Can you be "technically" forced to use your own POV to attend an NCOES school?

2020-03-05T21:20:53-05:00

I currently have two options to get to ALC. Flying there or driving my own POV. If I fly there, I will not be provided transportation to get my classes or designated areas and will have to rely on possible taxi cabs available. If I drive there, I will have my car for transportation but I will not be fully reimbursed for fuel cost (getting to the base and back to home station) or the maintenance required for me to while I'm there (oil change, tire rotation, etc.). Plus I run the risk of being late reporting if I have maintenance issues or getting into an accident enroute. I'm just trying to understand why is that if the Army is sending you to a school, why are they not providing you everything needed to get there and being reasonable about transportation on location to avoid being late and basically getting to where you need to go?

Is this a unit funded thing or big Army funded thing? S3 just basically tells me I'll get denied and will not give a reason because just like everything in the Army, "shut up and drive on". I've had buddies of mine attending these schools with their POVs with multiple flat tires, one of them had their cars totalled on the way back to home station (not their fault) and another did not report on time because of maintenance issues. I always see officers have no issue getting a TMP or some kind of transportation enroute based on my experience. Even ATRRS says that we may be allowed to get a rental but gets shot down everytime.

From Ft. Hood to Ft. Eustis is exactly 1,496 miles one way. That's a good amount of distance to cover, especially in your own POV.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2020 9:30 PM

2020-03-05T21:30:52-05:00

Not sure if it will help, but you can try calling the schoolhouse or checking the welcome letter and see if the course cadre will provide a GSA van to shuttle guys from your barracks or hotel to the classroom.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2020 10:27 PM

2020-03-05T22:27:29-05:00

I am laughing at this question because I'm graduating from SLC and I got here via my POM. New front tire. Oil change a few months ago. Etcetera.

It's unit dependant in the end. If there is a regulation out there for transportation to and from your NCOPDS which is based around the DoD regs for traveling. Just like you, the original choices was go by plane and then taxi (partially refundable) or by POV. My family needs the POV and was authorized to go by my POM because of the distance (FCKY to FLW) and it was calculated to save the government (my unit) money by traveling by motorcycle.

Rental vehicles are commonly authorized, but the unit has to approve it in the end. I'm sorry it's not a hard set yes or no answer, but look over the following source if there is anything that can back you up.

https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/travelreg.cfm

Joint Travel Regulations

ATTENTION: Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) Chapters 8-10, which cover station and housing allowances, have moved to DoD Financial Management Regulations (DoD FMR), Volume 7A. Housing allowances (BAH and OHA) are published in FMR Chapter 26, CONUS COLA in Chapter 67, and Overseas COLA and TLA in Chapter 68.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 12:33 AM

2020-03-06T00:33:57-05:00

With a little help from my peers, they have found this on JTR DTS. This provides some clarification and black/white answers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 1:37 AM

2020-03-06T01:37:42-05:00

No one is forcing you to use your POV, the Army is offering to fly you. It is generally discouraged to take your own POV to school. In fact, you would have to travel most of the trip on your personal leave if you choose to drive; only one day would be allowed for TDY for travel days. ATRRS always says you are allowed to get a rental unless it is expressly prohibited, such as in Ranger School. If your lodging is far away from your class then you are allowed to claim in and around mileage to the amount already prescribed in the ATRRS course catalog or by the school.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 6 at 2020 5:19 AM

2020-03-06T05:19:37-05:00

Not sure what you are expecting. Once in site you will be housed and have no need for a POV or rental car. If you choose to drive instead of flying you will receive mileage, once on site you have the advantage of a POV. This is clearly on you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 6:17 AM

2020-03-06T06:17:27-05:00

Mileage takes into account fuel and wear and tear on your vehicle. You will be paid for to/from mileage, but if rental car is not required you will not be paid for in/around.
You must use which ever travel option is the cheapest for the government. You must do a cost comparison worksheet if you are thinking about driving over 500 miles. If rental is required that is a huge advantage for you if you want to drive because how much rentals are over the duration of the school.
As far as your concern over break downs, how is it any different when you are at home? You could have a break down anytime, anywhere. If you're that stressed about it you should go to a wellness center and get some stress management classes.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 9:57 AM

2020-03-06T09:57:18-05:00

the mileage rate you'll get for driving POV will more than cover your gas and routine maintenance. and the convenience of having your own transportation while at school will be well worth it. As for hitting a deer, that could happen anywhere anytime. that's what insurance is for. I drove my POV 1,300 miles/ 22 hours from HOR to Ft Bliss when I went to ADA OBC. backwards plan and time your trip to arrive the day prior to class start date.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 6 at 2020 11:00 AM

2020-03-06T11:00:27-05:00

You having a brain fart? The service will fly you to and from, or if you elect and approve you can drive. You will be housed in barracks near the school and can walk to and from the school, take Post trans to other areas of the Post if allowed.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 2:34 PM

2020-03-06T14:34:13-05:00

You will be housed within walking distance of class. And guess what... I can almost guarantee that you will be walking with your classmates, in some position in a formation... You may be even leading at some point.

Most places that have students who have a POV, usually have the. POV parking at an assembly area where the class leader takes accountability, forms up and marches to class.

The only time you may want a car is after hours to go to clubs /dinner /entertainment. I bet you will find a buddy with a car who is willing to help out

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 7:16 PM

2020-03-06T19:16:50-05:00

You're not being forced to drive a POV.
If your lodging isn't in walking proximity to your school area, you should be authorized a rental.
Your expectations, unless misstated, aren't realistic.
Your comments, especially the one about officers, could lead one to believe you're a bit cynical.
Whenever driving a POV is authorized, you get mileage, which covers gas, oil, etc., at the authorized reimbursement rate. Flat tires and deer are covered by your insurance, just like any other time.