[Response to Request for Advance Decision Regarding Use of Appropriated Funds to Pay for Air Force Officer's Enrollment in Nongovernment Course]

The Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) requested an advance decision concerning the legality of using appropriated funds under the Government Employees Training Act to enroll an Air Force officer in a nongovernmental training course. GAO held that: (1) the act did not apply to active duty service members, but only to civilian employees; and (2) DNA could use appropriated funds in reasonable amounts for the employee's enrollment in the training course, if it determined that such expenses were necessary. Accordingly, DNA could pay for the officer's enrollment in the course.