Originally Posted by
reCALcitrant
This is tdy. The rules are different. They cannot make you stay in billeting. If you don't want to challenge the man about it, tell them you have a pet. Or, don't ask, file the travel voucher and get paid the on base rate. They can't not pay it. Pm me if you have any questions. I'm a reservist with a propensity for calling bs. Especially when they aren't following the JOINT DOD rules.
Careful. Check the orders to see if quarters are directed. If RAFB doesn't pass a non-A, he'll be on the hook.
"4. Is a DoD uniformed member required to check availability/use Government quarters?
A member ordered to a U.S. installation (as opposed a geographic location like a town or city) is required to check Government quarters availability (e.g., through the CTO/TMC) at the U.S. installation to which are assigned TDY. The AO may direct adequate available Government quarters use for a uniformed member on a U.S. installation only if the uniformed member is TDY to that U.S. installation. The member should use adequate Government quarters on the U.S. installation at which assigned TDY. NOTE: FOR COAST GUARD, NOAA, AND PHS PERSONNEL ONLY: Government quarters are available only if use is directed in the travel order. See JFTR, par. U1045.
5. What per diem rate is authorized when a member uses other accommodations despite availability of adequate government quarters?
When adequate Government quarters are available on the U.S. installation to which a member is assigned TDY, and the member is directed to use them, and the member uses other lodgings as a personal choice, lodging reimbursement is limited to the Government quarters cost on the U.S. installation to which assigned TDY (44 Comp. Gen. 626 (1965)). Per diem cannot be limited based on the presence of 'nearby' Government quarters (i.e., not on the U.S. installation to which the member is assigned TDY, but another 'nearby' U.S. installation or other uniformed facility)."
http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/faqgovqtr.cfm
YMMV