That's the problem
As far as I can tell with the research I have done it is improper for any command to send you to any activity on "official Navy business" and not pay you travel, if they expect you to use your own car. Granted in my 25 years I went and did plenty of one or two day even week long schools, conferences, yadda yadda, and used my car but these were in the local area NOT 50 miles or more away and not for 20 or 30 days. The fact that you were not issued any TAD orders is another improper aspect of this entire evolution, you should have been, and offering you no cost orders is crap also becuz it specifically says that those are for use when the activity is not really "official Navy business". As far as I can tell the way they administer the IFS program is in violation of a lot of stuff, I can't find anything that allows them to get around it Personally I want to believe the CO doesn't know that the situation is what it is, but I find that hard to believe too and that is not a good thing, but if someone is willing to take them on, and I am, I think it can be improved. I realize that it might be daunting to you guys, there is always that lingering apprehension that somehow it will come back to haunt you if you rock the boat, I understand that, been there felt that. I did however overcome it, but when you take on the powers that be, reguardless who they are, you need to do it unemotionally, professionally and you better have your stuff in one sock. Be ready to take the punches if you wanna win the fight, but the fight can be won and they are sweet victories boys, real sweet. If you aren't willing to do what it takes and do the research then you must suck it up, shut up and face the fact your afraid or worse then that, lazy.
But I told you all in my first post, "I got it" I want this fight, I have the means to conduct it, and the avenues to take it up into the heavens and you know what is up there don't you?? This is a no-sh$#@er guys, I love this stuff!! And when I am successful I expect only three words from you guys..."Thank you Sir" oh yea and a beer or two or three or 120, or maybe a good single malt Scotch and a $25 cigar.
I shoulda never retired!! I really miss you guys.