Feedback drives COLA increase

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez
  • 31 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Team Aviano members will see a jump in their COLA over the next month due to feedback from participants in the recent Cost of Living Allowances survey.

"The intent of COLA is to offset higher costs of the local economy," said 1st Lt. Micah Uhrinak, 31st Comptroller Squadron financial services flight commander. "It should free you up a bit and allow you to shop in the economy without taking more from your base pay."

COLA is provided to service members stationed overseas to compensate for expenses that come with living in another country. It is calculated by comparing the prices of goods and services with the average of prices for similar stateside goods.

The amount of the COLA increase will vary for Team Aviano members based upon factors such as their rank, years in service and number of dependents. Additionally, COLA will vary from month to month depending on the currency exchange rate.

Two surveys also help provide a realistic picture of what it costs service members to live overseas. The Living Pattern Survey is conducted every three years and includes inputs from service members to determine how and where they buy products and services. The Retail Price Survey is done annually and collects prices of goods from a variety of stores in the economy and compares them with the same goods at stores in the U.S.

"It was important for me to take the survey because I live 30 minutes away from base and shopping at the local grocery store or commissary make a difference in the amount of money I spend," said Tech. Sgt. Vincent Houseknecht, 31st Fighter Wing weapons safety manager.

Members are encouraged to participate in base surveys throughout their tours to help improve quality of life.

"The time spent taking (the survey) is nothing compared to an extra $100-200 a month in your pocket," said Uhrinak. "More Aviano members participated in the survey this year which helped the end result."

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.