JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Have you ever been on a trip and attempted to use your personal credit card but were unable to because of reasons unknown?
Well, I have. It is not a pleasant experience. It may have been an honest mistake or it could have happened for not abiding by the bank's credit card policy.
Many of us meticulously plan our trips down to the penny, especially if we are using our own money. But what happens when we travel abroad for official travel using a government travel card? Are we as careful? We assume that because it's a Department of Defense program, everything happens automatically and it becomes "hands off" and all we have to do is enjoy the ride. Everyone should have a basic understanding of the program, when to use the card and what happens if we abuse it.
According to DOD 7000.14R, Volume 9, Chapter 3, the GTC program standardizes the method utilized to pay for official travel. The card also provides the effectiveness, convenience and flexibility that the DOD and travelers need.
The travel card is used as a regular credit card where Visa is accepted and, unless exempted from obtaining one, its use for official travel is mandatory. Of course plastic isn't accepted everywhere, so for those situations such as laundry, dry cleaning, parking, taxi fares, local transportation, tips, meal charges and telephone calls, an teller machine withdrawal is authorized.
Members must still pay off their balances every month per DODFMR 7000.14R. It is disappointing that a policy is needed and even though directed to settle these debts, personnel still run into trouble by not being proactive. Some excuses are: I didn't get paid yet, I didn't know I had a balance, I thought I paid it off and I had too many trips and the vouchers haven't caught up. The list goes on and on. Upon in-processing, unit members sign a document stating their responsibilities with the program, yet every month hundreds of troops all over the Air Force show up on the delinquency report with these excuses. This is unacceptable.
Although, no system is perfect, there are exceptions that must be considered case by case, however, everyone seems to think they are the exception. Little do they know that with a little advanced planning, they can be more prepared.
Well, what makes a person delinquent? Delinquency occurs when you do not pay your bill by the due date. I know that vouchers get lost on a desk or faxes don't go through or the fact that there is a lag in processing time when other military services are involved. That is why it's even more imperative that we be on top of our game.
Here are several ways to fight these problems:
· Ensure your GTC is activated upon notice of your temporary duty/deployment
· Estimate how much you need for your travels. Is your limit sufficient?
· Use your GTC for official purposes only
· Keep a tally of all your charges and compare with the bank
· View the account on-line
· If deployed for more than 30 days, file your accrual vouchers in a timely manner
· Verify that the accrual was accepted or received
· Maintain open communication with team lead on any problems
· If you are the team lead, let home station know of any problems filing
We as travelers need to be diligent, show an "I care attitude" and do what we agreed to do. All travelers should responsibly know exactly what was charged. Please help yourself out. By doing so, you also help the Air Force.