AETC selects Luke as test base

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Myra Dougharty
  • 56th Logistic Readiness Squadron
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Luke Air Force Base was chosen as an Air Education and Training Command test base for processing temporary duty to school orders in the Defense Travel System as of Tuesday.

Although this change is in effect, individuals will still receive formal training notification through the 56th Force Support Squadron formal training section. This section handles all TTS such as technical and 7 Level schools.

One of the benefits of this new system is that it allows members to get paid sooner. Before this implementation, vouchers were paid in about seven to 10 duty days whereas completing the process through DTS is a two-to-three duty day completion time.

Another benefit is that this new process can be completed without having to leave the workstation.

"The traveler and supervisor both need to ensure that travel vouchers are completed in DTS within five days to expedite the refund or reimbursement back to the wing," according to 2nd Lt. Christopher Bennett, 56th Comptroller Squadron Financial Services officer.

The new process begins with the member being tasked to attend formal training. A training notification is sent and must be signed by the unit commander and returned to the formal training section.

The formal training section uploads TDY information in the AETC TTS. A technician from both the formal training section and 56th CPTS checks for accuracy and finalizes the submittal. Next, the order is routed to the member through DTS with an organizational TTS account code.

Once received, the member is required to make necessary changes such as notification details and travel to and from school.

The travel voucher is completed in DTS including but not limited to TTS monthly reconciliation of expenditures, TTS office refunds, actual travel, lodging and per diem along with other TTS approved expenses.

A detailed report is then provided to the wing and unauthorized costs will be charged to the units.

"The traveler must understand if they decide to book the entire trip outside of the Central Travel Office, the traveler will not be reimbursed if the course is cancelled or they are unable to attend," Bennett said.

The feedback for this test will allow the Air Force to determine why, how and when to implement this system permanently.

For more information, call the unit organizational defense travel administrator who can assist with DTS or the financial services office at (623) 856-7028.