Finance_Guy

I'll go ahead and reply. I am a Mod but don't know how to move topics--I've not yet exercised my Mod powers. Most always the BAH rate is paid for where the member is stationed--in your case it will be Pope. There are only a few exceptions when BAH is paid for where the deps are located--the main one being for remote assignments or extended TDYs. There are waiver provisions when attending a school or PME, but it don't sound like that's the case. I would say based on your statement, the deps not moving is primarily for personal reasons and I doubt a waiver would be approved. But having said that, you are always welcome to submit a waiver explaining your justification as to why you should continue receiving Charleston's rate of BAH. Your letter is submitted to your local finance office, they forward to the MAJCOM Finance who then send to AF/A1. AF/A1 is the final approval authority. If approved, the approval is provided to the MPF outbound assignments who will note the approval in your PCS orders. RE: JFTR U10402 MEMBER WITH DEPENDENT B. Location Rate. Ordinarily a housing allowance is paid based on the member’s PDS, or the home port for a member assigned to a ship or afloat unit. However, the Service may determine that a member’s assignment to a PDS or the circumstances of that assignment requires the dependent to reside separately. The Secretary Concerned or the Secretarial Process, at Service discretion, may authorize/approve a housing allowance based on the dependent’s location or old PDS. Then go to # 5. Examples of location rate changes routinely authorized/approved (page 698 of the PDF file) http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/jftr(ch1-ch10).pdf

Thanks Chuck. Nice to know some appreciate what my intentions are in these forums--mainly to provide correct communication of proper entitlements and procedures. Something that appears to be lacking throughout the Air Force. I'm hoping this forum reaches out and touches the masses. Of course I do have my own opinions and all that but hate when people mention that "FM folks act like it's their money or something"--I think I've said it before...that's the purpose of FM. They work for the base comptroller who's boss is the Wing CC. If there was no "Check" in the system who knows what we'd see. Again, thanks. Edit: Note: Most all money is owned and controlled by the Wing CC, so if FM'ers work for the base comptroller who is in charge of the Wing King's money, then I guess one could say to a certain extent, the money is Finance's. And we all are taxpayers, so in the big picture sense, the money spent is all of ours.

Hey Toro. Sorry about all your finance woes. I do know for FSP (Family Sep--right?), a DD FM 1561 and a copy of orders attached are required after the TDY. If you turned in the 1561 with your voucher, then I see no need for more orders. On your combat zone (CZ), first I've heard of this entitlement stopping the day prior to departing. Based on what I know, if you were on the ground in a CZ on 1 Sep, then you are due the IDP/CZTE entitlements for that area for the whole month of Sep. HDP and FSP are paid on a daily rate basis. HDP-L stops the day prior since you are leaving the hardship duty area and cannot be paid a full days worth. FSA stops the day prior to arriving back to your PDS. Below are some reg references you can show finance. Ask them to show you in the reg where IDP/CZTE stops the day prior to departure from that area--I'll bet they cannot find it. http://www.defenselink.mil/comptroller/fmr/07a/07a_10.pdf 100102. Payment. ......It is payable in the full amount without being prorated or reduced, for each month, during any part of which, a member qualifies. Active and Reserve Component members who qualify, at any time during a month, will receive the full amount of HFP/IDP regardless of the actual period of time served on active or inactive duty during that month.

Show your finance this from their AFI on the variations. Per para 2.4.5.3, if the original orders listed variations, then then if those changes in referenced paragraphs apply, then no amendment or statement is required. If the orders didn't have variations, then the orders approving official (AO) must approve after the fact. NOTE: However, remember all vouchers have to be signed by supervisor as a minimum. The voucher can be signed by an orders AO instead of a supervisor. This requirement is in the DoDFMR Volume 9, Chapter 5. 050201. Accountable Official Responsibilities. http://www.defenselink.mil/comptroller/fmr/09/09_05.pdf C. Approving Officials--2. Approve travel claims. F. Supervisory Review --1. Review, sign, and date all travel claims for military and civilian personnel. --2. Submit the travel claim to the appropriate travel computation office for processing prior to payment. 2.4.5. FSO's may use a statement from the order-issuing official instead of an amended order to effect proper payment when the traveler: 2.4.5.1. Adds or omits travel to places stated in the order 2.4.5.2. Changes the order of continuity of places shown, or 2.4.5.3. Changes the original specified time duration at a place stated in the order, provided the change is within total time limits. No amendment or statement is required for the changes in 2.4.5.1. through 2.4.5.3. if itinerary variations are authorized. On the other issue of signatures on the backs of the orders. For one, my understanding is the flight orders can no longer be used for travel voucher payment. Especially for reserves--AFRC requires the DD FM 1610. Not sure of what other signatures would be on the back of the DD FM 1610. Signatures on the voucher are required per my previous note.

