Travel & DTS
Build a DTS authorization that gets approved
You submit a clean DTS authorization with the right profile, funding and orders attached.
Filmed on the live system with a CAC, every name and number swapped for a test Soldier before recording. Narration is an AI voice, checked line by line by a person.
Step by step
- 01
Pick your Reserve profile
Reserve and Guard members can have two DTS profiles. If you have two, click your name on the DTS Dashboard and choose 'Reset Profile' to switch to the Reserve one.
A trip built in the wrong profile goes to the wrong unit and approver.
- 02
Check your profile
Confirm your unit, routing list, travel card and bank info before you start. Many DTS problems start with bad profile data.
- 03
Start a new authorization
Create a new authorization (Routine TDY). Enter the dates and places exactly as they appear on your signed orders.
- 04
Add travel and reservations
Add each leg of the trip. Book air, hotel or rental car in DTS if your orders allow it.
- 05
Add expenses and per diem
Add the costs you expect. On the Per Diem screen, mark any meals the government gives you and any government lodging. Look up lodging and meal rates on the GSA per diem page for trips in the US. Overseas rates come from DTMO.
- 06
Add the line of accounting
On the Accounting screen, add the line of accounting (LOA) under Finances. Ask your DTA which LOA to use.
In September and October, funds can move to a new LOA. An old LOA causes 'no funds' kickbacks.
- 07
Answer the pre-audit flags
On Other Auths and Pre-Audits, type a short reason for each flagged item. Items marked 'Advisories' are for your information only.
- 08
Attach your signed orders
Upload a copy of your signed orders.
Missing orders is a top reason DTS documents get stuck.
- 09
Sign and submit
Check 'I agree to SIGN this document', confirm the approving official on the routing, and submit. Submit early so your approver has time.
Why it gets kicked back
- ! Wrong profile: the trip goes to the wrong unit.
- ! Wrong routing list after a unit change. See the guide on fixing DTS after you change units.
- ! Old or missing line of accounting near the fiscal year change.
- ! No signed orders attached.
- ! There is no single Army Reserve DTS rulebook. Ask your DTA which document type to use for AT, school or other orders.
- ! Drill (IDT) travel has its own rules. See the guide on getting paid for long-distance drill travel.
More in Travel & DTS
Get paid for long-distance drill travel (IDT travel)
“I drive over 150 miles to every Battle Assembly and have never been paid a dime for it.”
File a DTS voucher that does not get kicked back
“My voucher got returned three times and every reviewer wants something different.”
Fix DTS after you change units
“I changed units and DTS still sends everything to my old unit, or says my profile is locked.”