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Skully wrote:I did quite a bit of travelling during my 22 year career and always had expenses like this reimbursed. You have a government credit card to cover stuff like this. You keep your receipts and file a voucher online. Once you file your voucher the money can go directly to the credit card account. I think this was blown way out of proportion by the media and people think the soldiers would have to pay the excess baggage fees out of their own pockets, which isn't the case.

Last time I was in,2006. One individual held a GCC in the Company. That individual was responsible for what went on that card. Travel expenses wasn't one of them. Ask any Supply personnel. These guys payed out of pocket, these extra expenses are not allowed on GCC.

The problem in this case was it was an "unexpected expense", one that should not have happened at all. It's bad enough that the airlines are raping us civilians, we don't need to be adding to the stress of a returning Soldier by charging them another 200.00 for unexpected baggage. This should be filed under the heading


"Let's stop using the private sector to do our grunt work".

Skaven wrote:Ok well the WHOLE story is this.


Delta charges the solider, The soldier gets reimbursed from the government. So, they DONT get charged for the bag. They get 3 bags, and each bag can be 20 lbs over the max limit. One thing that you have to consider is the fact that the profit margins on the flights can be as low as $5 per person on an airline. The additional weight, and the additional baggage can actually push a flight from the black to the red just on weight alone.

Ever had to deal with DTAC? The Soldier may get reimbursed, but due to the red tape involved it could take awhile. Besides, as mentioned in the video that was taken on the plane by the 2 NCOs, Doesn't DOD have a contract with airlines to in order to avoid things like this?

Now having said that. A, and C bags should have gone back in the conex (not sure about NG or Reserve) that leaves Rucks, B bag, and Assault ruck (that's the way it used to be anyway). If the Ruck and B bag are stowed underneath and the Assault ruck is carry on where is the 4th coming from? The only thing I can think of is a hard shell laptop case like a Pelican Case or something. If the Laptop is company property then it is a considered a sensitive item and must be kept with the Soldier at all times. that may have been the 4th bag.

For those not in the know you're B bag carries the majority of your uniforms, hygiene kit, extra boots, socks, underwear and stuff. Essential upon returning to Home or duty station.


Final thought... 200.00 / additional bag!!! WTH!!!!