Education key to addressing flat-rate per diem concerns Published Oct. 5, 2016 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Since the Department of Defense implemented a change to Joint Travel Regulations in 2014, thus establishing a flat-rate per diem allowance for long-term temporary duty assignments, Air Force Reserve Command units have continued to execute operations amid questions and concerns from Citizen Airmen who believe the new policy is having a negative impact on their ability to perform the command’s mission. The issues on this subject range from decreased volunteerism for missions with longer term travel to increased administrative requirements on units and Citizen Airmen. In a recent memorandum to commanders, Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller, AFRC commander, acknowledged these concerns and said the key to incorporating the flat-rate per diem allowance in the Reserve mission does not lie in implementing new policies or changing the JTR. Instead, Miller asserted the key to addressing reservists’ concerns is education. “Based on our staff’s analysis, we have determined the JTR, as currently written, provides enough flexibility to accomplish the mission,” Miller said. The new policy was put in place to encourage travelers to take advantage of cost-saving opportunities when they are on a long-term TDY – 31 days or more at a single location. The commercial hotel industry typically offers reduced rates to ensure occupancy for these “extended stays.” Additionally, Department of Defense analysis demonstrates the flat-rate per diem adequately covers lodging, meals and incidental expenses, represents a better model for actual costs incurred, and saves taxpayer dollars. The flat rate is as follows: * On the travel day to the TDY location: 100 percent of lodging per diem at the locality rate and 75 percent of the meals and incidental expenses rate. * For TDYs 31 to 180 days: a flat rate of 75 percent of the locality rate (lodging and M&IE) for each full day, starting day two through the end of the TDY. * For TDYs (approved by the appropriate authority per the JTR) more than 180 days: a flat rate of 55 percent of the locality rate (lodging and M&IE) for each full day, starting day two through the end of the TDY. Miller acknowledged the details of the policy are confusing. She urged travelers who are on long-term TDY orders to contact their servicing Defense Travel Management Office-contracted commercial travel office, which is required to assist in finding adequate lodging within the flat-rate per diem allowance. “If the traveler and the CTO are unable to find lodging at the reduced per diem rate, the authorizing official may then authorize reimbursement of the actual lodging rate (not to exceed the locality per diem rate), but the traveler receives M&IE at the 75 percent or 55 percent rate,” the general said. Miller reminded reservists the flat-rate policy only applies when travelers are TDY to a single location for more than 30 days. If travelers are TDY for more than 30 days but to multiple locations, the flat-rate per diem only applies to locations where they are TDY for more than 30 days. Additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found by searching for “flat-rate per diem” on the DTMO website (http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil). “I encourage commanders to assess their local mission requirements and use all the tools at their disposal, such as negotiating contracts with local lodging facilities for long-term TDY requirements or using the AO waiver authority granted by the JTR, to mitigate adverse effects on their Citizen Airmen,” Miller said. “Take care of the mission – it’s yours to own.”