Are soldiers required to have a Government Travel Card?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 02:30:53 -0400

Is there a regulation that states a soldier MUST/IS REQUIRED to have a GTC in their possession. I don't want one, nor have an interest in obtaining such a card. I can understand if you are going to ask for a reimbursement but if I don't? Just a general question.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 2:44 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 02:44:15 -0400

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/govtravelcard.cfm outlines the policy.

"Use of the travel card is mandated by the Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998. DoD utilizes the Government Travel Charge Card Regulations to manage the GTCC program. The Military Services may further restrict/define this policy."

Government Travel Charge Card

The Government Travel Charge Card Program (GTCC) provides travelers with a safe, effective, convenient, and commercially available method to pay for expenses associated with official travel. The GTCC includes Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) and Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs).

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Apr 8 at 2016 4:21 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 04:21:44 -0400

Only if you have to travel on the Goverment's $. Otherwise you won't need it.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 8 at 2016 6:18 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 06:18:48 -0400

Never had to use one, but it would have been nice knowing that it was available.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 6:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 06:24:20 -0400

It is not worth the fight. I have never used mine, but do have one.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Apr 8 at 2016 7:50 AM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 07:50:51 -0400

You can get a restricted card if you have bad credit. If your credit is fine, it doesn't go on your report unless you become 90+ days delinquent so it doesn't hurt you. A gov cc is required often by unit sop and the jtr in order to travel. It also has 0% interest and is very useful on a pcs or extended TDY. Just don't fall victim to misuse and the gov cc is something you want. Also if you are told to get one, it isn't an immoral or illegal order so it doesn't matter what any reg says, as I can promise you there isn't a reg saying not to get one.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 8:06 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 08:06:27 -0400

If your told to have one, get it. You do not have to use it. Pick your battles

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 8:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 08:28:00 -0400

I agree with most of the comments below. If you don't need it, then simply don't use it. However always smart to have for backup.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 9:23 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 09:23:35 -0400

In order to go to schools it's required and there is an annual training on the GTC every year.

Response by SGT J M Porters made Apr 8 at 2016 9:34 AM

SGT J M Porters — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 09:34:30 -0400

Here is a link that talks about the GTC I hope this is what you are referring to. http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/10/23/troops-issued-government-travel-cards-for-pcs-expenses.html

Troops Issued Government Travel Cards for PCS Expenses

Most troops moving to a new duty station will no longer be paying costs out of pocket, according to new guidance from the Department of Defense.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 8 at 2016 10:43 AM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 10:43:11 -0400

Its great way to fund your TDY or get a PCS Travel Advance. It is a mandatory program. It allows reimbursement in days sometimes as opposed to months.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 10:55 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 10:55:42 -0400

Yes. The Memo from 1 JUN 2011 states:

All senior leaders, Soldiers, and Army civilian employees, who meet the eligibility requirements, will obtain an individually billed account (IBA) travel charge card and use it for all official travel related expenses. Use of the centrally billed travel account for airfare is restricted to those individuals ineligible for an IBA.

Your card will not be activated unless you are on orders and have been setup in the DTS system. This helps to prevents inappropriate use while outside travel instructions. It can still be misused during travel however.

http://asafm.army.mil/Documents/OfficeDocuments/FinancialOps/Guidances/tc/memos//iba-memo.pdf

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 8 at 2016 10:58 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 10:58:55 -0400

Lots of people complain about DTS and Travel Cards, but I found them to be great! When I was on active duty, we filed paper travel vouchers. It could be 2 to 10 pages of multi-copy forms completed by hand. Also a big pile of paper receipts to back up your claim. Then waiting 10 to 30 days to get a cash payment or a check in the mail. As an Army Civilian, I usually had TDY reimbursement in my bank account in less than a week. Big improvement.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 11:34 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 11:34:35 -0400

I got one but never use it

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 8 at 2016 11:37 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 11:37:47 -0400

I remember the first Government Card. It was, wait for it, Diners Club. Then AMEX, and then whatever bank gets the contract. Lots of posts here that point to it as a "requirement". The only thing I'll ad is to make sure you get it turned on prior to heading out. I always used mine for the travel, lodging, and rental car. That way I'd have a split disbursement to pay the card with the per diem coming back my way. Made bookkeeping much easier. Another caution. Make sure you use it only for authorized purchases. I've seen the system is very harsh on misuse, even by accident. That extends to Civil Service as well. We've had interesting, but legit, charges doing work up in Alaska. Helo charter, zodiac repair, you name it. If there are going to be oddities, get it stated on your orders and you're good to go.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 12:45 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 12:45:10 -0400

