Colleagues, I am providing an update on the Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) Extension process. As previously announced in Flag Voice 556 and ALCOAST 309/21, the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) was updated last year to include an expedited process for the Uniformed Services to request an extension to TLE, for up to 60 days, to assist those who are impacted by severe housing shortages brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. While this is an expedited process, it has proven to still be a lengthy one.

I continue to engage with my counterparts in the other Services and with leadership at the Defense Travel Management Office to voice our concerns with the process and advocate for our members. As we work to improve the timeliness of determinations for TLE extension requests, it is important for commands to understand the intent and workflow.

The key criteria for a TLE extension is that a Military Housing Area (MHA) must be experiencing a severe housing shortage.  This is demonstrated through a lack of available housing for inbound members. It is also distinctly separate from the issue of perceived or realized insufficiency of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). To clarify, TLE extensions can only be granted in MHAs with housing availability issues, and not for affordability issues. TLE extensions are also granted for an entire MHA, and cannot be considered for individual members, units, or Services.

CG-1332 reviews and processes all requests promptly upon receipt. Incomplete or unsubstantiated requests are returned to the originator for correction or additional information. Once a request is vetted by CG-1332, it is forwarded to DoD Service MAP Representatives and ultimately sent to the PDTATAC for consideration. Upon receipt of PDTATAC decision, CG-1332 provides the originator with the outcome. Approved TLE extensions are posted on CG-1332's webpage. To check if a MHA has an authorized TLE extension, use the following link:

Military Pay and Compensation Division (CG-1332) (uscg.mil)

To help guide your subordinate commands through this process, you will soon see an ALCOAST providing updated guidance on the TLE Extension Process. Additionally, any questions regarding the process can be directed to CG-1332 at: HQS-DG-LST-CG-1332-TRAVEL@uscg.mil.

Dr. D. Mischell Navarro
Senior Executive Service, U.S. Coast Guard
Acting Assistant Commandant for Human Resources