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On-base lodging is now mandatory (and bookable in DTS) for TDY travel

MARADMIN 234/26·May 22, 2026·2 min read·Official source
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Starting May 25, 2026, Marine Lodges and Inns of the Corps are bookable inside the Defense Travel System (DTS) when you build a TDY authorization. That's the new part. The mandatory-use rule isn't new, but this makes it easier to enforce: if on-base lodging is available and you don't use it, your reimbursement gets capped at the on-base rate and you eat the difference.

★ Affects all reservists: If you're on TDY orders to a military installation, you must book on-base lodging through DTS — and if you skip it without a certificate of non-availability, you won't be fully reimbursed.

Who it affects

All Marines and DoD civilians on official TDY travel when the destination is part of the Integrated Lodging Program (ILP). That includes SMCR and IMA Marines on AT orders or any other TDY to a military installation. This is not limited to active component.

What you need to do

  1. When building your TDY authorization in DTS, list the installation as the destination, not the city or nearby town. Your Approving Official (AO) is responsible for making sure this is done correctly.
  2. Book on-base lodging (Marine Lodge or Inns of the Corps) through DTS as part of that authorization.
  3. If on-base lodging is unavailable, get a certificate of non-availability and attach it to your travel voucher. Without it, your reimbursement will be limited to the on-base rate.

If you're not booking through DTS for some reason, reservations can also be made at https://www.marinelodge.com or https://www.innsofthecorps.com, or by calling 1-888-409-7829 (24/7). The MCCS Connect app works too.

PCS travelers: Inns of the Corps reservations for PCS moves go through https://www.innsofthecorps.com or the same phone number above. Leisure travel is available when rooms aren't already held for official use.

Key dates

  • 25 May 2026: On-base lodging becomes bookable in DTS. Mandatory-use rules apply from this date forward.

The official version

Full guidance is in MARADMIN 234/26. The underlying policy comes from the Joint Travel Regulations and DoDI 1015.11 (DoD Lodging Policy). Additional DoD lodging program info is at https://www.travel.dod.mil/Programs/Lodging/DoD-Lodging/.

Questions go to Mr. Michael Barber, Hospitality Branch Head, at (703) 784-6303 or michael.barber@usmc-mccs.org.

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Joint Travel Regulations (REF A)Reference

    This is the governing document requiring use of on-base official lodging for all DoD travelers when the location is in the Integrated Lodging Program. It also sets the rules for certificates of non-availability and lodging reimbursement limits cited in this MARADMIN.

  • DoD Lodging Policy (DoDI 1015.11)Reference

    This instruction establishes DoD-wide lodging policy and is one of the two foundational references underlying the mandatory use rules announced in this MARADMIN.

  • Inns of the Corps reservation website

    This is the official booking site for Inns of the Corps temporary lodging at 14 facilities across 9 Marine Corps installations. Reserve Marines traveling more than 50 miles from home to perform active duty or training qualify for Priority One access, the same as active duty members on orders.

  • Marine Lodge reservation website

    This is the official Marine Lodge booking site for on-base lodging at 11 Marine Corps installations across California, Hawaii, Japan, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. If you are traveling more than 50 miles from home to perform duty or training, you qualify for Priority One reservations and can book online at MarineLodge.com or by calling 1-888-409-7829.

  • DTMO DoD Lodging Program page

    This is the Defense Travel Management Office's overview of DoD lodging options, including Marine Corps Inns and Lodges available on or near installations. Reservists traveling on TDY are required by the Joint Travel Regulations to book on-installation lodging when available, and this page explains how that system works and how to make reservations.

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On-base lodging is now mandatory (and bookable in DTS) for TDY travel — Reservable