New program to ease inprocessing pains Published April 6, 2009 By 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron CANNON AIR FORCE BASE -- Beginning April 13, the days of waiting weeks to complete a PCS inprocessing voucher for active duty Airmen members will will end for Airmen here. The Permanent Change of Station Inprocessing System will be ready for use. PIPS offers a secure, paperless way to submit PCS-related financial documents with automated assistance. This is accomplished using a "wizard approach" to guide tmembers through PCS inprocessing by presenting an interactive interview session that explains PCS entitlements based on information provided by member. PIPS can be accessed via a secure Web site application, eFinance, using a Common Access Card and a PIN. Once a user navigates to the PIPS site, the system provides easy to understand question-and-answer sessions that take the member through the PCS from start to finish. The "wizard" technology makes it virtually impossible to overlook even the smallest detail when completing a PCS-In voucher. Because this may be a confusing period in a military career, the 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron is focused on the need for an accurate, relevant information exchange. When members 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 Airmen 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 for mileage, per diem and dislocation · 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 its 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 can initiate and complete their financial services inrocessing anywhere the by using a CAC-enabled computer. The first sites to use PIPS for Initial Operating Capability were Altus Air Force Base, Okla. and Little Rock AFB, Ark. The PIPS Program Management office is currently working with bases to plan for future deployments. Active Duty personnel can view a demonstration video of PIPS by visiting the Money - Finance Central Web site at https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/globalTab.do?channelPageId=-1073755560 The PIPS demo can be found under the Spotlight section of the Web site.