LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Defense Travel System (DTS), an automated travel management system designed to facilitate every aspect of official travel for Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, stands as a crucial tool in efficient travel operations.
Through streamlined processes and timely management of travel expenses, military members across the globe use DTS on a daily basis.
Recognizing the importance of understanding DTS, Senior Airman Davis Kingston, 47th Comptroller Squadron financial management technician, stepped up to initiate dedicated training sessions to educate Team XL on navigating the system effectively.
“I noticed that the Organization Defense Travel Administrators and approving officials of each of our squadron’s had huge workloads because they were constantly having to help travelers with just the basic setup of a voucher,” said Kingston. “I wanted to host this training because I think if more people had at least a basic knowledge of the DTS system, it would help alleviate a lot of the workload of our ODTAs and AOs, enabling them to approve the vouchers in a timely manner and allow our members to get paid on time.”
The training sessions, available to all on-base personnel, cover everything from initiating travel authorizations, submitting vouchers, understanding reimbursement processes, completing the correct paperwork and who to reach out to for assistance.
“There is a stigma that DTS is a difficult process, but I think its just a lack of knowledge and training of the system that makes it arduous,” said Airman 1st Class Zavaughn Bolden, 47th Comptroller Squadron financial management technician. “As members move forward in their military career they are guaranteed to use DTS, if not for themselves, then to assist their subordinates. If everyone has a baseline knowledge of how the system works, a lot of stress, time and financial issues can be avoided.”
By investing in comprehensive training initiatives, Kingston is helping to ensure Team XL is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage DTS to its fullest potential.
This proactive approach not only enhances individual proficiency, but also contributes to overall mission readiness and effectiveness.
“The student pilots here at Laughlin need to use DTS a lot, and there are a lot more of them then there are DTS Program Administrators,” said Kingston. “Ensuring that our pilots can keep their mind on learning to fly is the entire mission at Laughlin, and we don’t want them to be worried about financial hardships during their training.”
At its core, DTS empowers Airmen to take control of their travel arrangements.
By embracing DTS and participating in dedicated training sessions, Airmen can navigate the complexities of official travel with confidence, ensuring seamless operations and mission success and enabling the continued success of the mission: to produce combat ready Airmen, leaders, and pilots.
Those looking to participate in the training course or have questions related to DTS, reach out to the 47th Comptroller Squadron Finance Office at (830)298-5215.