Depends. I had to get one to go to BNCOC but was turned down due to my crappy credit score. I couldn't even get a secured/limited card.
Now I have one (since I have a 810 credit score) but I wish I didn't. The credit limit sucks, especially for those of us that travel often and have to get the limit adjusted all the time. I would also rather use one of my cards to get the points.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 1:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 13:32:24 -0400

I am currently tracking No. However, I strongly recommend getting one. It will alleviate any potential financial crises a Soldier may run into while on TDY, TCS or PCS orders. It also allows the Army to track what Soldiers are getting as far as advances and entitlements. We've all heard the stories of Soldiers manipulating the Army out of money so they can pocket it while they PCS. Preventing that allows the Army to save money and budget more towards training.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 3:54 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 15:54:15 -0400

Yes. If you travel, it is the required way to pay for your travel expenses.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 6:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 18:10:49 -0400

It's needed

Response by SGT Felicia King made Apr 9 at 2016 6:00 AM

SGT Felicia King — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 06:00:20 -0400

For what?

Response by SGT Felicia King made Apr 9 at 2016 6:03 AM

SGT Felicia King — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 06:03:24 -0400

Well crap, what the hell does the PAC clerk do now? Lol

Response by SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds made Apr 9 at 2016 7:35 AM

SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 07:35:26 -0400

In my Unit, yes, we are all required to have a GTC.
There are still a few personnel who do not have one and have gotten away from it for an extensive amount of time. The issue with that is the fact that Supply cannot track down every person in our Unit to get a GTC. If I had a choice, I would not have gotten one.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2016 9:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 21:28:48 -0400

Just get the card put it in the wallet and drive on. Too easy

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2016 9:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 21:32:24 -0400

Sorry I may sound dumb but what is a gtc

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2016 10:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 22:42:42 -0400

Yes, it's actually public law, not just army regulation. There are a number of exemptions to the requirement, but the only likely one you would fall under is infrequent traveller, 2 times or less in a year. Even then, your commander can still make it a requirement for readiness reasons. My advice to you is to go onto the TRAX website and take the training there seriously. Then talk with your Agency Program Coordinator if possible or someone at your unit that is knowledgeable about the use of the GTC. It is a very effective tool when used properly.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 5:50 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 05:50:58 -0400

Yes. I was forced to get one in 2013. After being screwed over by using it to pay for commercial air tickets (that I was directed by CTO to do) and ended up having to pay $1100 out of pocket for the honor of being assigned in Korea, I let my card expire. I still have the card, it just isn't valid.

Response by MSG Pat Colby made Apr 12 at 2016 7:08 PM

MSG Pat Colby — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:08:20 -0400

Unsolicited testimonial ~
I've been banking with USAA forever! Whenever I used my credit card out of the norm, it would be declined. Locally, Nationally or out of Country. I always bought something stupid right off the bat and call them and explain that I'm on TDY orders, their reply was "What would you like the new credit limit to be?" If I said $2,000, $5,000 or $20,000 they would punch it in their computer and I was covered..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2016 7:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:17:48 -0400

yes

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 12:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 12:38:36 -0400

I know it is if you travel more than twice on official business in a year and it can also be a command policy. My BDE requires everyone to have one and in ARCENT you are required to have one to go on any TDY.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2016 4:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 16:11:53 -0400

I agree with most on this feed; just get it, put it in your wallet, and don't use it unless you're told to. The problem with giving everyone a travel card...is that it's a waste of time for short-timers. But...you know how it always works...shake your head, sigh, and just walk away.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Apr 15 at 2016 4:38 PM

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 16:38:11 -0400

I think if it were mandatory, soldiers would get them in basic or AIT. Even if you do get one you don't have to use it.

