[Travel and Transportation Allowances]

GAO was asked whether the Joint Travel Regulations could be amended to include travel and transportation allowances for a uniformed services member discharged or released from active duty with separation pay in connection with a new home selection. Release from active duty with separation pay is provided by the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act and travel and transportation allowances for a member's dependents and household effects reflect this change. However, the regulation which authorizes the member to select his home for the purpose of travel and transportation allowances was not amended to refer to a member released with entitlement to separation pay. GAO concluded that the nonamendment of the regulations to provide a member who is involuntarily separated with separation pay which is equal to the benefits a member released with readjustment pay or discharged with severance pay was an oversight. Therefore, GAO found that, in accordance with the purpose and intent of Congress to provide for release of members with entitlement to separation pay, members who have served continuously for 8 years and are subsequently discharged or involuntarily released with separation pay are entitled to travel and transportation allowances for the purpose of selecting a home. Accordingly, amendment of the Joint Travel Regulations to that effect was authorized.