My words were the orders were done in error--I didn't say MPF screwed up. If you mean MPF screwed up by letting someone pressure them into putting something on orders that shouldn't have been, then I agree. But to say MPF screwed up and magically put all those extra authorizations on an order on their own, that's where I say No way. There has to be some outside influence.

No way. On the same order they listed other BS. Full size rental car, dual lodging, all communication charges and a few other items I won't mention. No way MPF made a mistake on all that. None of that is in the AOR reporting instructions. Someone is working them.

The rules are flawed and those who wrote them never considered certain operational scenarios. Here's one I think BQZip is referring to and IS a waste of taxpayer money. I'm deployed to Turkey and meals are available at no cost--so I get $3.50/day. I depart Turkey at 1700 hrs, fly down range (say Balad), land at 2000 hrs, offload&upload, take off at 2200 hours back to Turkey. Land at Turkey at 0100 the next day. I don't know the airtime, but just guessing 2-3 hours. Ok, logically, where could I have spent any $$ for meals. I probably got a box nasty at no cost prior to leaving TU. I'm either flying or on the ground in the AOR. I could also probably request a box meal from the AOR location too at no cost. Here's the BS. Both days are treated as Travel days but since I left Balad before 2400 hours headed back to TU, for both days I get full meal rate for TU. Current daily rate is $72. So I just made $144 for two days and probably didn't spend a dime out of my own pocket. If the taxpayer knew about this JFTR rule as applied to real world scenarios, they would sh#t their pants. Maybe we should ask Obama what he thinks of this rule. It really needs some attention. There's an easy fix. Just add Turkey to the list of those AOR locations mentioned in the JFTR dealing with travel all within the CENTCOM AOR. Just add an exception for those deployed to TU--makes sense given the scenario. I know this probably would not apply to en-routes. Any of you deployed to TU (or have) are loving the JFTR "Rules" and know exactly what I'm talking about.

I know the rules for travel days, it's not the same as stationary days. But to put in the original orders "full meals" is BS for the 'Deid. CENTCOM AOR rules also say that if you travel within the AOR to locations with the same $3.50 rate, then you only get $3.50 for that travel day--also mentions this in the JFTR. I'm so sure FCCs travel every single day and have no days where they are at the 'Deid from 0001-2400. When do they get their crew rest? My bitch is someone is not following the rules. If you look a the CENTAF (USAFCENT or whatever they are now) AOR reporting instructions for the 'Deid, you will find all meals are available and directed at "no cost" to the member. So someone has manipulated the personnel community into putting full meal statement in the deployment orders. Those orders are done in error since there is previously published guidance--from a higher authority I might add. My point is "Follow the Rules" and whomever is driving this full meals for FCCs, needs to quit trying to circumvent the rules.

All I want to know is who is the idiot that supposedly approved "Full Meal" rate for Flying Crew Chiefs deployed to the 'Deid? We are hearing of vouchers getting hung up for payment due to this fiasco. Any Flying Crew Chiefs out there have any good answers? Also, why the hell would you need full per diem at a deployed location when any/all meals are free and mostly available 24/7. Help me out here!!!

AFI 65-114 has the answer--see below. Looks like there's an out to pull the "adverse affects" card. If filing claims in DTS, it's up to the approving official(AO). Remember you don't have to have a Non-A from billeting per U1045-C--you can make a statement and have the AO approve. Would be best to type a quick memo stating the facts and have it endorsed by the AO, finance cannot refuse it for payment. Be sure to reference JFTR U1045-C. Begin your memo with something like this, "Per the guidance in the JFTR, Para U1045-C, I'm providing a certification Govt quarters were not available due to blah, blah, blah....." You could add that moving from off-base to on-base would adversly affect the mission as well. AFI 65-114: 4.10. Availability and Use of Government Quarters. 4.10.1. Members who perform TDY of 24 hours or less at a military installation are encouraged to use available government quarters to the maximum extent possible. Per diem cannot be reduced if a member does not use government facilities when the duration of TDY or delay is less than 24 hours, even though the travel order directs use of such facilities (JFTR, par. U1045-B4). A member whose original delay was 24 hours or less, and is extended at the location (to include circumstances beyond their control), reverts to the rule for members TDY for more than 24 hours and must use available government facilities, unless the government quarters use would have adversely affected mission performance. If a member voluntarily uses quarters at a nearby military installation, use of available messing facilities does not reduce per diem entitlement (JFTR, pars. U4125, U4400 and U1045). For non-availability documentation, see JFTR, par. U1045-C. JFTR U1045-C: C. Travel Authorization/Order or Voucher 1. Documentation. A travel authorization/order/voucher must document availability/non-availability by: c. Member certification that Government quarters were not available on arrival. 2. Authorization/Approval. When a member provides acceptable documentation on a travel authorization/ order/voucher of Government quarters non-availability, the AO must authorize/approve reimbursement for commercial lodgings.

