Gunfighters begin receiving new travel cards

  • Published
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Beginning Aug. 21, servicemembers at places like Mountain Home Air Force Base began receiving their new government travel cards in the mail to activate the cards before the mandatory start date use Nov. 30.

On Jan. 16, Department of Defense officials announced the selection of Citibank to provide travel card services for its member under the General Services Administration's umbrella SmartPay® 2 master contract.

Officials with the Air Combat Command Defense Travel System Project at Langley AFB, Va., provided the following information to help card users make the transition seamless:

· Members must notify Citibank after receiving their cards. Failure to do so could mean people won't have it ready for use Nov. 30 and may not be imported into DTS.

· DTS officials import Citibank individually billed accounts into the computer-based travel management system in mid November, resulting in two billing account in DTS per person for a short period. People should not attempt to add the new Citibank card into their traveler's profiles until after Nov. 30.

· When working in DTS, travelers must select the appropriate card using a toggle in the "refresh account data" screen within the authorization.

· The Citibank centrally billed account is also loaded into DTS in mid November. Travelers without an IBA must select the appropriate CBA.

· Decisions on where to send split disbursement to pay for people's travel expenses are based on the date the disbursement is stamped "Voucher Submitted."

· There will be a period of time when DTS will stop split disbursement payments. All reimbursements, including scheduled partial payments, will go to the traveler's bank account.

The Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) was established in 2006 to serve as the focal point of contact for commercial travel within the DoD. The DTMO establishes strategic direction and centrally manages commercial travel programs, including the travel card program.

The DTMO is working closely with the current vendor, Bank of America, and Citibank to minimize any unforeseen interruption in travel card services leading up to the new card activation. Prior to the switch, card holders will receive frequent communications about what to expect and individual requirements.

For more information, see your GTC or DTS representative.