Input
Requested concerning REA
By USAREC public affairs office
Jan. 15, 2015
U.S. Army Recruiting Command’s finance office is trying to figure out a mystery.
Over the last decade, the average number of recruiters filing for reimbursements for recruiting-related expenses has been around 50 percent.
A recent analysis of Recruiter Expense Allowance (REA) discovered the percentage has plunged to 18 percent. Of those who file, the average reimbursement is $69 and one-fourth use their Government Travel Card (GTC).
Not since the implementation of the Defense Travel System (DTS) has there been such a drastic change. USAREC G8 is seeking to find out why and is asking each recruiter:
G8 is requesting recruiters complete a 12-question survey available at http://efm.goarmy.com/EFM/se.ashx?s=2EA0F67919A1711A until February 28.
There are also questions for the battalion resource management specialists.
“REA is a reimbursement that keeps you from losing money in your recruiting effort,” said Rick Ward, senior accountant, G8. “Just one lunch may not be a big deal, but over the course of a year, multiple lunches can accumulate to a sizable amount. So please take the survey and take advantage of this reimbursement.”
Watch for notification about the survey on email.
Reimbursable expenses:
2. Attendance during meal time is necessary to full participation in the business of the function
3. The recruiter is not free to take the meal elsewhere without being absent from the event’s essential formal purpose.
In all cases, there must be a receipt for all single purchases above $75. Otherwise, a spreadsheet listing each purchase with date, amount, and description may be uploaded in DTS as the substantiating documentation.
REA is a reimbursement and not an entitlement. REA is subject to availability of funds and commanders may emplace restrictions should it become necessary.
By USAREC public affairs office
Jan. 15, 2015
U.S. Army Recruiting Command’s finance office is trying to figure out a mystery.
Over the last decade, the average number of recruiters filing for reimbursements for recruiting-related expenses has been around 50 percent.
A recent analysis of Recruiter Expense Allowance (REA) discovered the percentage has plunged to 18 percent. Of those who file, the average reimbursement is $69 and one-fourth use their Government Travel Card (GTC).
Not since the implementation of the Defense Travel System (DTS) has there been such a drastic change. USAREC G8 is seeking to find out why and is asking each recruiter:
- Why don’t you file for REA?
- Was there an event (reorganization to small unit recruiting, work hour policy, other) that caused you to not file?
- Does the use or non-use of the GTC impact your decision?
- Do you need more information about REA to file?
G8 is requesting recruiters complete a 12-question survey available at http://efm.goarmy.com/EFM/se.ashx?s=2EA0F67919A1711A until February 28.
There are also questions for the battalion resource management specialists.
“REA is a reimbursement that keeps you from losing money in your recruiting effort,” said Rick Ward, senior accountant, G8. “Just one lunch may not be a big deal, but over the course of a year, multiple lunches can accumulate to a sizable amount. So please take the survey and take advantage of this reimbursement.”
Watch for notification about the survey on email.
Reimbursable expenses:
- Reimbursements normally should not exceed $75 in any month. However, commanders have authority to grant approval above that for necessary costs including:
- Snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and occasional lunches and dinners purchased for prospective recruits and candidates, their immediate families, and other individuals who directly assist the recruiting effort
- Parking fees at itinerary stops
- Official telephone calls
- Photographic copies of vital documents for prospective recruits and candidates, such as birth certificates, school transcripts, diplomas, and registration certificates
- Personally procured and consumed meals at non GOV’T events when:
2. Attendance during meal time is necessary to full participation in the business of the function
3. The recruiter is not free to take the meal elsewhere without being absent from the event’s essential formal purpose.
In all cases, there must be a receipt for all single purchases above $75. Otherwise, a spreadsheet listing each purchase with date, amount, and description may be uploaded in DTS as the substantiating documentation.
REA is a reimbursement and not an entitlement. REA is subject to availability of funds and commanders may emplace restrictions should it become necessary.