The Joint Travel Regulations
Military and DoD-civilian travel is governed by the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). For the continental U.S., DoD adopts the same GSA lodging and M&IE figures; for OCONUS locations — Alaska, Hawaii, territories, and overseas — DoD publishes its own per diem rates.
How DoD per diem is structured
Same two parts: a lodging ceiling and an M&IE allowance, with the first/last-day at 75% and deductions for provided (e.g. galley/DFAC) meals. Incidental expenses are handled per the JTR.
DoD vs. civilian GSA rates
For CONUS, the dollar figures match the GSA schedule, so our per diem calculator is a useful reference. The difference is administrative (JTR vs. the Federal Travel Regulation) and the OCONUS coverage DoD adds.
Frequently asked questions
What governs military per diem?＋
The DoD Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). For the continental U.S., DoD uses the same GSA lodging and M&IE rates; OCONUS rates are set by DoD.
Is military per diem the same as GSA per diem?＋
For continental-U.S. locations the dollar amounts match the GSA schedule. The administration (JTR vs. Federal Travel Regulation) and OCONUS coverage differ.
Does military per diem cover overseas travel?＋
Yes — DoD publishes OCONUS per diem for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and overseas duty locations under the JTR.