IMPORTANT: Suspended Reimbursement for IR IDT Lodging Effective Immediately  

BLUF: Please read this message in its entirety. Effective immediately, HQ RIO can no longer reimburse Individual Reservists for IDT Lodging. Members currently performing or planning IDTs that require overnight lodging should carefully review the guidance below and coordinate with their Active Duty supervisor as soon as possible.    

CRITICAL POLICY UPDATE: As of August 7, 2026, HQ RIO was directed to suspend the processing of vouchers for Inactive Duty Training (IDT) lodging reimbursement. A recent legal decision from the Department of War Office of General Counsel (DoW OGC) has determined that the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR), Title 10, and Title 37 do not contain the statutory authority to permit cash reimbursement to Reserve Component IR members for IDT lodging. Under 10 U.S.C. § 12604, lodging during IDT is strictly limited to government-provided DoD lodging or Lodging-In-Kind (LIK) directly arranged and paid for by the government. Members who personally pay for lodging, including on-base DoD lodging, cannot be reimbursed for that expense. 

WHAT IS IMPACTED: This change directly suspends the voucher reimbursement process previously detailed in the HQ RIO DTS, IDT Lodging Reimbursement,  IDT Travel Reimbursement, and AT in Conjunction with IDT Lodging quick guides. Airmen will no longer be authorized to pay for commercial lodging with their Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) or seek individual reimbursement, regardless of the form of payment.  This includes IDT lodging when done in conjunction with annual tour or IDT travel.  Pending IDT lodging vouchers that have not already been approved and paid out cannot be processed at this time.   

WHAT IS NOT IMPACTED:  

• Annual Tour (AT) Reimbursement: This policy shift does not impact Annual Tour or other active-duty orders. Those lodging expenses remain fully reimbursable.  

• IDT Travel Allowance: IDT travel reimbursement for travel more than 150 miles to and from the assigned duty location (including airfare, rental cars, and other authorized costs) remains fully reimbursable in accordance with the current IDT Travel Guide.  

RECOMMENDED MITIGATIONS & ACTION ITEMS (EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY):  

• Transition to Remote IDTs: For those who are able, HQ RIO highly recommends coordinating with your unit to perform telework/remote IDTs. This mitigation should remain in place until an authorized lodging solution is established.  

• Switching from IDTs to AT:  AFRC/FM has given HQ RIO authority to transition current and future FY26 IDTs to AT, not to exceed a total of 30 days (including travel days) for the FY.    

• Members Currently on Travel Orders/IDTs: If you are currently performing IDTs and anticipated using IDT lodging reimbursement, you are advised to immediately coordinate with your AD unit to either:  

• Change your plans and transition to remote or telework IDTs to avoid spending personal funds that cannot be legally reimbursed. 

• Modify existing AT/IDT in conjunction orders or IDT travel orders to AT orders.   

• Request AT orders to replace currently scheduled/in-process IDTs that require lodging but do not involve travel reimbursement.  

• If your choice involves modifying/requesting orders, submit a myFSS case to the OWC to request it.  Use this quick guide.   

• Members with Upcoming IDT Lodging: If you have scheduled upcoming IDT travel that relies on lodging reimbursement, please work with your AD unit to transition those periods to remote/telework IDTs immediately or request AT orders instead.    

• Voluntary Self-Funded Lodging: Members may still choose to perform in-person IDTs if they wish to pay for their own lodging or utilize no-cost lodging options (e.g., staying with local family or friends).  Understand that there is no expectation of reimbursement if you choose this option.  

• Standard Customer Service Hours: If your situation falls outside the standard scenarios, please join our Customer Service Hour to discuss your options directly with a representative. There will be a dedicated breakout room specifically for Inactive Duty Training (IDT) lodging questions.  

WAY AHEAD:   

• Special extended Customer Service Hours are being offered only for this specific issue (Mon-Fri, 0900 - 1500 MT) beginning Wednesday, 12 Aug.  If you have any questions or concerns, please join using the usual Customer Service Hour Zoom link to discuss your options.  

• HQ RIO will hold an All Call for IRs and mission partners on Fri, 14 Aug 26, at 0900 and 1500 MT. You can find the information and link to attend HERE.  

• For IRs affected by this update and awaiting IDT lodging reimbursement, reach out to your active component to place your GTCC in mission critical status.