If you’re joining the Army Reserve through a direct commission and your unit is far from home, you may be eligible to get reimbursed for your travel to drill. This guide explains how the Inactive Duty Training Travel Reimbursement Program (IDT-TRP) works, who qualifies, and how to get paid back.
This guide explains the Inactive Duty Training Travel Reimbursement Program (IDT-TRP). If you’re traveling over 150 miles one way to attend monthly drill, you might be eligible to be reimbursed for your travel expenses.
🚦 Do You Qualify?
You may qualify for reimbursement if all of the following are true:
- You travel 150+ miles one way from your home to drill (measured using the Defense Table of Official Distances, or DTOD).
- Your unit supports the IDT Travel Reimbursement Program.
- You are attending IDT (Inactive Duty Training), which usually means your regular weekend drill.
⚠️ Note: This does not apply to Annual Training (AT), schoolhouse orders, or ADOS.
💸 What Can Be Reimbursed?
If approved, the Army may cover:
- Mileage (Privately Owned Vehicle)
- Commercial airfare, train, or bus fare
- Hotel stays (if government lodging is not provided)
- Meals (on travel days only)
- Tolls, parking, and rental car (if authorized)
The maximum reimbursement is $750 per round trip (as of FY24).
Keep all receipts: hotels, gas, tolls, parking, etc.
📖 What Is IDT?
IDT (Inactive Duty Training) is your regular monthly drill. Most Reserve Soldiers drill one weekend per month, usually Saturday and Sunday. These days are paid and required to maintain readiness.
📈 What Is DTOD and How Is Distance Verified?
DTOD (Defense Table of Official Distances) is the military’s tool for calculating travel distance. It does not use Google Maps.
Your unit’s administrative staff will enter your residential address and drill location into DTOD to confirm if you meet the 150+ mile requirement.
You will need to provide your full residential address.
📄 What Are Orders or Travel Authorizations?
To get reimbursed, you need official orders or a travel authorization. This document confirms you’re traveling for duty. You must have it before you travel.
Ask your unit to issue you orders through their standard process or DTS (Defense Travel System).
🏨 What Is Lodging-in-Kind (LIK)?
Some Reserve centers or bases offer free housing (barracks) known as Lodging-in-Kind (LIK). If you use this, you won’t be reimbursed for a hotel.
Ask your unit if they provide lodging before booking your own accommodations
🔢 Step-by-Step: How to Get Reimbursed
📆 Before Drill
- Ask your unit if you’re eligible for IDT reimbursement
- Have your address entered in DTOD to verify 150+ miles
- Get official travel orders or DTS authorization
💼 During Drill
- Keep all receipts: hotel, gas, airfare, etc.
- Note your mileage if driving
- Ensure your attendance is recorded on drill roster or LES
📋 After Drill
- Submit your travel voucher (DTS or DD Form 1351-2)
- Upload all required receipts and documentation
- Track the status and follow up with finance or S1 as needed
- Ask your unit POC (Army Reserve/Unit Administrator) for a copy of the sign in roster and IDT Memo (must be signed by unit commander or someone authorized to sign for the commander (unit specific))
🔗 Resources
- FY24 IDT Travel Policy (PDF)
- DTOD Mileage Calculator (CAC required)
- Defense Travel System (DTS)
- DD Form 1351-2 Instructions
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t assume you’re eligible – always ask your unit first
- Save every receipt and document your trip thoroughly
- Submit your claim within a few days of completing travel
- Be patient: payments can take 30–60 days
For questions, contact your unit’s S1 (Personnel/Admin) or Finance Office.