Avoiding Government Motor Vehicle misuse

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Krystal M. Garrett
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla., --  Ever see a random vehicle with the words “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” on the license plate and wondered where it was going and what is was being used for?

The vehicle in question is undoubtedly a Government Motor Vehicles, one of military’s most widely used assets. GMVs are utilized to move military assets and off-set the cost of vehicle rentals for transportation for official business.

Hurlburt Field has 693 GMVs with a total value of more than $50
million.

“A GMV is defined as any vehicle purchased with government funds,” said Master Sgt. James Brant, a vehicle operations section chief with the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron. “Just as military air assets are closely controlled because of their high value, government vehicles are closely controlled due to their easy accessibility, high visibility and potential for misuse.”

A GMV can be anything from a minivan or sedan to a platform truck or a shuttle bus.

In order to avoid misusing a GMV, Airmen should know where to find the guidelines for operations.

According to Air Force Instruction 24-301 Vehicle Operations, the limits of using a GMV in an official capacity include, but not limited to: Air Force scheduled appointments; travel to places where the member’s presence is required for official business; and stopping at a local eating establishment while conducting official off-base work site duties.

Brant stated the most common misuses for GMVs at Hurlburt are, visiting on base facilities, such as the Base Exchange and food courts, and personal residence.

“It is important for personnel to know the guidelines in order for them to avoid disciplinary actions,” said Staff Sgt. Ernest Graydon, an operator records and licensing supervisor with the 1st SOLRS.

If there are reports of an individual believed to be misusing a GMV, the 1st SOLRS operator records and licensing Airmen will conduct an investigation.

“After the investigation, we notify the member’s commander of the findings,” Graydon said. “It is left up to the commander which disciplinary action to take.”

Military penalties for misuse of Government Motor Vehicles can include formal disciplinary action and adverse administrative action under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, failure to obey order or regulation. Civilian penalties can include suspension without pay from duty by the Secretary of the Air Force or removal.

“The 1st SOLRS is equipped and ready to support Air Commandos at any time and any place,” Brant said. “However, we have to ensure our assets are being used appropriately to avoid misuse of government funds.”

Personnel who believe they see a GMV potentially being misused, please contact the 1st SOLRS Operator Records and Licensing Section at 850-884-7321, and provide the time, location and vehicle registration number of the vehicle.