What type of travel requires a Commander's approval in DTS?

The need for a Commander's approval in the Defense Travel System (DTS) primarily arises when travel requests exceed a certain cost threshold or involve unusual expenditures. This protocol is in place to ensure that the resources allocated for travel are being managed effectively and responsibly. By requiring Commander's approval for these specific instances, the military can audit travel requests that might significantly affect budgetary constraints or involve special circumstances that necessitate higher scrutiny.

This policy helps maintain accountability and adherence to the regulations governing travel expenses. When travel costs exceed a certain limit, it signals the need for extra oversight to prevent unnecessary spending and ensure that the purpose of the travel justifies the expense. The Commander's approval process acts as a safeguard to align travel with mission objectives and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

In contrast, travel scheduled within a month or for family members, while they may have their own guidelines, does not trigger the same level of approval requirement as significant costs or unusual expenditures. Similarly, not all travel requests initiated by military personnel automatically require a Commander's approval unless they involve those specified criteria.