Sorry, it's really USAFCENT. My Bad http://www.centaf.af.mil/

Remember the JFTR is a Joint pub and can be made more restrictive at the service level in some circumstances. What I mean is command authorities can direct use of Govt Quarters when in the best interest of the Gov't---mainly to save taxpayer $$ and to make their budget last longer. An example is where a 1-Star issued policy that all enroute aircrews will utilize available on base quarters--reserved and catered to the aircrews using the Prime Knight program. They basically block rooms at billeting and pay for them whether they are full or not. So when crews come in and pull the 24-hour rule, those rooms are left vacant and Uncle Sam still pays for it, so in essence the AF has paid twice for your night of lodging. Remember the JFTR paragraph below too. What this tells me--If you were traveling on your own dime and arrive a base and rooms were available, would you stay in billeting or go downtown and pay a butt load more? IMO for those who use the 24 hour rule to skirt using available billeting, they are not exercising prudence in travel and are not very good stewards of our tax payer dollars. The intentions appear to be purely for personal reasons. Why would one want to go through all the hassle to go downtown when you are already right there on the base (talking aircrew here)? Most times you have Trans driving you around and Prime Knight catering to your lodging needs. As a comparison...how many of stay downtown when flying into the 'Died for < 24 hours? None - mainly due to the hassle of getting on and off base and I'd venture to say its AFCENT policy. Just my two cents. U2010 OBLIGATION TO EXERCISE PRUDENCE IN TRAVEL 1. A member must exercise the same care and regard for incurring expenses to be paid by the Government as would a prudent person traveling at personal expense. So, I'd be first checking to make sure there is not a pre-existing policy in place at some of these locations.

I had a similar problem early this week. There scan system uses Javascript and you have no options to change scan settings. The check I scanned was from the same person for one I did last month. However, this new one did have a crease in it. Had to mail it off since I tried twice. I don't think B&W or Color has anything to do with it. USAA seems to have intermittent problems with the Deposit@home system. Good that it's working now.

Normally POV shipments are not done for CONUS moves unless the member is unable to drive the POV. Check back to my post in this thread...I think 161. Link is below. You may get more money from uncle using this method. May not cover RV cost and shipping, but is more than you would get if you only drove the RV and towed a POV. Now if you rented the RV, drove a POV AND Shipped a POV, then I'd say you would get the max anyway. PM me if you would like help in a rough computation. Here in Altus OK right now.

That would be funny...one day on the customer counter with you guys and Ted would be crying home to mommy.

Maybe if TDY travelers would quit "Missing Meals" DoD could recoup that 25% in per diem costs. Dammit, those meal times are there for a reason, so quit missing formation! Make everyone eat at the DFAC...if they can't, have them carry around MREs in their ABU pockets just in case. Why do we pay people $122/day when they stay on base in Germany??? It all adds up in the end.

Toro has the right lead. Any BAH payment outside the normal authorizations have to be approved by AFPC and/or AF/A1--believe it or not, Finance doesn't create the entitlements, it's the personnel folks. Once a waiver is approved, the local outbound assignments would include the special authorization on the orders. I can say I've not see these approved that often. AF could say why can't the spouse stay at/near the old PDS. But it's worth trying for a waiver.

