Do Soldiers Get Paid For Their Plane Tickets Home When They Resign from the Military?
It's a common misconception that soldiers are automatically reimbursed for their plane tickets when they resign from the military. However, the truth is far from this. Let's delve into the details to clarify this issue.
Rules for Military Travel Expenses
When it comes to travel expenses, the military's rules and policies are quite clear. If the travel is related to military duties, such as deploying to a specific location, the military will cover the travel costs. However, for personal travel, such as a vacation to Cancun, the service member must pay for the trip themselves. This principle applies to all active-duty military members, whether they are regular soldiers, sailors, airmen, or marines.
Homecoming Transportation Post-Duty
Once a service member is no longer on active duty, whether they are retiring or separating from the military due to completion of service or other reasons, they are responsible for all travel costs unless the travel is related to their post-duties. This includes their journey home. Some may mistakenly believe that they are entitled to a free ride home, but the military does not provide this as a standard benefit.
Special Cases and Space Available Flights
In certain circumstances, the military may offer space-available flights to certain destinations, but these are not standard and are subject to availability. For instance, during my time in Cyprus in 1976, we boarded a 707 aircraft to travel over Canada from east to west and land in Victoria, BC, near our base. Since the aircraft was returning to Trenton, Ontario, for maintenance, they offered us a free flight back. However, even in these cases, the military does not cover the cost of purely personal travel.
Deployment and Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
When it comes to deployment or PCS moves, the military has already covered the travel costs for the service member, which is outlined in a set of orders provided to the individual. These orders specify the funding and travel details. If someone claims you owe them money for their travel costs, there's a chance they are scamming you. You should immediately report such fraudulent behavior to the system administrators and block them.
Ethical Consideration and Veteran Support
Providing free transportation back home is indeed a basic way to show gratitude to veterans. The country should ensure that veterans are not put on their own to navigate the financial burden of returning home, especially after their service. It's a fundamental step to supporting our brave service members.
Final Thoughts
In summary, soldiers generally do not get paid for their plane tickets when they resign. Travel expenses for personal missions are typically the responsibility of the service member. However, special cases and policies can vary, and it's important to look at the specific circumstances and policies that apply.
Understanding these policies and staying informed can help prevent confusion and potential scams. Always verify the source and official military guidelines before making any assumptions or dealing with any requests for funds related to military travel.