Misawa personnel to determine future COLA rates Published March 20, 2008 By By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Misawa Air Base, Japan -- Misawa personnel have until March 31 to take the Living Pattern Survey to determine future rates for Cost of Living Allowances. "Not only is it mandated that we take the survey once every three years, it really does help those living in high-priced environments like northern Japan," said 2nd Lt. Katy Simrell, the Financial Services Officer at Misawa. The cost of living is higher overseas and COLA assists members with adding that extra dollar to paychecks to pay for the everyday items, such as fruits and vegetables, household appliances and cleaning necessities purchased at off-base facilities. COLA is not meant for travel or utilities. By tracking shopping practices of those living at Misawa, the Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTTAC) will be able to determine the COLA rate in order to offset higher overseas prices. "The commissary prices here are similar stateside, but they still compete with stores off base," said Lieutenant Simrell. "We shop off base for necessities so we look at the purchases in order to determine the appropriate rate." The COLA index is highly dependent on consumer shopping on base as well. The higher the proportion of on-base shopping, the lower the index will be. Bases in southern Japan and in Europe may have higher COLA rates than in Misawa, but expenses are also higher there, explained Lieutenant Simrell. "However, with an increase of expenses here, we might be able to reach for a higher rate as well." Misawa's participation in the survey has significantly increased from the past and maximum participation will ensure the proper rate is issued. "We have a 115 percent rate of participation here compared to the 60 percent we had three years ago," said the lieutenant. "Misawa is doing very well but we can still do more with the 3,000 people we have at Misawa." Family members are also encouraged to participate to track shopping patterns of the entire family. The survey can be completed in 30 minutes or less by going to: http://www.perdiem.osd.mil/oscola/lps/japan/. Before beginning the survey each participant will need to create a six character ticket number and identify the locality code for Misawa Air Base: JA023. The ticket number will be created by using the servicemember's first and last name initials along with the last four digits of their Social Security Number. For more questions regarding the LPS, please contact Lieutenant Katy Simrell at katy.simrell@misawa.af.mil.