Travel Help for New Recruits

This page is for new recruits traveling to their basic training center. We’re here to help if you have a problem with your travel.

Traveling in a Group?

If you run into a travel issue, talk to your group leader. They are the only person authorized to report problems for the group.

How to Get Help (Traveling Alone)

If you are traveling by yourself and your travel is delayed or disrupted, the fastest way to get help is to contact the Recruit Travel Assistance Center.

Live Chat

Hours: Available 24/7

Connection issue? If you see a privacy warning, choose "visit the site anyway." If you lose Wi-Fi, start a new chat and let the agent know you were disconnected.

Chat with a representative now

Phone

If you can't connect to the internet, call us directly.

Please do not try to call and chat at the same time. This increases wait times for everyone.

(877) 563-7746

Last Resort: If you cannot reach us, contact your Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).

Common Travel Problems

  1. Go to the airline agent and ask to be re-booked on the next flight today.
  2. If re-booked for the same day, continue traveling.
  3. If the airline requires payment for a new ticket:
    • During business hours (usually 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), contact your MEPS.
    • After hours, contact the Recruit Travel Assistance Center to arrange for overnight lodging.

Cancellations: Ask the airline agent to re-book you on the next available flight, including standby. If in a group, you do not need to stay together.

  • Delay under 2 hours: Continue as planned.
  • Delay over 2 hours: Contact the Recruit Travel Assistance Center.
  • Missing a connection: Ask the airline to re-book your connecting flight for later the same day.

If you lose your ticket, the airline agent should be able to print a new one after you show them your military or government ID.

Meals & Vouchers

We provide meal vouchers to pay for your food while you travel. If you need a meal and don’t have a voucher, contact us immediately.

Meal Voucher Allowances
Meal Timeframe Maximum Amount
Breakfast 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM Up to $7.00
Lunch 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Up to $11.00
Dinner 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Up to $23.00

How to Use a Voucher

  1. Ask the restaurant

    Confirm if they accept government meal vouchers.

  2. Show your ID

    Provide your government ID if requested.

  3. Fill out the voucher

    After you pay, write the restaurant name and exact meal cost on the voucher. You will not get change back if your meal costs less. If it costs more, you must pay the difference.

Who This Program Is NOT For

AIT Trainees: We do not support your program. Contact your school's duty officer.

Parents: We can only give instructions to recruits. Please have your recruit contact us directly so we can help them faster.