Why are some travel vouchers processed through DTS and others through DFAS?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 13:39:29 -0500

Just trying to educate myself. As a National Guard Soldier, I have always used DTS (outside of IET). I have a Reservist at my current course whose orders state, "USE OF DTS NOT AUTH." and "TVL ADV WILL BE ISSUED ONLY BY DFAS-IN." What is the deciding factor that determines whether travel is reimbursed through DTS or DFAS?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2020 1:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 13:46:22 -0500

That is a good question, I was reserves and a UA we always used DTS especially if they had the government card already??

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2020 2:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 14:47:13 -0500

Vouchers for PCS are settled by DFAS, that includes TDY enroute. DTS has to be settled and closed before clearing the unit, so the only time it's not used is when the SM won't return to the unit after travel. The idea is to take the burden off DFAS by allowing units to handle all the payments and processing.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Nov 18 at 2020 6:11 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 18:11:11 -0500

DFAS is used only when the service Soldier is nor returns back to the unit, such as PCS or separation.

Response by MSG Randall Rankin made Nov 20 at 2020 7:17 AM

MSG Randall Rankin — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 07:17:21 -0500

They're talking about ADVANCED TRAVEL. It's up to your command if they will let you pull cash advances on your Government Travel card.

Response by SGM Pat Cunningham made Dec 4 at 2020 10:10 AM

SGM Pat Cunningham — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 10:10:51 -0500

As the former Director of DTS Operations, here is the skinny on the answer to CPT Blount's question.
DTS is used for TDY travel using organizational funds. That is why the review and approval of travel authorizations and vouchers rests with the traveler's chain of command. DTS can also be used for invitational travel - but again, uses the organizations funds.

All other manual travel

Response by SGM Pat Cunningham made Dec 4 at 2020 10:17 AM

SGM Pat Cunningham — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 10:17:41 -0500

All other manual travel claims are paid by DFAS (Rome NY) because they are using open allotment funds under the control of Big Army or Bigger DoD.

Not to worry, all travel claims have checks and balances to insure their is no duplication of entitlements. Audits are reported to each service and DoD.