Reordered to answer logically. JFTR link: http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/trvlregs.html You continue your BAH rate from your last PDS, which is Laughlin. I'm assuming you receive with-dependent rate, so you are never in danger of losing it...unless assigned to permanent family government QTRs--base housing (TLF is not base housing). RE: JFTR Table U10E-12, Rule 1 or 3. If Member is en route PCS from a PDS in the US, then, Continue old PDS-based BAH through the day before the day the member reports to the new PDS, to include TDY en route. New PDS-based BAH or OHA authorization begins on the day the member reports to the new PDS. 3. Have also heard if I do a TLF and get BAH, will the BAH stop after 30 days? A. In the past, "Single-Rate" BAH stopped after 30 days. That changed 1 Nov 06. See post #91 under, TDY Info - Pay, claims, vouchers, rentals, BAH http://www.flyingsquadron.com/forums/index...st&p=128580 5. If I get a letter of non-a (Dogs being the reason), is my per diem adjusted to cover my housing expenses + BAH? A. This is the key for how much you get for reimbursement, I don't think they will give you a non-A for having dogs, but make sure if there are no quarters available, you get a non-A statement once you first attempt to check in--JFTR does not require you keep checking back with billeting--it's a one-time requirement. If you have the Non-A, then you get the full meal rate and you can claim hotel/apartment costs up to the maximum lodging rate for Altus off-base rates (max lodging is currently $70/night) and again, you get your BAH. I've also heard billeting offices have member's sign a "refusal of available billeting", even though quarters were not supposedly available. Not sure what this is for and I wouldn't sign it. I would only be interested in them giving a non-A statement in that case. Now if quarters were available, then I could see where they might want to keep a refusal statement for their records. RE: JFTR U1045--NOTE 2: The member is not required to seek (or check for) Government quarters when TDY to a U.S. Installation after non-availability documentation has been initially provided. Checking quarters availability is a one-time requirement at a TDY U.S. Installation. 4. If I choose to live off base, should I get per diem ($27/day) and then supplement with my BAH? A. If you don't get a non-A, then you would be limited to the single VOQ rate...I"m guessing the $27/day is about right. But you still receive your BAH as mentioned in #3. RE: JFTR U1045--when adequate Government quarters are available on the U.S. Installation to which a member is assigned TDY and the member uses other lodgings as a personal choice, lodging reimbursement is limited to the Government quarters cost on the U.S Installation to which assigned TDY 2. If I do get a pet-friendly TLF, will my per diem be adjusted to cover the whole cost (TLF/pet fees), + BAH? If billeting assigns you to a TLF, then you should be reimbursed the full TLF rate per night, but you will not get anything extra for any pet fees. You should not be limited to single VOQ room rate since you are staying in temporary gov't quarters. Even some single members can sometimes get assigned a TLF. 1. Does it matter if I live in TLF (Married with 2 large dogs) or only if I live off-base? A. I think all the above answers tie into this one. It can matter, but what really matters for off-base is getting a Non-A statement. I would suspect if you didn't get the non-A and wanted to stay off-base, the $27/day for billeting credit along with your BAH might cover your expenses, but I cannot say for sure. Just the $27/day can get you into an apartment for $810/month. RE: JFTR U4131--REIMBURSEMENT FOR AN APARTMENT, HOUSE, OR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE Hope this helps answer your questions.

Go Here for current Info from the VA- http://www.gibill.va.gov/. You can subscribe for updates under the New GI Bill Information. I subscribed months' ago and haven't received any emails yet. I'm excited about this new GI Bill since I did have 3 years in after 9/11. Here's a couple from the Q&A link: Answer ID 940 Question: Can I transfer benefits to my dependents under the Post 9/11 GI BIll? Answer: If you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) may offer you the opportunity to transfer benefits to your spouse or dependent children. DoD and the military services will issue policy on use of transferability in the coming months. Answer ID 16 Question: Can the GI Bill be used to pay off student loans? Answer: You cannot request education benefits specifically to repay a student loan. If you’re enrolled and receiving benefits, you can use your benefit payments however you choose, including student loan repayment. For more information, please use the "Ask a Question" tab above, or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

New set of Finance FAQs on the AF Portal. A beginning list of about 180, but may grow to around 1,600 FAQs/Knowledge articles. Add this one to your favorites. Once in the Portal Main page, go here (or use the link at the bottom. Life & Career: Money - Finance Central : Financial Services FAQs Frequently Asked Questions is the place to go for answers to your pay, travel, and retirement/separation questions! Whether you are Active Duty, Civilian, or Reserve, you can search for specific answers by keyword or just browse the database to learn more about Financial Services. Life & Career: Money - Finance Central : Financial Services FAQs

Major Change from previous guidance when two members ride in the same POC. SYNOPSIS: Limit PCS Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) reimbursement to one member/employee/operator when two or more members/employees travel together in one POC; each under a PCS order/authorization. This change is the result of a shift by GSA from the tiered PCS MALT reimbursement rate method based on the number of authorized travelers in a POC to a single PCS MALT rate based on reimbursement per mile regardless of the number of travelers in the POC. Under the change, only one member/employee/ operator is authorized PCS MALT reimbursement. The second member/employee is treated as a passenger who is being provided Government-funded transportation at no cost. MAP29_08_CAP_31_08_MALT_MBR_Travel_Together.doc

