Inclusion of Recreation Vehicle in Computation of Lodging Expenses

An advance decision was requested concerning whether a Navy member may include a portion of the monthly purchase payment on his recreational vehicle in computing his lodging cost incident to temporary duty. Because no Government quarters were available for occupancy at the temporary duty station, the member lodged in his recreational vehicle and paid a fee for a rental space. The member was reimbursed for his travel costs including a per diem rate which used the rental fee to determine the average lodging cost for the 3-week assignment. Regulations specify the manner in which per diem and lodging costs should be computed for a member who chooses to lodge in his private recreational vehicle at a temporary duty site. Allowable expenses, such as space rental, utility connecton, and shower fees are listed, but no provision is made for reimbursing a member for all or a portion of his monthly purchase payment for a recreational vehicle. Thus, a member may only be reimbursed for average lodging cost based on expenses such as ground rental and utility costs. Accordingly, the voucher could not be certified for payment.