In February 2006, the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) was established to serve as the single focal point for commercial travel within DoD. Prior to the establishment of the DTMO, several disparate, stove-piped programs governed travel policy, regulations and directives, yet no "single face" for commercial travel existed within the Department of Defense (DoD). Senior DoD leadership recognized the need to streamline and consolidate the various pieces of this nearly $9.4 billion travel enterprise. In response, the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defense directed the consolidation, reorganization, and central management of commercial travel policy for the DoD under the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

By consolidating functions under one organization, the Department is able to standardize management practices, leverage economies of scale, reduce administrative costs, and work towards a common set of goals. DTMO provides central oversight for commercial travel management, travel policy and implementation, travel card program management, customer support and training, functional oversight of the Defense Travel System (DTS), and allowance and entitlement program management.

DTMO partners across the government and private sector to maintain an in-depth perspective of the travel industry and determine the best practices and standards for DoD travel. DTMO in collaboration with the Business Transformation Agency (BTA) created two governance boards - the Defense Travel Steering Committee (DTSC) and the Defense Travel Improvement Board (DTIB). These two governance boards set strategic direction and manage change regarding DoD commercial travel requirements, including systems, software, policies and/or procedures.

DTMO is focused on transforming the Defense Travel Enterprise by implementing better solutions and providing the best value for the travel community. Over the last several years DTMO has embarked on a major initiative to consolidate and procure worldwide commercial travel office services, conducted a first-ever government-wide travel policy review, successfully transitioned 1.3 million Government Travel Charge Card holders to a new vendor, and established a comprehensive travel training program. It has also established a Travel Assistance Center (TAC) to provide DoD-wide travel assistance.

DTMO has made significant progress since its establishment, and has charted an ambitious path ahead. DTMO will continue to reengineer travel policy to make it relevant, consistent and understandable, enhance Commercial Travel Office Services and Programs, explore ways to expand our already vibrant training program, improve the usability of DTS so that it remains a responsive and valued tool, incorporate Permanent Duty Travel in DTS, and effectively support travelers and explore solutions for the next generation of travel.

The DTMO falls under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OUSD, P&R). The Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy within OUSD P&R maintains direct oversight of the DTMO and it is an active component of the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA).