Extreme Commuting for Reservist

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Jessica D'Aurizio
  • 917th Wing Pubic Affairs
BARKSDALE AFB, LA --  Americans spend more than 100 hours commuting to work each year, according to American Community Survey data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The average commute to work is 25.5 minutes but depends on the location of the commute.

The 917th Wing has approximately 1,700 members with over 1,000 of them traditional reservists. Wing members are scattered all over the U.S. in more than 30 states as far away as Alaska, California and New Jersey. These long commutes to a unit training assembly increase commuting hours on a large scale for many reservists.

"I live in Savannah, Ga. The drive is about 13-14 hours, but I usually fly," said Capt. Heather Decker, a 93rd Bomb Squadron aircraft commander. "I love the job... that is why I continue to do it." Currently Capt. Decker doesn't have a civilian job but one reason is because her reserve duty requires so much time that it would be too much to have both.

A high school math teacher and reserve public affairs officer travels approximately six hours each way to drill from Memphis, Tenn. He gives credit to his principal for being so supportive of his military duties.

"I have never missed a Monday after the UTA because of military reasons. I may have been exhausted, but I press my way through because I know my students need me," said Capt Newman Robertson, 917th Wing. Prior to coming to the Wing he was assigned to the 926th Fighter Wing in New Orleans were he also lived; his commute time increased by over 1000 percent. Not only did the time increase, but the cost increased.

In August, legislation was implemented to offer reservists reimbursement for travel to a drill weekend. This is available to certain career field depending on their vital role in the Reserve mission.

"The $300 reimbursable travel cost is an incentive to continue to attend the monthly UTAs, but my career field does not fall under the umbrella of people that will be allowed to claim the expenses," said Capt. Robertson.

Staff Sgt. David Boesch, a 717th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft mechanic that has been commuting from New Jersey for almost a year does qualify for the travel expenditure money.

"My family lives in New Jersey and I decided to move back there for a period of time. At first my commander had some concerns about the distance I lived from Barksdale, but I have not missed a UTA since living in New Jersey," said Sgt. Boesch. "I have been very lucky getting some good prices on airline tickets but look forward to having the extra travel money to help out. It will definitely play a major factor in me staying in the Reserves at Barksdale."

The U.S. Census Bureau shows that most people are willing to drive up the 90 minutes to get to work. The dedicated out-of-state Reserve member, once a month, may have more time to spend on the road or in the air to fulfill their military obligation. Recent legislation may just make that a little bit easier.

Additional Information:
Legislation Passed to Compensate Reservist for Travel to Unit Training Assemblies 

It is now possible to be paid for actual travel expenses, up to $300, for travel to and from your home of record for Inactive Duty Training (UTAs, RMPs, TPs) as of 14 Aug 08. 

Reimbursement may be granted to Reservists assigned to a unit of the Selected Reserve with a critical manpower shortage. This is based on current mission needs of the Command and may be assigned to any Air Force Specialty Code manned Command wide at less than 100%. Critical staffing shortages for officers are 10C, 11B, 11E, 11F, 11H, 11K, 11R, 11S, 11U, 12B, 12F, 12M, 12R, 12S, 13B, 13D, 13M, 13S, 14N, 16G, 30C, 31P, 32E, 40C, 41A, 42E, 42P, 42S, 43D, 43E, 43H, 43M, 43T, 44R, 44Y, 45A, 45B, 45E, 45G, 45N, 45S, 45U, 46A, 46F, 46M, 46P, 47G, 47S, 48A, 48G, 48R, 51J, 63A, 64P, 65F, 65W, 81T, and 83R and for enlisted are 1A1, 1A2, 1A3, 1A4, 1A6, 1A7, 1C0, 1C1, 1C3, 1C4, 1C5, 1C6, 1C7, 1N0, 1N1, 1N2, 1N4, 1N5, 1S0, 1T0, 1T2, 1W0, 2A3, 2A5, 2A6, 2A7, 2E0, 3E1, 2G0, 2R0, 2R1, 2W0, 2W1, 3A0, 3C0, 3C1, 3C3, 3E2, 3E3, 3E4, 3E5, 3E6, 3E7, 3E8, 3S1, 3S2, 4B0, 4J0, 5J0, 6C0, 6F0, 8A1, and 8B1. 

Members on the critical staffing shortages listing will be validated by the MPF and Unit Commander of the assigned member by the position the member is assigned against. 

Only 12 roundtrip IDT travel reimbursements will be allowed per fiscal year, not to exceed $300 per claim. A DD Form 1610 will be accomplished by the members' orderly room to file for the reimbursement upon completion of travel. Only receipts for gas (not mileage), food, tolls, car rental, airline tickets, etc. (whatever it take to get to the duty location) will be paid. 

Please direct any questions you may have to your orderly room.