Entitlement to Incentive Payment Under the Army's Do-It-Yourself Moving Program

A request was made for an advance decision concerning whether a member of the Army was entitled to incentive pay under the Army's Do-It-Yourself Moving Program even though he did not submit the weight tickets showing the weight of his household goods as required by regulations. The member was informed that, as a result of a duplex renovation project, he was to vacate his quarters. The member informed the Housing Office that he desired to move his household goods under the Do-It-Yourself Moving Program and was instructed to discuss the matter with the Transportation Office. At that meeting, the member stated his preference for a do-it-yourself move and was told that a counseling meeting could not be scheduled until later that month. However, the member chose not to wait for the meeting. He moved his household goods in the middle of the month with the assistance of two friends and used his own automobile and trailer. The member indicated that he later met with two counselors and the chief of the Transportation Office and was informed that, in light of a message received that day and the fact that he did not submit valid weight certificates, he could not be reimbursed under the Do-It-Yourself Program. The member contended that he should have been reimbursed under the Do-It-Yourself Program because the message requiring the submission of weight certificates was not received until after his move and he never received the proper counseling required by the regulations. Federal regulations emphasize the establishment of the actual weight of the household goods as being of prime importance in the operation of the Do-It-Yourself Program. Under these regulations, it is the responsibility of the transportation officer to counsel the member about the program prior to moving. The lack of counseling cannot be used to authorize payments not otherwise proper. Accordingly, the member cannot be reimbursed under the Do-It-Yourself Program.