Response by SSG Adam Reed made Apr 15 at 2016 5:29 PM

SSG Adam Reed — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 17:29:10 -0400

If you're truly against getting one here's is what you do. Let them force their ways on you and just get one. Then just cut it up when it arrives. You just better be ready to pay for your travel on your own. I for one was 100% against them. My leaders tried to BS me by saying that it won't effect my credit. I asked them that if I could prove otherwise would I still have to get one. Well since most in the system are somewhat brainwashed and truly believe what they are being told to tell me, then they said no. So of course within 15 minutes I proved them wrong and i never got the card. Just saying.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2016 11:50 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 11:50:20 -0400

You are not required to have one. There is no regulation that says you HAVE to have one.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 6:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 06:36:14 -0400

All senior NCOs are required to have a GTC but you are not required to use it.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 12:05 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 12:05:05 -0400

Honestly, I'm not sure if there is a regulation but speaking to my past experiences, I wished I had one when I did foundry training. I didn't realize I had to pay for my room while I was gone, even tho I didn't book it. I'd rather have a travel card & not be out hundreds of dollars waiting for the government to pay me back (on the NG side you never know when you'll see your money).

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Apr 20 at 2016 5:56 PM

SSG Stephen Arnold — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 17:56:55 -0400

A what?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 7:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 19:15:50 -0400

SPC Sergio Bucheli, SSG Adam Reed, I realized after reading back through this that you are still looking for the actual reg. Use of the travel card is mandated by the Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998 http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/fas/public_law_105-264_fam9831a_R2GXCI_0Z5RDZ-i34K-pR_R2GXCI_0Z5RDZ-i34K-pR.pdf

The Department of Defense regulation that governs the use of the travel card is DoD 7000.14-R, Volume 9, Chapter 3. It should come up pretty quickly in a google search but I'll cut and paste a small portion....

"0301 POLICY AND PURPOSE
030101. Overview
The Department of Defense (DoD) policy is that the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) will be used by all DoD personnel (military or civilian) to pay for all costs related to official government travel. See Section 0306 for a list of exceptions. Official government travel is defined as travel under official orders while performing duties pertaining to official government assignments such as temporary duty (TDY) and permanent change of station (PCS). The purpose of the GTCC is to serve as the primary payment method for official travel expenses incurred by DoD personnel (military or civilian) and it also allows the cardholder access to the GSA City Pair Program. The GTCC reduces the need to issue traditional travel advances (cash/electronic funds transfer), eliminates the need for the traveler to pay for their own expenses, and provides financial readiness to DoD personnel (military or civilian). Refer to the Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998 (TTRA), Public Law 105-264 for additional information regarding mandatory use of the travel card. "

So, even though this has been a law for the last 18 years, I haven't seen it so strictly enforced until recently. Currently in MT, you have to include a memo stating why you are using the CBA and not a GTC in your authorization. That's been a change in just the last year.Kuwait was the same way, I believe it required a GO from ARCENT to approve the use of the CBA there.

I think DTS and the GTC are very effective tools for Soldiers, so long as they are used correctly. One problem is that these tools require a lot of training before becoming proficient with them and mistakes come with sometimes drastic consequences. There are flaws in the system, and several things I don't agree with. However, the biggest issues with the GTC invariably come from Soldiers that get the card, put it in their wallet and forget about it. If your unit is telling you to get one, then you have to get one - per Federal Law and DoD Regulation.

When you get one, your best place to start for training on the GTC and DTS is https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/Passport/bin/Passport.html?CFID=4785076&CFTOKEN=80492345#

Don't kill the messenger

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 6:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 18:11:53 -0400

In today's Army you must get one to attend schools. Most senior NCOs don't use it because we pay out of our own money and then get paid TDY once school is done. It would be wise to have one just in case something comes up at school.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 6:50 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 18:50:06 -0400

The new JFTR Joint Force Travel Tegulation requires that you have one or else you pretty much can not travel and get reimbursed for this like airline tickets and lodging.

Response by SGT Pete Masullo made Apr 26 at 2016 1:21 PM

SGT Pete Masullo — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:21:46 -0400

If you travel under the JTR, you must use a GTCC and utilize split disbursement to repay the card charges. Them's the rules. That aside, there is good reason for this. The mission can Beverly be impacted by your financial situation. If you need to go TDY for a month, does it really matter whether or not you could personally afford 30 nights at a hotel somewhere? Let's say you could and did charge all those hotel nights to your personal card and then got a big fat check and spent it on everything but repayment? The rules are there to fund the mission and ensure that the traveler incurs no financial hardship due to its execution.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 5:05 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 17:05:03 -0400

