Relocation Expenses and Violation of Transportation Agreement

An Air Force employee signed a transportation agreement, agreeing to remain in Government service for 24 months, when she was transferred from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana to Lajes Field, Azores. Approximately 3 months after her arrival in the Azores, she was rehired to fill her previous position and returned to Barksdale at her own request and expense. The issue in this decision was whether the employee was required to repay the Government for the relocation costs it reimbursed in connection with the transfer to the Azores. It was held that the employee was not required to reimburse the Government for relocation expenses paid in connection with the transfer, provided she remains in Government service for 12 months. However, the employee was not entitled to relocation expenses for returning to her former duty station, as that move was for the employee's benefit and not the Government's.