Can I stay off base during my TDY to IFF?

Absolutely! As most wingmen are still new to the Air Force, its not uncommon to be unsure of what you can/cannot legally do regarding TDY’s, lodging, GTC’s, etc. As a former DTS approver for all T-38 trained students at CAFB, we can assist you with any DTS questions you may have!

Big picture, the Gov will only approve you up to the amount that base lodging would charge you per night on your TDY. You are free to stay where you choose other than that (in *most* cases…IFF being one of them!) If you spend more per night, you can pay out of your own pocket, but if you spend less, you will only get reimbursed the amount you spent, meaning unfortunately you cant pocket any extra cash. Lucky for you, we charge the same as the base hotel to keep it simple!

Additionally, you are free to change your lodging situation whenever you want! Meaning if you are in the hotel and want to switch, you are cleared hot! As long as you provide receipts that match and you don’t double book two locations on the same night!

Below is the Joint Travel Regulation. Row 6 is what applies to you specifically, but please, if you have any questions or run into any issues, please reach out and we can help you! We have already pre-coordinated with many of the training bases you are coming from, (especially you WSO types from Pensacola). Don’t let the crusty old DTS approvers scare you away, you have options!