As soldiers we're required to go on training and sometimes we just don't have the money to pay for the cost. That's where the GTC card comes in. It shoulders the cost so that we may be able to accomplish our mission.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2016 1:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 01:26:24 -0400

It depends on your command , but I will caution you the army has gotten real funny with DTS like for lodging airline tickets if you have a gtc you get reimbursed or you decline to get one your loosing out on some nice tdy money

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 7:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 19:06:54 -0400

Me personally, when it comes to dealing with my credit, I have the option to accept or decline a GTC regardless of a regulation or direct order. That may be true that it comes in handy for TDY, etc, but what is fact is that you won't be in the army forever, but your credit will be with you for life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2017 1:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 13:06:27 -0400

I have the same question. I know there will be controversy with what I am about to say cause I am weird and don't believe in the almighty FICO score and that it does not measure my wealth, but that is measures a persons love with debt. I am a Dave Ramsey follower and drink the kool-aid. I have not used a credit card in over 3 years. I plan to get my credit score to 0. I have been told that I may be required to take a credit card out in my name. That makes no sense to me. I have had one before many years ago as an E-5. This is how it usually played out. I payed travel on GTC Card. DTS was filled out and submitted, then I payed the entire bill on card, then the Government paid me re-reimbursement. So it is just a circle of payment, and I was the one getting yelled at because I was waiting for DTS to pay card, when it was a week from being late due to the system they said it was my responsibility to pay. I digress... I pay everything with cash (and debit card is cash). I live on a budget. I would be willing to have a checking debit card with say $5,000 meant for military travel expenses in order to waiver the GTC credit card. I have been told that there was a recent lawsuit that sided with the defendant the the Government can not force a person to take a credit card because of the government monopoly with citibank. Does anyone know of a waiver or know of this legal battle that had taken place regarding GTC?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2017 9:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 09:59:37 -0500

Government Travel Charge Card Regulations: Authorized by DoDI 5154.31, Volume 4
June 2017
http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/Docs/regulations/GTCC.pdf

I wanted to check into this myself because after 22.5 years of active duty service, I have not obtained one. I have been told many times to apply for one, and have on some occasions just to have the form lost or otherwise not filed. I don't have many objections to having one, but I have my finances in good order enough to afford any travel the military ever imposes upon me. Besides, 0403

GENERAL TRAVEL CARD INFORMATION
*040301. Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) within the body states, "The individual cardholder is liable for payment of the full undisputed amount indicated on the billing statement no later than the due date, regardless of the status of their travel reimbursement."

This statement scares the crap out of me and my Soldiers, because of the possible failure of the system, they are liable for the charges that their commander mandated.

0404 TRAVEL CARD ELIGIBILITY
*040401. DoD Personnel
All DoD personnel, unless otherwise exempt, who perform travel as part of their duties will obtain and use an IBA travel card.

0406 EXEMPTIONS
040601. GSA Exemptions from the Mandatory Use of the travel card (IBA)
The GSA has exempted the following classes of personnel from the mandatory use of the travel card:
A. DoD personnel (military or civilian) who have an application pending for the travel card.
B. Individuals traveling on an invitational travel order/authorization.
C. New appointees/recruits.

040602. DoD Exemptions from Mandatory Use of the travel card (IBA)
These exemptions do not apply to DoD personnel (military or civilian) who are denied travel cards because they do not accept the terms and conditions of the cardholder agreement, such as refusing to: (1) complete (to include SSN and residential mailing address) and sign the account application form, or (2) permit a credit check. The exemption also does not apply when DoD personnel (military or civilian) cancel their cards, for whatever reason, to include disagreement with existing or revised terms and conditions of the cardholder agreement.

I know I am chiming in a bit late to this conversation, but I wanted to look into it myself, I did, don't really like what I found, but that is the way the ball bounces isn't it?
I hope we can all make the systems better as time goes on, I know for a fact they have improved since I was a Private many years ago. As I face retirement in a little under 18 months, I am stuck here applying once again for a GTC, not that I'll use it when I get it, probably sometime after the issuance of my DD214, or maybe soonerish. Only time will tell.

I hope you will take this information to your Soldiers and spread the knowledge.

GTCC.pdf

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2019 7:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 19:27:22 -0400

Yes you are required to get a GTC. When you are going TDY or PCSing, you have to utilize the travel card. The only exception is if your credit won’t allow you to attain a travel card...