Beware of GTC abuse Published Jan. 24, 2014 By Senior Airman Josh Slavin 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Airmen are always on the move whether it be for a deployment or a permanent change of station. During their military service, Airmen are given government travel cards to assist with the transition and it's their responsibility to ensure it is being used properly. GTC abuse can be an easy mistake for Airmen that can lead to severe punishments. Misuse of the GTC is a violation of Article 134 or 92 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. The most common misuses of a GTC happen when Airmen knowingly or mistakenly use their card to pay for expenses and ATM transactions while not on official travel. Cardholders, while in an official travel status, may use their GTC for non-reimbursable incidental travel expenses such as transportation, lodging, and food, when these charges are reasonable. Abuse is classified as unofficial use of the card while not on official government travel, even when the card is paid off on time. Those found abusing their cards are subject to a variety of punishments ranging from an Article 15, loss of security clearance, which could lead to early separation and administrative discharge from the Air Force. "The best way for Airmen to avoid GTC abuse is to have your Agency Program Coordinator deactivate the GTC card while they are not on official government travel," said 2 Lt. Michael Kazakoff, 355th Comptroller Squadron financial services flight commander. "Another way to avoid misuse is to keep the card in a safe place at home or in your desk at work and keep it out of your wallet."