[Question Concerning Entitlement to Travel Expenses]

A Marine Corps member claimed reimbursement for transportation and subsistence expenses incurred incident to his service as an escort for his son, who traveled to obtain necessary medical care. The member's orders indicated that his travel would be at government expense. GAO held that: (1) applicable regulations did not authorize the member's travel because he was stationed within the United States; (2) the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services did not authorize reimbursement for dependent escorts; and (3) since the portion of his military orders that authorized reimbursement did not conform to the regulations, it was ineffective, and the orders should otherwise be considered permissive in nature. Accordingly, the claim was denied.