Decision Requested Concerning Transportation Expenses

GAO was asked whether a military member on an authorized leave of absence for over 5 days, who is recalled to duty due to urgent unforeseen circumstances, may receive return travel and transportation expenses if the recall is more than 24 hours after his departure. Joint travel regulations presently preclude reimbursements for recalls more than 24 hours after the member's departure. GAO did not object to expanding the authority to reimburse members recalled to duty from extended leave. However, GAO suggested that the 24-hour provision should not be eliminated. Instead, an alternative provision should be added to take into account situations where the recall is after 24 hours, but the purpose of the member's trip on leave has been defeated or a substantial portion of the scheduled leave period has been eliminated by the recall.