AFZC-JA-AL 22 September 2003
INFORMATION PAPER
SUBJECT: Use of Army Non-Tactical Vehicles (NTVs) and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
1. Purpose. To explain the legal restrictions on the use of Army NTVs and SUVs.
2. Reference. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 4500.36, Management, Acquisition, and
Use of Motor Vehicles, 10 April 1985; Army Regulation 58-1, Management, Acquisition, and Use
of Motor Vehicles, 28 January 2000; Secretary of the Army Travel Policy, 26 March 2003.
3. Discussion.
a. The use of Army NTVs, defined as all sedans, station wagons, vans, and buses, is
restricted to official purposes only. The use of Army SUVs, defined as a relatively new class of
vehicle with four-wheel drive and off-road capability, is restricted to official purposes only,
closely monitored, and authorized for only limited situations as outlined in Paragraph 5 below.
Official purposes do not include transportation to private social functions or for personal errands
or side trips.
b. Military members who willfully use or authorize the use of a NTV or SUV for a non-
official purpose may be disciplined under the UCMJ. DOD civilian personnel who willfully use
or authorize the use of a NTV or SUV for a non-official purpose can be subject to disciplinary
actions as circumstances warrant. The Garrison Commander is responsible to monitor and
correct abuse of this policy. Prudent use of government resources is the responsibility of all
Army employees
4. Authorized Use of NTVs.
a. Official Events. The use of an Army NTV must be essential to the successful completion
of a DoD function, activity, action, or operation, and consistent with the purpose for which the
vehicle was acquired. Commanders, with advice from judge advocates, determine what
constitutes an official event and approve NTV use within the parameters allowed by regulation
and policy. Official events do not include hail and farewell dinners or military balls.
b. Official Ceremonies. Generally, NTVs may be used by government employees, either
military or civilian personnel, actively participating in official ceremonies (e.g., changes of
command, parades, promotions, retirements, unit activations/deactivations, funerals, military
field demonstrations, parades and similar events) or for senior military or civilian officials
attending such official ceremonies. NTVs, however, are not authorized for officials who attend
official ceremonies in their personal capacity. Attendance in a personal capacity occurs if an
official attends a ceremony simply as an invited guest (not participating in or not the most senior
official at the ceremony) or attends a ceremony solely because of a friendship, family tie, or prior
professional relationship.
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