Can I get lodging for NG drills?

2022-02-20T09:33:04-05:00

I am having trouble finding out if and how NG is eligible for Lodging on drills. I am traveling 88 miles one way to my unit for drills and my unit told me I cannot get reimbursed for the mileage.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2022 3:17 PM

2022-02-20T15:17:08-05:00

I know for a fact that the Reserves has IDT reimbursement up to $500.00 for travel expenses for those that live outside 51 miles. I also know that the Reserves has Lodging in Kind for those that travel at least 51 miles to BTA. I am not sure if NG does the same..but I can't see why they wouldn't. Who in your unit is telling you this? When you get a chance, ask your Supply NCO if anyone in the unit is the LIK Coordinator. If they say so and so is the LIK Coordinator, then go speak to them.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Feb 21 at 2022 5:43 AM

2022-02-21T05:43:35-05:00

The Guard units can, but there are seldom funds to actually do it. I commanded a unit that was about a 130 miles from my house. I usually just stayed at the Armory and slept on a cot. Most of the units I served with in the guard made arrangements for soldier that had to travel to stay in the Armory. Shower and toilet facilities, so the only thing you have to worry about is breakfast and dinner. If that soldier was broke, some arrangement would be made even if it was an MRE.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2022 9:40 AM

2022-02-21T09:40:24-05:00

The Guard, like the Reserves, are authorized to reimburse for travel to home station drill and provide lodging in kind.
Authorized does not mean funded.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2022 11:40 AM

2022-02-21T11:40:33-05:00

It pretty much depends on availability of funds. So if your command doesn’t have the funds for travel reimbursement that’s pretty much a dead horse. Most Guard units will figure out something for lodging and meals even if it’s MRE’s and a cot somewhere.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2022 2:55 PM

2022-02-21T14:55:13-05:00

I traveled all over the state when I was in the National Guard. I would just use a cot and find a room to crash. There have been a few times I have just slept in the drill hall. Military funding is getting reduced. It is similar if you are going to the field. You may not have the privacy you are expected to but to think a unit would have to provide lodging to every member of a guard unit would be quite costly.

Response by M Andreea made Feb 21 at 2022 10:13 PM

2022-02-21T22:13:52-05:00

Thank you all for the answers. Very helpful, I will try yo find out who the LIK Coordinator is and give it one last try. The armory cot in the medival supply room has been offered as an option and did do that a couple of times, but during the cold months it's like 35 degrees in there and no shower etc accommodations.
Thank you again for the answers.