Brand new MSG on Special Leave Accrual Procedures. UNCLAS 011335Z OCT 08 FROM: HQ AFPC RANDOLPH AFB TX//DPSI// PLEASE PASS TO CC, MPF/S, IG, AND FMF SUBJECT: SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL (SLA) FOR DEPLOYED AND NON-DEPLOYED MEMBERS IN USE OR LOSE STATUS (SUSPENSE: 30 NOV 08) 1. THIS MESSAGE SUPERSEDES OUR 8106 MESSAGE, DTG 071410Z SEP 07, SAME SUBJECT. 2. APPLICABILITY: THIS MESSAGE PROVIDES SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ON SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL (SLA) FOR ALL ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL HAVING USE/LOSE ANNUAL LEAVE WHO WERE RECALLED FROM OR UNABLE TO TAKE LEAVE AS A RESULT OF DUTY ASSIGNMENTS IN SUPPORT OF CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS AS DEFINED BY HQ USAF. ACTIVE DUTY IS DEFINED AS ALL ACTIVE DUTY AND RESERVE PERSONNEL UNDER TITLE 10 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE (USC). IT ALSO INCLUDES ALL AIR NATIONAL GUARD PERSONNEL WHO WERE PERFORMING FULL-TIME TRAINING OR OTHER FULL-TIME DUTY FOR A PERIOD OF 30 DAYS OR MORE, UNDER SECTION 316, 502, 504, OR 505 OF TITLE 32, FOR WHICH THEY ARE ENTITLED TO PAY. APPLICATION PROCEDURES AS OUTLINED IN PARA 6 BELOW DO NOT APPLY TO THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD. QUALIFYING GUARDSMEN APPLYING FOR SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL WILL UTILIZE PROCEDURES AS RELEASED BY NGB/A1E. 3. AUTHORITY: BY ORDER OF THE UNDERSECRETARY OF DEFENSE, PERSONNEL AND READINESS, OFFICER AND ENLISTED PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT POLICY, ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN RECALLED FROM OR WERE NOT AUTHORIZED ANNUAL LEAVE (INCLUDING HOME STATION PERSONNEL) AS A CONSEQUENCE OF DUTY ASSIGNMENTS IN SUPPORT OF CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS ARE AUTHORIZED TO ACCUMULATE LEAVE IN EXCESS OF 75 DAYS AS SHOWN ON THE END-OF-MONTH SEPTEMBER LEAVE AND EARNINGS STATEMENT. THOSE SERVICE MEMBERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO RETAIN SUCH LEAVE (NOT TO EXCEED 120 DAYS) UNTIL THE END OF THE SECOND OR FOURTH FISCAL YEAR. FURTHER BREAKDOWN IS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAH 4B & 4C. THE MAXIMUM LEAVE CARRYOVER UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES (NOT SLA) WILL DECREASE TO 60 DAYS AFTER 31 DECEMBER 2010. ALTHOUGH SLA HAS BEEN APPROVED, COMMANDERS AND SUPERVISORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EFFECTIVE LEAVE PROGRAMS THAT ALLOW MILITARY MEMBERS TO USE THEIR LEAVE IN THE YEAR THAT IT IS EARNED. ADVISORY NOTE: PER NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008 AND MEMORANDUM FROM OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE. LEAVE IN EXCESS OF 75 DAYS AT FISCAL YEAR-END BALANCING IS LOST UNLESS ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO 45 DAYS SLA. THE PURPOSE OF SLA IS TO PREVENT MEMBERS FROM LOSING ACCRUED LEAVE IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO TAKE NORMAL LEAVE DUE TO SIGNIFICANT AND UNFORESEEN OPERATIONAL MISSION REQUIREMENTS. MEMBERS ARE INELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL CONSIDERATION IF THEY RETURNED FROM DEPLOYMENT AND HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE LEAVE BUT FAILED TO DO SO. POST DEPLOYMENT RECOVERY TIME IS NOT A VALID REASON FOR REINSTATEMENT OF LOST LEAVE WHEN ACCRUED LEAVE COULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN IN ITS PLACE. 4. SLA STATUTE AND OSD GUIDANCE: A. THE SITUATION PREVENTING SERVICE MEMBERS FROM USING LEAVE MUST HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A CATASTROPHE, NATIONAL EMERGENCY AND/OR CRISIS OR OPERATION IN DEFENSE OF NATIONAL SECURITY. FURTHERMORE, IT SHOULD BE A RESULT OF THE MEMBER'S INABILITY TO TAKE LEAVE OR TO REDUCE THEIR LEAVE BALANCE TO 75 DAYS BEFORE THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR. B. TITLE 10, USC, SECTION 701-F-1 A&B, CONTAINS A SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION THAT ALLOWS THE UNDERSECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO GRANT SERVICE MEMBERS UP T0 120 DAYS LEAVE AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR PROVIDED THEY HAVE SERVED ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF AT LEAST 120 DAYS IN AN AREA IN WHICH THEY ARE ENTITLED TO SPECIAL PAY FOR DUTY SUBJECT TO HOSTILE FIRE OR IMMINENT DANGER UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF DOD 7000.14-R, VOLUME 7A, CHAPTER 10. ADDITIONALLY, IN RECOGNITION OF THE IMPACT NATURAL DISASTERS HAVE ON OPERATIONS TEMPO AND A MEMBER’S ABILITY TO TAKE LEAVE, SERVICE MEMBERS WHO, ON OR AFTER 29 AUGUST 2005, WERE PERFORMING DUTIES DESIGNATED BY THE SECRETARY CONCERNED AS QUALIFYING DUTY, MAY ACCUMULATE UP TO 120 DAYS OF LEAVE. LEAVE THAT EXCEEDS 75 DAYS ACCUMULATED UNDER EITHER CONDITION IN THIS PARAGRAPH IS LOST UNLESS USED BEFORE THE END OF THE FOURTH FISCAL YEAR FOLLOWING THE FISCAL YEAR IN WHICH THE QUALIFYING SERVICE TERMINATES. C. TITLE 10, USC, SECTION 701-F-2, IS A SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION THAT ALLOWS THE UNDERSECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO GRANT MEMBERS PERMISSION TO RETAIN ANY ACCUMULATED LEAVE IN EXCESS OF 75 DAYS, NOT TO EXCEED 120 DAYS, AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR. THE AUTHORITY DOES NOT MANDATE DEPLOYMENT/ASSIGNMENT TO A HOSTILE FIRE/IMMINENT DANGER PAY AREA. THIS PARAGRAPH APPLIES TO ALL MEMBERS WHO LOST LEAVE DUE TO SUPPORT FOR CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS BUT THEY DID NOT DEPLOY TO A HOSTILE FIRE/IMMINENT DANGER PAY AREA. AN EXAMPLE WOULD BE HOME STATION PERSONNEL WHO LOST LEAVE DUE TO CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS OR PERSONNEL WHO DEPLOYED TO SUPPORT CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS. LEAVE THAT EXCEEDS 75 DAYS ACCUMULATED UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH IS LOST UNLESS USED BEFORE THE END OF THE SECOND FISCAL YEAR AFTER THE FISCAL YEAR IN WHICH SUCH SERVICE ON ACTIVE DUTY IS TERMINATED. 5. ELIGIBILITY (QUALIFYING OPERATIONS DEFINED): IAW TITLE 10, US CODE, SECTION 701-F-2-A&B MEMBERS WHO WERE RECALLED FROM OR NOT AUTHORIZED ANNUAL LEAVE AS A CONSEQUENCE OF DUTY ASSIGNMENTS IN SUPPORT OF A CONTINGENCY OPERATION CAUSING THEM TO LOSE LEAVE AS OF 30 SEP 08 ARE AUTHORIZED RESTORATION OF LOST LEAVE. THE ONLY QUALIFYING OPERATIONS FOR THIS SLA PERIOD ARE: ENDURING FREEDOM, NOBLE EAGLE, AND IRAQI FREEDOM. IF QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS’ DEPLOYMENT ENDED IN FY08 THEY MUST USE ANY RESTORED LEAVE BY THE END OF FY2010. IF QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS’ DEPLOYMENT ENDS IN FY09, THEY MUST USE ANY RESTORED LEAVE BY THE END OF FY2011. 6. PROCEDURES: A. INDIVIDUALS WHO MEET THE CRITERIA OUTLINED IN PARAGRAPH 4 and 5 SHOULD APPLY FOR SPECIAL LEAVE ACCRUAL THROUGH COMMAND CHANNELS. MEMBERS CURRENTLY DEPLOYED WILL IDENTIFY THEMSELVES TO THEIR PERSCO TEAM. THE PERSCO TEAM WILL NOTIFY THE HOMESTATION FOR INCLUSION ON THE MASS LIST. B. MPF/S WILL CONSOLIDATE NAMES OF INDIVIDUALS APPROVED FOR SLA AND FORWARD TO THE WING/CC OR WING/CV, (OR EQUIVALENT) (O-6 OR ABOVE) FOR FINAL APPROVAL. MPF/S WILL USE THE SPREADSHEETS AND INSTRUCTIONS LOCATED AT HTTP://WWW.ASK.AFPC.RANDOLPH.AF.MIL. ONCE ON THIS WEBSITE CLICK ON MPF-PDS SUPPORT, MPF/CSS SUPPORT, WORK CENTERS, THEN CUSTOMER SERVICE. THERE ARE TWO LINKS PROVIDED FOR THE MPF/S TO USE: A 2 & 4 YR SLA SPREADSHEET (FOR MEMBERS RETIRING PRIOR TO 1 MAR 09, SEE PARAGRAPH F BELOW). THE 2 YR WORKSHEET WILL BE USED TO RECORD THE NAMES OF PERSONNEL AUTHORIZED CARRYOVER UNDER PARA 4C ABOVE AND THE 4 YR WORKSHEET WILL BE USED TO RECORD THE NAMES OF PERSONNEL AUTHORIZED CARRYOVER UNDER PARA 4B ABOVE. C. AT JOINT ORGANIZATIONS, THE SENIOR AIR FORCE OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE ON STAFF APPROVES SLA FOR MEMBERS SERVING IN JOINT ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSIGNED TO UNITS, HEADQUARTERS, AND SUPPORT STAFF. D. AT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS (AIR STAFF, MAJCOM, FOA, DRU, ETC.), THE SENIOR OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (O-6 AND ABOVE) AT THE DIRECTORATE LEVEL APPROVES SLA FOR MEMBERS ASSIGNED. E. MPF/S OR EQUIVALENT WILL FORWARD THE LIST OF APPROVED NAMES ALONG WITH THE APPROVAL LETTER TO HQ AFPC/DPSIMC VIA ENCRYPTED EMAIL NLT 30 NOV 08 to (email address removed) . ALL REQUESTS NOT MEETING THE 30 NOV 08 SUSPENSE WILL BE INDIVIDUALLY ENTERED INTO THE CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CMS), BY THE BASE LEAVE PROGRAM MANAGER. F. REQUESTS FOR THOSE MEMBERS RETIRING OR SEPARATING PRIOR TO 1 MAR 09 WHO ANTICIPATE HAVING RESTORED LEAVE INCLUDED IN THEIR TERMINAL LEAVE REQUEST, SHOULD BE EXPEDITED THROUGH THE SERVICING MPF/S TO ENSURE THEIR LEAVE IS RESTORED PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RETIREMENT/SEPARATION. UPON OBTAINING THE REQUIRED APPROVAL, THE BASE LEAVE PROGRAM MANAGER WILL SUBMIT A CMS CASE ON EACH INDIVIDUAL. A COPY OF THE APPROVAL LETTER AND RETIREMENT ORDERS WILL ACCOMPANY EACH REQUEST. G. ANY COMMANDER IN THE CHAIN OF COMMAND MAY DISAPPROVE SLA REQUESTS WITHOUT REFERRING TO A HIGHER-LEVEL AUTHORITY WHEN THE MEMBER'S REQUEST DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA FOR SLA CONSIDERATION. 7. POC FOR SLA USE IS AFPC/DPSIMC AT DSN 665-2591. xxx., COLONEL, USAF CHIEF, SUSTAINMENT DIVISION UNCLAS

