The latter fluctuations in the exchange rates of various currencies in Europe may have Sailors within the theater thinking their bears are a little lighter than they would like.

yet the Overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) fluctuates just as the exchange rates fluctuate. Overseas COLA is a supplemental pay service members receive in addition to their basic pay. This helps branch the difference in purchase prices between state side and overseas locations.

abiding habitation allowance coordinators note the daily exchange rate settle by military banking facilities from head to foot the theater. They provide this information to the through Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC.)

This committee charts and monitors the data daily, and they review any significant changes in the exchange rate twice a month The COLA will be increased or decreased depending forward the review.

"Even granting the exchange rate has been rising, it may take a pay period before the COLA rate is changed to cast reproach the new exchange rate," said Chief Personnelman (AW) Brian Held, personnel officer for Personnel Support Detachment, London. "The graph goe up and down from beginning to end the year, but in the extremity your pay balances out with the exchange rates."

In addition to publicity fluctuation, other factors go into calculating an individual's COLA, like as pay grade, years of service, colony status and geographic location.

each duty station has a city location COLA index that is established from living pattern and market basket take a view ofs These tools are very important, because they help determine the most numerous current differences in purchasing prices.

Sailors can check their local and worldwide COLA rates, as well as by Diem and Overseas Housing Allowance rates, at the PDTATAC Web page at www.dtic.mil/perdiem.

For related recently made knowns visit the Naval Forces Europe Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy. mil/local/naveur.

Story according to JO2 Lily Daniels, who is assigned to the public affairs office, Commonder U Naval Forces Europe

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