The Ultimate Guide to AFI 36-3020 Family Member Travel: Everything You Need to Know
If you are serving in the military or are a family member of someone who is, you may have heard of AFI 36-3020. This Air Force Instruction is a guide for family member travel and provides important information on how to handle situations such as deployments, relocations, and other military-related travel scenarios.
In this article, we will be delving into the details of AFI 36-3020 and everything you need to know about it.
The Purpose of AFI 36-3020
AFI 36-3020 serves as a guide for military families to understand travel entitlements and procedures. The instruction outlines the eligibility criteria for various travel scenarios, the benefits and resources available to the family members during travel, and the responsibilities of the family members and the military in ensuring a smooth travel process.
The primary objective of AFI 36-3020 is to minimize the hardships faced by military families during travel and ensure that they are aware of their rights and entitlements.
Eligibility Criteria for Family Member Travel
The eligibility criteria for family member travel depend on various factors, such as the member’s duty status, the type of travel, and the number of dependents. Some of the common eligibility conditions outlined in AFI 36-3020 are:
– Deployment: Spouses, children, and other dependents of the military member are entitled to travel under various deployment scenarios. In some cases, the member may also be eligible to accompany the family members.
– Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Family members are authorized to travel with the military member during their PCS relocation, subject to certain conditions such as the availability of funds and resources.
– Emergency Leave: If a military member is granted emergency leave due to a family member’s critical illness or death, their immediate family members are authorized to travel to the member’s location at the military’s expense.
Benefits and Resources Available to Family Members During Travel
Under AFI 36-3020, family members of military members are entitled to numerous benefits and resources during travel. Some of the common benefits are:
– Travel Allowances: Family members are eligible to receive allowances to cover the cost of transportation, lodging, and related expenses during travel.
– Transportation Services: The military provides transportation services such as commercial flights, military transport, or rental cars to enable family members to travel to the military member’s location.
– Lodging: The military provides lodging options, such as temporary lodging facilities or government quarters, to the family members during the travel period.
– Medical Assistance: If a family member needs medical assistance during travel, the military provides necessary resources such as referrals, emergency medical services, or evacuation.
Responsibilities of the Family Members and the Military
AFI 36-3020 outlines the responsibilities of both the family members and the military in ensuring a smooth travel process. The family members are responsible for:
– Understanding their eligibility and entitlements for travel
– Completing necessary paperwork and documentation
– Complying with the travel rules and regulations
– Cooperating with the military’s instructions and requirements
– Ensuring their safety and security during travel
The military, on the other hand, is responsible for:
– Providing the necessary resources and benefits according to the eligibility criteria
– Communicating with the family members and providing them with relevant information and instructions
– Ensuring the safety and security of the family members during travel
– Resolving any issues or problems faced by the family members during travel
Conclusion
AFI 36-3020 is a comprehensive guide for military families to understand their rights and entitlements during family member travel. By understanding the eligibility criteria, benefits, resources, and responsibilities, military families can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. We hope this ultimate guide to AFI 36-3020 has provided you with useful insights and information to make informed decisions about your family member travel.