PIPS & eFINANCE IS COMING The days of active duty members having to wait weeks to attend a base in-processing briefing to file their PCS voucher will soon become a thing of the past! The Permanent Change of Station In-Processing System & the electronic Finance Workspace (PIPS/eFinance) application is in its final stages before we set the live application in motion. The system has received its‟ Authority To Connect (ATC) and Authority To Operate (ATO) and the program office is gearing up to start Initial Operating Capability (IOC). The sites scheduled for PIPS IOC are Altus AFB, Oklahoma and Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. They were granted free reign to become familiar with the application, which will be crucial to ensure a smooth transformation to PIPS. The two sites have been testing PIPS and have offered their expertise to finalize the user guides and quick reference tri-folds. PIPS will offer members a secure, paperless way to submit PCS related financial documents with on-line assistance. PIPS will use a “wizard approach”, similar to “Turbo Tax”, to guide members through a PCS interactive in-processing session that will explain PCS entitlements based on information provided by the member. PIPS can be accessed via the secure web site application, eFinance Workspace, using their common access card and pin. Once a user navigates into the PIPS application, the system will use an easy to understand question and answer session to take the member through the process of completing a PCS Voucher from start to finish. The “wizard” technology will make it virtually impossible to overlook even the smallest details when completing a PCS-In voucher. Because we know going PCS is often a confusing period in a military career, you‟ll be happy to know; in PIPS we haven‟t forgotten about the need for a PCS entitlement briefing to pass on relevant information. As a member signs into and starts using PIPS, they will be asked whether they are PCSing to an overseas location or to/within the continental United States. PIPS will use this response to present information based on their new duty location. Included in this briefing are links to entitlements and rates payable as well as to frequently asked questions relative to the PCS move. PIPS also has a briefing area where the local Financial Services Office‟s can include information specific to their location for the member to review. The options for this area are endless. The FSO can supply specific contact information, hours of operation or other relevant information that has proven to be beneficial to members PCSing. Once AF members arrive at their new duty station, PIPS will automate and standardize the documentation portion of the Financial Services In-Processing briefing. By using PIPS, members will be able to initiate and complete their Financial Services In-Processing from anywhere in the world using a CAC-enabled computer. As we move closer to operational deployment in the coming weeks, we are anxious to hear comments from the field on how this is working and how we can better respond to the needs of the sites. PIPS will continue to evolve as our processes take shape for the future and we welcome your input to improve on its capabilities. To see what PIPS has to offer, visit our AF Financial Systems Operations Community of Practice at: https://www.afkm.wpafb.af.mil/ASPs/DocMan/D...14&Tab=0%20

