AFI65-103 — Temporary Duty/special Orders

AFI65-103 governs the preparation, funding, and handling of temporary duty travel and special orders, including emergency leave.

Search AFI65-103

  • Publication number: AFI65-103
  • Title: TEMPORARY DUTY/SPECIAL ORDERS
  • Date: 2019-08-15

View AFI65-103 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers orders information, order-approving official requirements, routine, blanket, repeat, endorsed, permissive, NATO, and Partnership for Peace travel orders. It requires appropriate handling of funds certification, entitlements, obligations, traveler awareness, issuance, and claim settlement.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard organizations.

Topics covered

  • Temporary duty travel
  • Special orders
  • Emergency leave orders
  • Orders approving official qualifications
  • Blanket travel orders
  • NATO travel orders
  • Partnership for Peace travel orders
  • Off-base lodging tax exemption

Questions and answers

What must commanders ensure about Orders Approving Officials?

Commanders must ensure their appointed Orders Approving Officials are of sufficient rank/grade and training to make sound decisions about the TDY mission and proper entitlements as authorized per the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation, the JTR, and Air Force DTS Business Rules (T-1).

When is TDY conducted?

TDY is conducted to meet mission requirements.

When is travel not permitted for a TDY mission?

Do not permit travel when a less expensive means can accomplish the mission.

How should the number of travelers and length of travel be managed?

Ensure travel is kept to the minimum necessary to carry out command or unit mission. Keep the number of people who must travel to a minimum (T-1).

What must travelers do about taxes for off-base lodging?

For off-base lodging, require the traveler coordinate with the commercial activity to determine if the state/location offers tax exempt status. The traveler will take advantage of the tax exemption wherever allowed to help reduce TDY costs (T-1).

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