Navigating the complexities of official travel can be challenging, especially within the Army and Department of Defense (DoD). Fortunately, the Defense Travel System (DTS) is designed to streamline and simplify this process. DTS is a web-based system that serves as the central hub for managing all aspects of temporary duty (TDY) travel for DoD personnel, including Army personnel.
What is the Defense Travel System (DTS)?
The Defense Travel System (DTS) is a comprehensive online platform used by Army personnel and other DoD members to manage their official travel needs. It’s a one-stop shop for various travel-related tasks, such as:
- Booking Reservations: Search and book flights, hotels, and rental cars in accordance with government travel regulations and per diem rates.
- Per Diem Calculation: Automatically calculate per diem allowances based on travel locations and durations.
- Travel Documentation: Prepare and manage essential travel documents, including authorizations and vouchers, digitally.
- Profile Management: Maintain personal travel profiles and preferences for efficient booking and processing.
- Local Travel Vouchers: Create and manage local travel vouchers for reimbursements.
- Trip Status Tracking: Monitor the real-time status of travel authorizations and vouchers.
Functionally overseen by the Defense Travel Management Office and programmatically managed by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Program Management Office DTS (PMO-DTS), DTS ensures standardized and efficient travel management across the DoD.
Key Policies and Regulations for Army Defense Travel in DTS
The use of DTS for Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) is mandated by DoD Instruction 5154.31, Volume 3. This policy ensures compliance and consistency in defense travel procedures. The DTS Regulations further detail user responsibilities, the types of official travel documents processed within DTS, financial guidelines, and mandatory training requirements for different user roles. Understanding these regulations is crucial for all Army personnel utilizing DTS for their defense travel needs.
Accessing and Using DTS for Army Travel
While DTS is essential for many types of Army and DoD travel, it’s important to note that access is not universal for all travel scenarios. Primarily, Service Members and DoD civilian employees, including Army personnel, along with their dependents and invitational travelers, are authorized to use DTS for local, TDY, and government-funded leave travel. However, DTS is generally not used for Permanent Duty Travel (PDT). It’s also important to know that most government contractors and nonappropriated funds government employees typically cannot access DTS.
Getting Started with DTS
For first-time users within the Army, accessing DTS involves a few key steps:
- Browser Compatibility: Ensure your web browser meets the DTS compatibility requirements.
- PKI Certificate: Obtain a digital Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificate, which is necessary for secure access.
- DTA Account Setup: Contact your unit’s Defense Travel Administrator (DTA) to initiate the account setup process. Your DTA is your local point of contact for DTS assistance and account activation. You can find your DTA contact information through local travel assistance resources.
DTS Profiles and User Roles
Within DTS, users are assigned either a “user profile” or a “user/traveler profile” based on their role and need to conduct official DoD travel. Each profile is linked to a specific user role, each with defined responsibilities. Chapter 3 of the Defense Travel Administrator Manual provides comprehensive details on user roles and their respective duties within the DTS framework. Understanding your assigned role is vital for effectively using DTS for Army Defense Travel.
Conclusion
The Defense Travel System (DTS) is an indispensable tool for managing Army defense travel and travel across the DoD. By understanding its functionalities, policies, and access procedures, Army personnel can efficiently manage their official travel, ensuring compliance and minimizing administrative burdens. For any queries or assistance, always reach out to your local Defense Travel Administrator (DTA).
