DTS Financial Field Procedures Guide - DTMO

Chapter 4: Authorizing Official
Recommended Training:
Travel Explorer (TraX) offers courses that provide both the required and recommended training for AOs
and COs. In addition to the required training described above, it is recommended that at least one course
be completed from each category below (Figure 4-1).
Figure 4-1: Training Option Screen
Travel Policy. These courses provide an overview of travel regulations. Courses available are: Travel
Policies (Web-based training [WBT]), Travel Policy While TDY (distance learning [DL]), and classroom
training provided by the organization.
Defense Travel System. These courses provide an understanding how to use DTS to authorize and
approve travel. Courses available include: AO/RO - DTS Approval Process, Approval Process for TDY
(Route and Review), Route and Review (narrated demonstration), and classroom training provided by the
organization.
For more information on training, including COL and DTS, visit the Defense Travel Management Office
(DTMO) Travel Training Web page or the Training Center in TraX.
4.1 Approving Authorizations
The AO uses DTS to review and approve (or return) travel authorizations submitted by travelers. The AO
must ensure that the arrangements and should-cost estimates are reasonable and consistent with the
mission or trip purpose requirements prior to approval. The AO must also ensure that the proper LOA is
applied to the authorization and voucher, particularly when the AO has responsibility for more than one
LOA.
The AO must ensure that the travel budget associated to the particular LOA has sufficient funds to cover
the cost of the travel; DTS has automated checks to support this and prevents approval in these situations.
Page 4-2 Financial Field Procedures Guide, Version 11.2 Updated 8/3/12
This document is controlled and maintained on the www.defensetravel.dod.mil website. Printed copies may be obsolete.
Please check revision currency on the web prior to use.