:30 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 22:30:06 -0400

CPT Brian Maurelli,

I was the APC, along with being Detachment Sergeant, for my unit and 100% of my Soldiers (all NCOs and Warrant Officers) had GTCs. I never had a delinquency issue, never had a purchase of an item or anything else which was questioned, and never had a GTC suspended.

Did I mention we were all CID Special Agents? Sorry sir.

Other units were obviously observed by me, due to issues which arose. Consequently, I would say, as long as the program is well managed, supported by leadership, and Soldiers know they will be held individually accountable for any unauthorized purchases during travel, then the program SHOULD work.

Thank you for the opportunity to post.

SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 8:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 20:46:35 -0400

This isn't mandatory for just E-5s and above or those who travel less than twice a year.
Absolutely awful and a horrific headache. I've had too many problems with this, between the inefficiency of DTS and this card, I would prefer to hitchhike next time.
Unless I specifically apply for a CC, I don't appreciate having Citibank in my business.
This is a very financially risky compact, among between younger soldiers who aren't perfectly clear on how this system works.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 11:26 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 23:26:44 -0400

Not sure if it's a blanket policy, but from an AF Reserve perspective, we had to apply for our GTC as part of in-processing. Regardless of rank, it's "required" for any travel.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 11:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 23:57:37 -0400

I think it is a good idea. At the bare minimum it allows units to be flexible and rapidly dispatch soldiers on missions and training with a short suspense. As for the opportunity for abuse, I personally think it is an excellent tool to weed out the irresponsible and untrustworthy. I wish the military entrusted service members with more room to maneuver and then allowed the bad apples to hang themselves with the slack...

Response by SPC Daniel Edwards made Oct 24 at 2014 11:59 PM

SPC Daniel Edwards — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 23:59:56 -0400

Fortunately, I completely obliterated my debt with a credit card LONG time ago (dealt with before anyone asks). I already know the dangers of have a credit card. It should be given to soldiers that have proven themselves trustworthy enough to handle it without letting the spending going out of control. Maybe have commander's approval to get one as well.

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Oct 25 at 2014 11:20 PM

SPC Todd Hanson — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 23:20:35 -0400

Coming from an APC the GTCC is a great tool if used properly and yes I have one too. The GTCC should be turned off when official travel is not being preformed. Please see link for mandatory use memo.

http://asafm.army.mil/Documents/OfficeDocuments/FinancialOps/Guidances/tc/memos/mgtcc-pcse.pdf

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 9 at 2015 6:04 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 18:04:49 -0500

As far as I know, every Airman has to have one.

Response by SMSgt Judy Hickman made Jan 9 at 2015 11:06 PM

SMSgt Judy Hickman — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 23:06:34 -0500

Every AF member has a govt travel card. Some can handle this responsibility, some cannot. There is nothing new about this program, but we still have people who use the card when they are not supposed to, it sometimes causes more headaches then what is worth.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2015 8:05 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 08:05:15 -0500

The Air Force to my knowledge gives everyone a GOVCC for things like deployments and TDYs regardless of how often we deploy. I find it interesting personally as you have those that abuse it and then some people get caught up and don't pay off on time and reprimanded for it.

Personally I think it is fine until you see that person with a huge bill and failure to pay. I mean I was harassed about missing 2 dollars and they threatened to take it away so I can see why a worry exists. I just don't think it is justification to say you can't trust people with it without trying it.

Response by SGT Erik Prano made Jan 12 at 2015 8:39 AM

SGT Erik Prano — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 08:39:28 -0500

I was not an E-5 long before ETS, so I have no experience with this. As far as the security of pay and allowances, it might well be a good idea if it is used only as a debit card, thus the PIN is secured. any follow-up on this?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 5:09 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 17:09:42 -0500

Bad idea. Adminstrative nightmare.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jul 24 at 2021 9:34 AM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 09:34:09 -0400

Bad idea. Too many service members are young, first time away from home and have no idea how to handle their finances and may very well abuse the card and get into big trouble.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2021 3:44 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 15:44:14 -0400

Eons ago.... when I was attached at a displaced Med-Evac Company we were TDY almost constantly in support of various Ops and 24 hour response to a 3 state MAST Mission. Some of these TDY's lasted 90 days or more! As a result I and the other Officers were issued a Govt. CC. My enlisted Medics and Crew Chiefs received a small Cash advance for the know/planned TDY's, nothing for the MAST overnighters. The problem: the small advances were quickly exhausted depending on where we were forced to stay! We the Officers almost always picked up the tab for all our crew and they reimbursed us months later when their Travel Voucher was finally paid. So I'm for a Govt. CC to all, with flexibility so as when on long deployments there will be NO "Balance Due" every 30 days like I/We had and all understand they are ultimately responsible and will be Articled for its misuse!

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Jul 24 at 2021 5:11 PM

CPO Arthur Weinberger — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 17:11:47 -0400

If the soldier is totally responsible; good idea.