The U.S. Army uses a specific tool to determine the allowable travel time for Soldiers moving from one duty station to another, or for temporary duty assignments. This tool factors in distance, mode of transportation (usually privately owned vehicle), and anticipated road conditions to estimate the number of travel days authorized. As an example, a Soldier traveling 1200 miles might be authorized three travel days based on an assumed average daily driving distance.
The calculation of authorized travel days is significant for several reasons. It ensures Soldiers are given sufficient time to safely and efficiently complete their travel without undue pressure. Proper calculation also allows for accurate reimbursement of travel expenses, including lodging and per diem, which are often linked to the number of authorized days. Historically, miscalculations of travel time led to Soldiers arriving late to their new duty stations, incurring personal expenses, or driving while fatigued. This formalized calculation method attempts to mitigate these issues.