vMPF Accruals work just fine. You are right the email may be wrong, but AF works to keep them up to date and every 3-4 months each MAJCOM does a test on those emails...or at least they should. You, the customer, should also receive a CC email after succesfully submitting an accrual. This email will also have the email address of the finance office the accrual was sent. See example below from a live test accomplished in Aug. So, if you want, you can also ping that same email and see if you get a reject, or set up a delivery and/or read receipt. So bottom line, if YOU don't receive the CC, then your accrual was not submitted correctly or you entered your wrong email address. PM me with your base name and I can work with my POCs to ensure the email in vMPF is correct...Only if you think it's wrong. And BTW, you can still file paper copy accruals. Thanks. -----Original Message----- From: System Generated Email [mailto:Do_Not_Reply@randolph.af.mil] Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 8:57 AM To: FINANCE HELP LINE xxx AW/FM Cc: (Accrual Submitter's Email address) Subject: (Accrual Submitter's Name) has submitted an Accrual Travel Voucher Name: Accrual Submitter's Name Pay grade: MSG SSAN: xxxxxxxxx Duty Phone: DSN Base: anybase E-Mail Address: Accrual Submitter's Name@base.af.mil Order Number: TO0001 I initially departed on 25 AUG 2008 from HOME and I arrived at HOME on 25 AUG 2008. The daily rate for lodging at HOME was $0. Split Option: PORTION How much split: $0 Additional Remarks: MAJCOM is conducting a test to confirm travel accrual request response time from FSOs via vMPF. This is only a test. FSOs are only required to send confirmation of this request to xxx within 48 hours of receipt. Please contact xxx at DSN xxx if you have questions. Thank you! This document contains information which must be protected IAW AFI 33-332 and DOD Regulation 5400.11. Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, applies.

