COLA surveys reach Yokota

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eric Summers
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Military members with dependents living here will take part in a cost-of-living allowance survey conducted by the Defense Finance Accounting Service from March 1 through 31.

The allowance, commonly called COLA, compensates military members for the difference in costs between stateside and overseas locations, according to Mr. Steven Westbrook, DFAS director of the per diem travel and transportation committee.

COLA rates fluctuate due to changes in survey data and currency rates at that location.

"The COLA rate process is designed so that the data that we use is based off the information you provide," Mr. Westbrook said.

"This survey happens once every three years, and the more people that participate in the survey the more accurate the results for Yokota will show," said 2nd Lt Kari McIntyre, 374th Comptroller Squadron financial services officer.

Two types of surveys are used. Living pattern surveys are conducted to see where military members frequently shop, while retail price surveys show the difference between items purchased in the states to items purchased on and off base.

Yokota residents will be participating in both surveys to help accurately depict the rate.

COLA is also affected by the strength of the dollar. The weaker the dollar, the more COLA people receive. Conversely, a strong dollar means less COLA.

"The survey will be available through a link that will be sent out in an e-mail message to everybody on base and should take no more than 15 to 20 minutes to complete," Lieutenant McIntyre said.