Lodging Policy

Recent developments surrounding the Red River Inn lodging policy at Altus Air Force Base have raised concern and confusion among service members attending KC-135, KC-46, and C-17 Formal Training Unit (FTU) courses. A new memo from Air Education and Training Command (AETC) appears to discourage the use of non-conventional lodging such as crashpads or Airbnbs. However, this guidance directly contrasts the Department of Defense (DoD) travel reimbursement office’s clarification that non-conventional lodging remains fully reimbursable under the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR).

Why the Red River Inn Policy Exists

The Red River Inn, like all on-base lodging facilities, depends on steady revenue from TDY members to stay afloat. But as more aircrew members choose crashpads privately owned, high-quality homes designed specifically for long-term TDYs the Inn has struggled to compete.

At Altus AFB, training courses can last months. Members quickly realize that crashpads offer something on-base lodging often doesn’t: space, privacy, and a sense of normalcy. Full kitchens, laundry access, fitness options, and the camaraderie of fellow aircrew all contribute to better quality of life and performance during demanding training.

Rather than improving on-base lodging to match what aircrew actually want, policy makers have sought to regain control by discouraging non-conventional options. The result is a memo full of mixed messages and ambiguity that pressures members to choose base lodging even when it’s not their best option.

Ambiguity and Pressure in Policy

The new guidance, framed as “clarification,” is anything but. Instead of offering clear answers, it highlights supposed risks like documentation issues or reimbursement challenges that cause uncertainty and hesitation.

For aircrew, the takeaway is often simple: “Play it safe. Stay on base.”

But as the DoD reimbursement office has confirmed, members are fully entitled to choose non-conventional lodging as long as they remain within the local lodging rate ($99 per night at Altus) and can provide an itemized receipt. Members cannot be denied reimbursement solely because they stay in a crashpad or Airbnb.

This confusion erodes confidence in guidance and puts aircrew in the middle of a bureaucratic tug-of-war.

A Better Way Forward

At Cleared Direct Crashpads, we believe that the Formal Training Unit experience is best spent in a space that supports focus, rest, and community. Many of us have been through Altus training ourselves and we know how much a quality crashpad can improve both morale and performance.

The solution isn’t to restrict aircrew choices, it’s to empower them.

Aircrew deserve clear guidance, quality lodging, and the freedom to make choices that set them up for success.

Until that becomes standard practice, Cleared Direct Crashpads will continue doing what we do best: offering aircrew the kind of lodging we wished we had when we were in their shoes: comfortable, reliable, and designed by people who understand the mission.