Do I need a pass or mileage pass to travel somewhere during non-duty days/off days?

2018-03-22T22:51:01-04:00

Say I want to travel from JBLM, WA to Los Angeles when I'm off duty, do I need a pass to travel during a normal weekend, or does it need to be 4 day weekend? I've heard of some people just taking off and driving home for the weekend and then returning for PT on Monday.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 22 at 2018 10:54 PM

2018-03-22T22:54:23-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member check with your NCO-SUPPORT CHANNEL/CHAIN OF COMMAND TO HELP SQUARE YOU AWAY. It depends on your unit's policy. When I was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA we had a 250 MILE radius safe-zone-outside of that we needed a pass and counseling DA 4856. I was stationed there April 2000-January 2006.

TSgt Joe C. SFC William Farrell PO1 William "Chip" Nagel LTC Stephen F. SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas Maj Marty Hogan MSG Andrew White SGT Private RallyPoint Member SPC Margaret Higgins SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 Jack Cardwell]] COL Mikel J. Burroughs ] PO1 Tony Holland CPL Dave Hoover A1C Ian Williams SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter SFC Shirley Whitfield SPC Jovani Daviu

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Mar 22 at 2018 11:38 PM

2018-03-22T23:38:04-04:00

Most units have a radius around the post that requires some kind of paperwork to be done regardless of if it is a regular weekend or a long weekend. Best to ask your NCO leadership as they should know if there is a radius.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 12:50 AM

2018-03-23T00:50:25-04:00

Check with your unit off-post leave/pass policy through your Chain of Command

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 4:25 AM

2018-03-23T04:25:51-04:00

When I did my Annual Training there, we had a 50 mile radius. I believe the standard for I Corp is 250, but as others have mentioned, you will need to check with your FLL. If it's not part of your initial brief, be sure to cubs out the policy.

I hope you plan to fly. I can take 4 hours just to get off base and get through Portland around the time you would likely be released. Traffic is no joke around Central and Southern Washington I-5 Corridor

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 23 at 2018 6:02 AM

2018-03-23T06:02:01-04:00

I'd wait until I had more time off than the weekend to go home. Best bet, go to different places of interest in the area, sort of like a mini vacation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 1:50 PM

2018-03-23T13:50:21-04:00

No matter where you travel from, while in the army, if you travel more than 250 mile radius from a bonus facility you will need a MILEAGE pass.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 24 at 2018 5:38 AM

2018-03-24T05:38:08-04:00

Check the local regs, often there is a mileage restriction to keep you from doing something stupid.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 11:20 PM

2018-04-09T23:20:01-04:00

1st, get your companies policy. 2nd, think smarter not harder. How are you planning on getting there? Driving would leave you no tine to visit, so let's presume flying. If your flight is delayed and you don't make it back on time, do you really want to face the repercussions if you miss formation. At minimum get a mileage pass so that way your covered.