Travel Restrictions for Federal Employees
When traveling on civilian aircraft, military members are authorized to wear uniforms while traveling in coach class.
Frequent flyer miles accrued during official travel belong to the traveler.
Travelers may accept an unsolicited offer from the airline to upgrade their government ticket to a premium class of travel even if they are in uniform. However, senior officers must consider the appearance of impropriety.
Employees may not volunteer to take a later flight in exchange for travel benefits offered by the airline if it will interfere with scheduled duty. An involuntarily bumped traveler on official duty must turn in any monetary compensation received from the airline with his/her travel voucher.
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The Department of Defense requires certain military members and civilian employees to file annual financial disclosure forms to insure employees do not engage in official financial transactions or decision-making that, due to their private interests, present a conflict of interest.
In the United States, the constitutional tradition of a politically neutral military establishment under civilian control includes nonpartisanship by the military and the elimination of undue military influence on the political process.
Private organizations (POs) are self-sustaining special interest groups that operate on military installations with the written consent of the commander.
A Family Readiness Group (FRG) is an organization created to foster a climate of mutual support within the unit. FRG goals include supporting the military mission through support, outreach and information to family members.
FRG mission-essential activities are supported using a unit's appropriated funds.
Under federal law, the Joint Ethics Regulation and service regulations, members of the Department of Defense (DoD) shall not engage in any personal business or professional activity that presents a conflict between their private interests and the DoD public interest.
When traveling on civilian aircraft, military members are authorized to wear uniforms while traveling in coach class.
As a general rule, spouses and other family members of an authorized traveler may not accompany the military member or civilian employee on official business at government expense.
Spouses may travel at government expense in limited situations
Fundraising is the solicitation of funds from or sale of items to military and civilian personnel.
Before any group (to include squadron booster clubs, private organizations, unit advisory councils, etc.) engages in a fundraising activity, either on or off base, prior approval must be obtained from the installation commander or his designee.
DoD employees may not accept or solicit gifts from a prohibited source or given because of their official positions. A gift includes any item having a monetary value.
Government resources and property may only be used for authorized purposes.
With few exceptions, supporting non-federal entities (NFEs) -- even if the government is compensated or reimbursed -- is an improper use of funds and resources.
The base commander has the primary responsibility of controlling commercial activities on the installation.
