CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The days of waiting weeks to complete a permanent change of station in-processing voucher for active-duty Air Force members will soon become a thing of the past.
The Permanent Change of Station In-Processing System has started deploying to the Air Force, and is now available at Charleston AFB.
PIPS offers a secure, paperless way to submit PCS related financial documents with automated assistance to the member. This process is accomplished using a step-by-step guide by presenting an interactive interview session that explains PCS entitlements based on information provided by member who is in-processing.
PIPS can be accessed via a secure Web site application, eFinance, using their common access card and PIN. Once a user navigates to the PIPS site, the system will use easy-to-understand question and answer sessions to take the member through the process of PCS travel from start to finish.
"The step-by-step 'wizard' technology will make it virtually impossible to overlook even the smallest detail when completing a PCS-In voucher," said Maj. Michael Connor, 437th Comptroller Squadron commander.
When a member starts using PIPS, they will be asked whether they are PCSing to an overseas location or within the continental United States. PIPS will use this response to present a briefing containing the correct information based on where they are going. Included in this briefing are links to entitlements, rates payable, and frequently asked questions relative to the PCS move. The information provided includes:
· Travel Entitlements
o Travel Entitlements - Mileage
o Travel Entitlements - Per Diem
o Travel Entitlements - Dislocation Allowance
· Basic Allowance for Housing
· Temporary Lodging Expense
· Family Separation Allowance
· Enlisted Meal Deductions
· Advance Military Pay
· Advance Basic Allowance for Housing
· Cost of Living Allowance
· Temporary Lodging Allowance - Outside the Continental U.S. only
· Overseas Housing Allowance - OCONUS only
· Hardship Duty Pay-Location - OCONUS only
· Imminent Danger Pay - OCONUS only
· Combat Zone Tax Exclusion - OCONUS only
PIPS also has a briefing area where the local Financial Services Office can include a tailored briefing or provide information specific to their location for the member to review. The FSO can supply base-specific contact information, hours of operation or other information that customers may need.
For members arriving 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.
Active-duty Airmen can view a demonstration video of PIPS by simply visiting the Money - Finance Central Web site on the Air Force Portal.
"The Air Force has invested in PIPS to ensure standardized service for all Airmen and provide flexible customer service beyond the constraints of normal operating hours," said Major Connor. "This new initiative was designed to reduce the challenges associated with filing PCS vouchers."
For more information, call the financial services officer at 963-3723.