PIPS offers paperless move process

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LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  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. PIPS offers a secure, paperless way to submit PCS-related financial documents with automated assistance to the member. This process is accomplished using a "wizard approach" to guide the members through PCS in-processing by presenting an interactive interview session that will explain PCS entitlements based on information provided by the member. 

PIPS can be accessed via a secure Web site application, eFinance, using the servicemember's 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 "wizard" technology will make it virtually impossible to overlook even the smallest detail when completing a PCS-in voucher. 

Because this can be a confusing period in a military career, the focus is on the need for an accurate, relevant information exchange. When members start 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 PCS move questions. The information provided includes: 

Travel entitlements
Mileage
Per diem
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 - OCONUS 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 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. The first sites to use PIPS for initial operating capability were Altus AFB, Okla., and Little Rock AFB, Ark. The PIPS program management office is currently working with bases to plan future deployments.
Active-duty personnel can view a demonstration video of PIPS by simply visiting the money - finance central Web site at the following URL: 

https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/globalTab.do?channelPageId=-1073755560
The PIPS demo can be found under the Spotlight section of that Web site. 

Courtesy of the 56th Comptroller Squadron