IDT Travel Reimbursement for Guard and Reserves
National Guard and Reserves’ IDT Travel Reimbursement and Tax Deduction
For soldiers in the Reserves and National Guard, the cost of traveling to and from Inactive Duty Training (IDT) every month can add up. Many live long distances from their unit, and some even travel by plane for drills. It is not always easy to transfer units, as some military occupational specialties have limited available slots.
Since Reservists and those in the National Guard often need to work full-time civilian jobs, this may require them to move from where they originally enlisted or from where they had found an available MOS slot.
Travel Reimbursement
Selected Reserve members can receive up to $750 per round trip to offset the costs of traveling to Inactive Duty Training, a benefit authorized to ease financial burdens for people who travel outside their local commuting area to attend monthly drill. Those who do not qualify for military reimbursement may be allowed to claim tax deductions for overnight travel over 100 miles from home, but you should check with a tax professional to learn the guidelines for the current tax year.
Joint Travel Regulations govern military travel allowances, and at press time, the maximum reimbursement for Inactive Duty Training travel is $750 per qualifying travel voucher, covering “actual expenses” for commercial transportation, lodging, meals, and administrative fees. If a service member drives a personal vehicle, the military may reimburse mileage based on a specific government rate.
Related: The Defense Travel System
Who Gets Paid?
The policy helps troops who commute outside the local area for training, as defined by the regulations as a distance of 150 miles or more one way. Funding for this program is not an entitlement. Each service branch decides how to distribute its travel budget. Service members must obtain authorization from their unit commanders before traveling to ensure funds are available.
Each military branch manages Inactive Duty Training travel funding differently. The Air Force Reserve opens eligibility to all enlisted personnel from grades E-1 to E-7 who commute at least 150 miles one way. Officers and senior noncommissioned officers in grades E-8 and E-9 must hold a critical Duty Air Force Specialty Code listed in the current fiscal year guidance.
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Reserve Travel Pay By Branch
Army Reserve Inactive Duty Training Travel Reimbursement Program guidelines say soldiers whose home of record is 150 miles or more from their assigned unit can claim travel expenses. The policy covers Troop Program Unit soldiers who travel to conduct mandatory battle assemblies.
The Marine Corps Reserve bases its travel funding eligibility on unit manning shortages. Ranks and military occupational specialties that are critically staffed may receive priority. Marine Corps members must check the latest administrative messages to confirm if their specialty qualifies for the travel allowance during the current fiscal year.
The Navy Reserve restricts travel reimbursement to specific scenarios. The Navy Reserve generally does not pay for routine commuting from a primary residence to a permanent drill site. Instead, reimbursement applies to people assigned to critical ratings or specific billets at alternate training locations.
The Coast Guard Reserve generally does not offer meal or housing allowances when troops are traveling to their primary training station. Exceptions may exist for unique mission requirements or highly remote duty stations, depending on circumstances. Personnel must coordinate with unit finance officers to identify available funds.
National Guard units are subject to different rules because state governments manage them. Travel reimbursement policies may vary from state to state. State budgets affect the availability of these funds. Some states provide lodging or travel assistance for long-distance training commutes, while others offer no reimbursement at all. National Guard members must consult their unit leadership to learn local rules.
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RELATED:
- The Defense Travel System (DTS): An Overview
- Space A Travel: Everything You Need To Know
- National Guard Benefits Access Enabled With Extended Orders
About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.