The DTM PMO is always looking for customer feedback--provide me some specifics on what improvements you would like to see. FYI, below is a note on the lastest software release coming 27 Sep. I've been working with DTS for about 4 years now and don't see where it's that un-user-friendly. The DTS PMO does entertain usability ideas and I've seen many of them implemented in new releases. PM me with and specifics or post them here. Thanks. One user Highlight of the release: -- The new cancellation method provides travelers with a simple way to cancel a trip, guides Authorizing Officials in the use of the CANCELLED stamp. ----------------------------------------------------- Our office just wanted to ensure our Air Force DTS community is aware of another DTS Release 4, (1.7.1.13) that is scheduled for 27 Sep 08. Many of you probably already subscribe and receive the DTMO Customer Service Notifications (CSN) as it relates to major changes to DTS. However, our office is requesting that our MAJCOMs and their respective bases get as much information on the projected changes out to your base traveler populace as it is known. As such, please see the email below and a copy of the detailed Release 4 information as known and/or projected thus far. The DTMO has informed that additional information will be forth coming as it relates to Release 4 and any associated DTS downtime. Please feel free to teleconference to the DTS Outreach Calls. Please feel free to disseminate this info as you deem necessary/required. If you have already begun or will be taking action to get the "WORD" out on the upcoming Release 4, you may consider to disregard this notification. Your interest, assistance and support is greatly appreciated as always. Hope ALL have a GREAT Air Force day! Respectfully Submitted on Behalf of Mr. Gladden, //SIGNED// SAF/FMP (AFAFO) 1602 Brookley Avenue Suite 327 B Wing 3rd Floor Room 319 Traveler_DTS_Release_4_Information.pdf