Authorized Leave/Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY) and Travel for Job-Hunters (Reserve Component)
The information in this section will normally not apply to drilling members of the Guard and
Reserves. However, it's possible, that one day you may find yourself in a full-time active
duty status that might qualify you for these benefits, pending Command approval. This
information is provided solely for that purpose.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Military
Department concerned may authorize administrative absence for any of the purposes outlined below
for service members:
Participation in Pre-separation job search and house hunting activities that facilitate
relocation of members. The permissive temporary duty (PTDY) authority to facilitate transition
into civilian life for house and job hunting for military members being involuntarily separated
under honorable conditions or retiring from active duty is extended indefinitely.
The Secretary concerned:
Shall grant members being discharged or released from active service as involuntary separatees
under honorable conditions as defined in section 1141 of Title 10 of the United States Code such
excess leave for a period not in excess of 30 days, or such transition PTDY not to exceed 10 days,
as members require to facilitate relocation, unless to do so would interfere with military
missions; and may authorize for members described above and for those being retired:
- An additional 20 days up to a total of 30 days transition PTDY for those members stationed
outside the Continental United States (CONUS).
- An additional 10 days up to a total of 20 days transition PTDY for those members stationed in
the CONUS.
- An additional 20 days up to a total of 30 days transition PTDY for those members who were
domiciliaries before entering active duty and continue to be domiciliaries of States, possessions
or territories of the United States located outside the continental United States (CONUS),
including domiciliaries of foreign countries, and are stationed at a location other than the State,
possession, territory or country of their domicile. Members may be authorized up to a total of
30 days transition PTDY only for house and job-hunting to the State, territory, possession or
country of their domicile.
Regulations permit you to use excess leave or permissive temporary duty (PTDY) in accordance
with the following guidance:
-
If you are an eligible involuntary separatee or a retiree: Your spouse may
take one round trip on the military aircraft for house and job hunting, on a space-available basis
and unaccompanied by a military spouse.
-
If you are attending a Department of Defense-approved transition assistance
seminar: If you are using excess leave, PTDY, or temporary additional duty to attend the
seminar, you are authorized to use military air transportation, if available.
- Service members separating at the end of a normal term of service (ETS – Expiration Term of
Service) or (EAOS – End of Active Duty Obligated Service) are not eligible for PTDY.
If you are traveling from overseas to CONUS to attend such a seminar, your spouse can
accompany you on military air transportation on a space-available basis. Your spouse is
not authorized to travel within CONUS.
Transportation Back Home
The government may arrange your return trip or you may be authorized to make your own
arrangements with prior command approval. In either case, you should complete your final
travel voucher before your release from active duty. Make sure you understand all travel
payments, the amount due, as well as when to expect receipt of any final travel
payment. During your financial out-processing ask for a copy of your final travel
voucher. When you get home, put it in a safe place in case you need it later. In addition
you should know whom to contact in case you have a problem regarding your final travel
payment. If you are authorized to travel back home on your own, understanding your travel
entitlements before being released from active duty will help you avoid out-of-pocket
expenses.
If you use the government to assist you in making your final transportation arrangement back
home, try to arrange for transportation counseling at the military installation.
Note: If you do not understand your transportation arrangements and travel
entitlements,
do not leave until you do.
The reimbursement amount is determined by the regulations pertaining to your particular
entitlement. Entitlements vary with individual situations. Your exact entitlement and the
time limits for its use will be explained to you during your out-processing at your demobilization
or deactivation installation.
For example: If you are demobilizing or deactivating overseas, make sure you fully understand
what you are authorized to ship back to the United States, weight allowances, and other travel
reimbursements you may be entitled. Make sure you know what receipts are required to receive
any reimbursements.
Note: Airline tickets must be purchased from the Commercial Travel Office (CTO)
under contract to your respective organization. For more information, please go to:
http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/.
Housing
The following is important guidance about making the transition from your old housing to your
new location.
If while on full-time active duty your family lived in government quarters: You
must arrange a time for a member of the Housing staff to come to your home to perform a
pre-inspection and explain the requirements for cleaning and vacating quarters, as well as options
available for you to accomplish them.
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If you live in government housing, you must make an appointment with the Housing Office as
soon as your departure date is established.
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If upon your return home you decide to move from a rental property: Notify your
landlord as soon as possible. Your Unit Housing Officer or Legal Assistance Office can assist
you with any landlord problems you may have in conjunction with your return and decision to
relocate.
Shipment and Storage of Household Goods
The following guidance may apply to the shipment and storage of household goods for members of
the Guard and Reserve on full-time active duty – IF while in a full-time active duty status, you
are involuntary separated or are forced to retire.
Mobilized/activated members of the Guard and Reserve that processed for involuntary separation
or retirement, while in a full-time active duty status, must check with their unit Commander, the
appropriate transportation office, and personnel office to see if you are eligible for shipment and
storage of household goods based on the guidance below.
-
Eligibility Involuntary Separatees and retirees: You are authorized storage and
shipment of household goods for up to one full year. Your items may be shipped to:
-
- Any destination within the United States
- Your home of record outside the United States - Your home of record is the place you lived when
you entered the military.
- The place from which you were initially called to active duty
-
All Others: Guard and Reserve personnel must see if their orders authorize them
storage and shipment of household goods up to six months. Your items may be shipped to which ever
of the following points for which you collected separation travel pay:
-
- Your home of record - Your home of record is the place you lived when you entered the
military.
- The place from which you were initially called to active duty.
“It’s Your Move”
Be sure to download the latest version of the “It’s Your Move” pamphlet (
http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/p55_2.pdf). It
will give you the basic information you need to get started planning your household goods
shipment.
Date Last Reviewed: July 2, 2009
