Navigating the Defence Travel System (DTS) for official travel can seem complex initially, but with a few key steps, you can gain access and manage your travel arrangements effectively. This guide outlines the essential prerequisites and login procedures to ensure a smooth experience with the defence travel system.
Before attempting to log in to DTS, there are three critical components to verify: browser compatibility, possession of a digital Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificate, and confirmation of your DTS account setup with your Defense Travel Administrator (DTA). These elements are crucial for secure and functional access to the system.
To begin, ensure your web browser is fully compatible with DTS. The system relies on specific browser configurations to operate correctly. You can typically find browser compatibility checkers on official defence travel websites or related resource pages. These tools will quickly assess your current browser setup and indicate any necessary adjustments.
Next, a digital PKI certificate is mandatory for accessing DTS. This certificate acts as your digital identification, verifying your credentials and securing your connection to the system. If you do not have a PKI certificate, or if it has expired, you will need to obtain or renew one through the appropriate channels within your organization or through authorized certificate providers.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, your DTS account must be properly set up and activated by your Defense Travel Administrator (DTA). The DTA is your primary point of contact for all DTS-related account issues and setup procedures. If you are a new user or transitioning to a new organization, contacting your DTA is essential to ensure your profile is correctly established within the system. Account creation is often integrated into the onboarding process at new commands or organizations.
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Once these prerequisites are in place, you can proceed to access DTS. After clicking the login button, the system may prompt you to enter your Social Security Number (SSN) for security verification. This is a standard security measure to protect your account and travel data.
Enabling browser pop-ups is also a necessary step for optimal DTS functionality. DTS occasionally uses pop-up windows to display important information, alerts, or prompts. Ensure that pop-ups are enabled in your browser settings to avoid missing critical communications from the system. If you are unsure how to enable pop-ups, your system administrator can provide guidance.
For first-time users, or if your SSN is not recognized during login, DTS will indicate that your profile cannot be found and direct you to the self-registration system. However, before proceeding with self-registration, it is strongly recommended to contact your DTA. This ensures that your account is correctly linked to your organization and prevents potential issues related to organizational information.
Similarly, if you encounter an error message stating that your account is locked or cannot be found, contacting your DTA is crucial. This typically indicates that your profile needs activation or association with your current organization, a process managed by your DTA.
In conclusion, accessing the defence travel system involves a few straightforward steps: verifying browser compatibility, ensuring you have a valid PKI certificate, and confirming your account setup with your DTA. By addressing these points, you can efficiently log in and utilize DTS for your defence travel needs. For further training and resources, the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) provides comprehensive materials on their Travel Explorer (TraX) website and training resource center, accessible through the DTMO web portal.
