JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Recently, the 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron's vehicle operations section has received questions about the proper use of government motor vehicles, or GMVs. Rules about the use of GMVs are outlined in Air Force Instruction 24-301, "Vehicle Operations," These rules apply to any GMV designated for squadron use as well as those on loan from LRS.
The AFI states "Unauthorized use of GMVs often results in unnecessary expenditure of funds and public criticism. Transportation by a DOD motor vehicle shall not be provided when the justification is based solely on reasons of rank, position, prestige, or personal convenience."
The 11 LRS aims to provide world-class support to all service members, and part of that service is to make the rules governing the use of GMVs clear.
Official uses include but are not limited to:
Air Force scheduled appointments, to include medical and dental, whether on or off base
Military Personnel Squadron records check
Commander's calls
Urinalysis testing
Unauthorized use includes but is not limited to:
Personal errands
Travel to and/or from on or off-base quarters
Permissive TDY status
On or off base eating establishments, Base Exchange, fitness centers, and similar places except when otherwise authorized
To and/or from a squadron holiday party, picnic, etc.
If a GMV is observed parked at a questionable location or observed being used for anything deemed unofficial, 11 LRS will conduct an investigation upon notification. When these investigations determine the use of a GMV to be unofficial, this will result in a misuse case against both the operator of the vehicle and that person's squadron.
The LRS commander will send the person's unit commander all findings of the investigation including the operator's name, vehicle registration when and where the misuse took place. At that point, the unit commander has 15 calendar days to respond back to the LRS commander's finding or acknowledging actions taken to prevent further infractions.
Negligence, willful misconduct, or deliberate unauthorized use of a GMV may result in disciplinary actions.
According to paragraph 3.2.1, military personnel may face "(a)dverse administrative action or punishment under Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), without regard to otherwise applicable criminal or civil sanctions for violations of related laws."
Similarly, civilian offenders may face "(s)uspension from duty by the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF), without pay, for not less than 1 month, suspension or removal."
For questions regarding use of GMVs, contact your unit vehicle control officer or noncommissioned officer. Members of squadrons without a VCO or VCNCO may contact 11 LRS Operations Records and Licensing at 301-981-1778 or 1877.