CPTS shops for Aviano

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  To help create an upcoming cost of living allowance survey, the 31st Comptroller Squadron recently visited local supermarkets and compared the cost of goods on- and off-base.

Once CPTS has submitted their findings to the Defense Travel Management Office, a survey will be sent to Team Aviano members to complete, which could result in an increase to military members' pay.

While stationed overseas, military members are given COLA to help compensate for off-base expenses such as food and household goods. The approximate 100-question survey is a tool used to gauge spending habits of uniformed members serving overseas.

"Every year we are given a specific list of items to compare commissary prices to prices on the economy at local supermarkets." explained Tech. Sgt. Kristi Craft, 31st CPTS civilian pay technician. "The information we gather is then sent to DTMO for consideration for a possible COLA increase or decrease."

COLA calculates the cost of living in overseas locations and compares it with the cost of living stateside. Last year, Aviano received an approximately $100 increase to COLA rates as a result of the survey.

According to Master Sgt. Hillary Johnson, 31st CPTS flight chief of financial services, it is important that participants respond honestly to the survey to provide the most accurate results.

"To ensure military members receive the appropriate pay for their COLA, they must take the survey," explained Craft. "The survey may by time consuming, 40 to 50 minutes, but is well worth it."

COLA, which is non-taxable, can increase or decrease due to the currency exchange rate, rank, time in service and number of dependents.

"If we were able to get an increase in COLA, it would affect me tremendously," said Senior Airman Kathlyn Maple, Detachment 8 American Forces Network cyber transport technician. "When the commissary is closed, I have to shop off base where everything is more expensive."

Although the exact date has not yet been confirmed to participate in the survey, one member from each household is eligible to participate in the survey.

For more information contact the 31st CPTS at 31cpts.fmf@us.af.mil or visit the Defense Travel Management Office website at: www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/cola.cfm.