[Claim for Reimbursement of Expenses for Packing and Storage of Household Goods]

A Naval officer requested reconsideration of a Claims Group denial of his claim for reimbursement of expenses incurred for packing and storing his household goods prior to the receipt of his commission and official travel orders. The officer contended that his situation was controlled by a Joint Travel Regulation which provides certain exceptions to the rule against the shipment of household goods prior to the issuance of orders. However, GAO stated that entitlement to travel and transportation allowances is dependent on an individual's having status as a member of the uniformed services and having official orders directing travel and transportation. At the time the officer placed his goods in storage with a commercial carrier he was a civilian. Accordingly, he was not entitled to be reimbursed for the expenses under this provision and the disallowance of his claim was sustained.