Request by Military Members for Reimbursement of Certain Expenses Incurred as a Result of a Snowstorm

A Defense Intelligence Agency official requested an advance decision regarding the propriety of reimbursing two service members for expenses incurred as a result of a snowstorm. After being relieved from duty during a major snowstorm, the service members decided to rest at a motel close to their work location so that they could return to work later if relief personnel could not get there. They were, in fact, needed later in the day and returned to duty. They later sought reimbursement for their meals, lodging and incidentals. In certain unusual circumstances, service members have been awarded travel per diem expenses even though they did not leave their permanent duty station. In this case, however, it was held that no one in authority had directed the service members to remain near their work site, nor was the expense in question determined to be necessarily incurred in the performance of government business. In the absence of such authority, there was no basis on which to reimburse the individuals in question.