Lodging and Finance Information

**** SOS is NOT the POC for problems with finance. SOS cannot assign fund cites, cut orders, arrange special lodging accommodations, authorize per diem changes, or provide other Defense Travel Services (DTS). Contact your unit training or financial manager. DO NOT contact SOS for lodging, financial, or orders assistance.

The SOS schedule and curriculum are focused on an unaccompanied officer residing in the dorms. All Air University student lodging is managed by 42 ABW/FSS and rooms are automatically reserved for SOS students. SOS does NOT coordinate special accommodations, change out room assignments, or address lodging issues. If you have lodging questions, contact Maxwell Lodging.

Rooms:  Room accommodations vary, some have kitchenettes and others simply have a microwave and mini fridge. SOS does NOT control where students are assigned. Students are housed with members of their flight and squadron to facilitate team cohesion. While some variances occur due to space availability, The FIRST priority of SOS is to keep flights together. You will receive your room assignment during student inprocessing (day prior to class start). Until in-processing has concluded, lodging is unable to provide you with a description of your room or where you will be assigned.

While SOS is NOT an authorized accompanied TDY, many students elect to bring their spouses and families with them to Maxwell. SOS offers these students the choice of being assigned to the accompanied squadron. All requests for accompanied squadrons should be submitted COB two weeks prior to class start. This courtesy rotates among the four student squadrons each class and gives spouses the benefit of being around other spouses in the same unit and under the same commander. Being in the accompanied SQ does NOT guarantee child care or lodging will be available.  Download Accompanied Spouses Guide.

Students Bringing Their Spouse:  Students bringing their spouses should notify SOS Student Services via Student Services Help Line: email SOS Student Services. After SOS Student Services has been notified, a private room will be reserved for you at Maxwell lodging.  This also applies for a military spouse attending SOS.

Students With Dependents:  Students with children or pets must make arrangements to stay off-base in the local area.  Reimbursement will be limited to $70 per night.  If you are a single parent and bringing your dependents, you will need to contact the Maxwell Child Development Center (CDC) to secure childcare services. Maxwell CDC slots are secured on a space-available basis ONLY.

TLF units are only available for students PCSing enroute to their next duty station. These students should contact Maxwell Lodging and be prepared to e-mail/fax a copy of their orders. Pets are NOT allowed in student lodging. Pet friendly TLF units are for Students PCSing enroute to their next duty station.

SOS will NOT issue a non-availability slip and any expenses incurred will be the student’s individual responsibility. Again, SOS in NOT an authorized accompanied TDY.

**** It is YOUR responsibility to coordinate special accommodations.
Students bringing their spouse and/or dependents should email SOS Student Services to be placed in the accompanied squadron.****  

Although lodging is automatically reserved for each student on base, the student is charged for room payment.  Before you leave for SOS, ensure your government travel charge card (GTCC) is not expired an is ready to accept charges.  (The card may be deactivated when not in official  government travel status).  Your credit limit must  be high enough to cover your transportation expenses, lodging ($70 x 45 nights), and meals.  Contact your unit GTCC representative for assistance.

Early Arrivals:  The on or about date is an estimated date for TDY departure. Although the member may leave 7 days before the preceeding date AETC TDY-to-School will only pay for 1 travel day for CONUS and OCONUS (any flight exceeding 14 hours, AO can authorize an additional travel day), excess travel time may be charged as leave.

SOS can NOT authorize any additional expenses regarding the information below. ALL finance and travel issues should be coordinated through your home station and/or MAJCOM A1 training managers.

Per Diem and Lodging Rates:  For the most current lodging and partial per diem rates students should consult the DOD Defense Travel Website at www.defensetravel.dod.mil. Students will have a minimum of 1 lunch hour per day and have access to the base dining facility (DFAC) for breakfast and dinner meals.

Students not authorized billeting for off-base (because of family or a pet) will receive the same lodging and per diem rate as the on-base students.

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that civilian students be authorized a rental vehicle. Civilians are not authorized commissary privileges and will require means to travel 5 miles off base to the nearest grocery store to acquire groceries if desired.

SOS does NOT provide students rental cars, nor can it authorize their use on your orders. Students do not require a vehicle during their time at SOS but may find it more convenient to bring a personal/rental vehicle. You do not need to register a vehicle when you arrive on Maxwell. Contact your unit training/financial training manager if you will need personal transportation.

**** Additional expenses occurred as a result of bringing a spouse and/or dependents to SOS are the student’s responsibility.