CPTS streamlines voucher process

  • Published
  • 56th Comptroller Squadron
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  In August 2009, the 56th Comptroller Squadron initiated a streamlined approach to filing accrual travel vouchers for Luke's deployed Airman.

Under the old process, accrual vouchers were submitted by the deployed member to their home installation via virtual Military Personnel Flight by members upon their arrival in theater to pay for airfare charged to the GTC and no sooner than 30 days thereafter for other entitlements. Also, depending on the length of the preceding TDY -- such as Combat Skills Training that may be required before deploying -- some Airmen could file up to six or more accrual vouchers for the length of their tour.

"Under the new system, Airmen are able to fill out a simple accrual voucher prior to leaving Luke that includes an itinerary and anticipated expenses during their initial out brief," said 1st Lieutenant Stephen Tappert, Financial Services Officer. "Then, the finance office will execute the process 30 days after our members depart Luke. The finance office will then check the members' GTC accounts every 30 days and make payments to cover authorized GTC charges on the member's behalf, thus eliminating the old way of members having to file through the MPF in theater every 30 days."

In order to further assist Luke's warfighters, squadron GTC Agency Program Coordinators (APCs) will also be placing every deployed member into a "Mission Critical" status for their Government Travel Card as part of their final out-processing prior to deployment. This status prevents members from going past due on their account for 120 days and eliminates late fees for any residual charges on the GTC. Putting member's cards into this status will allow ample time for CPTS to continue processing accruals on deployed members' behalf to cover their travel charges such as airfare, lodging and incidentals associated with getting into theatre. Cardholder's will still be required to pay their account in full for any non-reimbursable charges upon their return from deployment but under this system they will no longer need to worry about making a GTC payment while in theater.

There are some circumstances that may require deployed members to take action on their accounts either prior to departure or while in theatre.

If a member has outstanding balance on their card from traveling via the Defense Travel System (DTS), they will need to ensure they have filed their DTS travel voucher and paid any charges prior to leaving.

The second scenario in which a member will need to make a manual payment will be if the member has charged more to their account than they are entitled. To prevent this from happening, each deployed member will receive a GTC fact sheet with their estimated entitlement.

The key to having a financially worry free deployment is to refrain from using the GTC unless it is truly for official purposes.

Upon return to the home station, the final step will include submitting a final voucher with all the receipts for a final payment settlement.

"It boils down to taking care of our deployed warfighters," Major Quy Nguyen, 56th CPTS Commander said. "We want to make it easier on them so they stay focused on their mission."