GMVs: Official Use or Misuse … What’s the Difference?

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- There are more than 435 Government Motor Vehicles, or GMVs, in the 7th Bomb Wing fleet and most are issued to units and used daily to support the Team Dyess mission. That begs the question, "Do you know the difference between official use and misuse of GMVs?"

I am sure we are all aware that we can use a GMV for work related travel, but did you know this can also include transportation to and from Air Force scheduled appointments? That's right! If you have to go to your PHA, urinalysis testing or even the dentist, you can use a GMV to get there and back to work. However, if you decide to stop by the BX, Commissary, or shopette to grab a soda before you go to your appointment or check your post office mailbox on your way back, this is no longer official use but rather constitutes a misuse.

While events like commander calls, promotion ceremonies and quarterly awards ceremonies might seem to be official business according to the AFI the use of GMVs to travel to such events is considered a misuse.

AFI 24-301, Vehicle Operations, provides a long list of official use functions and it is highly recommended to consult the publication if you are unsure.

To get a general feel of what is approved, ask yourself these questions:

1. Is the purpose of the trip official?
2. Does it further the Air Force mission?
3. Will utilizing a GMV for travel create public criticism?

If you answered "yes" to the first two and "no" to the last one, it's very likely you are authorized to utilize a GMV.

AFI 24-301 is clear as to what can be official or unofficial use of a GMV but there are some exceptions to the rule. Have you ever seen a fire truck in front of the Dyess Fitness Center and no fire alarms are going off? This is because some on-duty emergency response personnel are authorized to take emergency response vehicles to on-base dining facilities and the base gymnasium - emergency response vehicles can include firefighting vehicles, security forces vehicles and ambulances.

How about TDY personnel visiting Dyess AFB? This too is an exception to the rule as people who are TDY to Dyess are authorized to take certain actions or go to places with GMVs that permanent party personnel cannot. These authorizations include, but are not limited to travel between work places, lodging and eating establishments, church, and installation bowling centers, officer /enlisted clubs and gymnasiums. However, even if TDY, this authorization does not include off-base clubs or bars, parties at off-base residences and places not considered reputable.

Just like many other responsibilities that we as Air Force members have, if you see someone and you believe they are misusing a vehicle (e.g. GMV going through the drive thru at Burger King), simply call us at (325) 696-2697 with the following information: time, location, vehicle registration number, and where you observed the vehicle and we will investigate to ensure vehicles are being utilized for official purposes.

This article cannot possibly cover every transportation situation that may be official use or constitute misuse, but hopefully it gives you a good idea as to what you should or should not do with GMVs. If you have any questions or would like more information on this, please do not hesitate to contact Vehicle Operations Operator Records and Licensing Office at (325) 696-2697 or refer to AFI 24-301, Chapter 3.