New system simplifies in-processing Published March 17, 2009 60th Comptroller Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- 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 PCS in-processing system has begun deploying to the Air Force. It goes online April 1 at Travis. Permanent change of station in-processing 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 explains PCS entitlements based on information provided by the member. PIPS is accessed via a secure Web site application, eFinance, using their Common Access Card and pin. Once a user navigates to the PIPS site, the system uses easy-to-understand question-and-answer sessions to take the member through the process of PCS travel from start to finish. The "wizard" technology makes it virtually impossible to overlook even the smallest detail when completing a voucher. Because we know this may be a confusing period in a military career, we focused on the need for an accurate, relevant information exchange. When a member starts using PIPS, they are 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 the user is 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 o Travel entitlements - Mileage o Travel entitlements - Per diem o Travel entitlements - 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 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 In-Processing from anywhere in the world using a CAC-enabled computer. The first sites to utilize PIPS for initial operating capability were Altus Air Force Base, Okla., and Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The PIPS program management office is working with bases to plan for future deployments. Active-duty personnel can view a demonstration video of PIPS by simply 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 this Web site.