Soon, DOD personnel will be using a paperless system to do everything from making travel arrangements to getting reimbursed for travel in a matter of days. Arnold, head of the Defense Travel System Project Management Office, said the new system streamlines the entire travel process. To arrange a trip, users insert their private key disk into their computer's disk drive, click on the Defense Travel System icon, enter their password and personal ID, and follow the on-screen instructions. The system accesses a commercial reservation system and returns with a selection of flights, hotels, and rental cars.
Users then select the most appropriate and convenient options, within DOD policy, for their needs.
The system has numerous safeguards and automatically flags any exceptions to policy, including all requests for first-class airfare. Travelers will be able to make reservations right from their desktops. Where today you talk to the travel agent by phone or in person, you'll be able to see all your choices right on your desktop. Travelers with no access to a computer at work will be able to make their travel arrangements and file their travel vouchers at their units administrative center. Getting reimbursed for travel expenses will also be faster and easier, he said.