MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Service members who reside off Station in privately leased quarters are being asked to participate in the Overseas Housing Allowance Utility and Move in Housing Allowance survey.
The survey is available online until Jan. 31, and the results will help determine future OHA and MIHA entitlements for the area.
Traditionally, the Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee survey has been delivered by mail to solicit responses from just a sample of service members living in overseas communities. Because many service members felt that their utility and move-in expenses were not considered when the rates were calculated, this year, through the Internet, the survey is being made available to all service members who live in privately leased housing and receive OHA. The survey is not applicable to DoD civilians.
"In the past they would send a hard copy and many times the folks would not fill it out. The Internet has made it a lot faster and a lot more accurate," said David Naseer, assistant Station inspector.
The questionnaire will be similar to previous years. To properly complete the surveys, the service members should compile their actual bills or records of utility expenses and maintenance expenses for the past 12 months.
"The survey will take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on how detailed they get. We are recommending they fill it out with their spouse," Naseer said. "We are asking for 100 percent participation. Folks also need to know they do not have to be computer savvy. It is real simple."
The service members will be expected to compute a monthly average for these expenses. For the MIHA portion of the survey, actual move in expenses should be reported. "Sometimes you want to change the tatami mats or the door locks," said Naseer citing some examples of move-in expenses. "We've had cases in the past where people move in with their own washing machines. Switching to our three prong outlet is a pretty big expense, but they can list that."
"The survey will ask you to provide your Social Security number. This is voluntary, but without your SSN the cost data you provide may not be considered," said William J. Carr, acting chairman of the Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee, in a memo to all survey participants. "Once you have completed the survey, your responses will be held in strictest confidence."
"DoD is giving service members an opportunity to affect the OHA and I really think they should take advantage of the opportunity. They should really take their time with this because it will directly impact their OHA allowance," Naseer said.
"Remember that valid utility and move-in allowances depend on your participation in this survey. Thank you in advance for your time and cooperation."