Base residents encouraged to take COLA survey

  • Published
  • By Compiled from staff reports
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Turkey is conducting a cost of living allowance survey to determine the correct rate. COLA is affected by two variables: the purchasing power of the dollar when compared to the Turkish Lira and a market basket of goods equivalent to products purchased in the U.S. A COLA survey has not been conducted in Turkey since 2001, with the exception of Istanbul which conducted a survey in 2005. The purpose of the survey is to determine the accurate COLA entitlement dependent upon location.

The COLA survey is available now to Dec. 31 by clicking the following link: https://www.perdiem.osd.mil/oscola/lps/turkey/.

When taking the survey, dorm residents should not click "barracks" but should choose government housing. Also the 39th Medical Group will not show up on the drop down list, Medical Group members should use "other."

The COLA survey does not necessarily increase the COLA entitlement; it is intended to reflect the correct COLA entitlement. If a COLA adjustment is necessary, the adjustment will by made be March 2007.

For more details, contact 1st Lt. Chris Collins, 39th Comptroller Squadron, at christopher.collins@incirlik.af.mil or 676-5450.

Frequently asked questions:

What is it? A COLA survey asks military members and their families which local economy outlets they use when they shop for food items, clothing and many other goods and services, such as restaurant meals, hair care, and auto repair. It also asks how much of their shopping is done on the local economy, and how much is done at the commissary, base exchange or on the Internet.

Why is this survey important? The data reported in this survey will be used to adjust the COLA for Incirlik, Izmir, Ankara and Eskisehir. The Living Pattern Survey is one of the "building blocks" of COLA. Every three years a LPS is conducted to determine the names of the local economy outlets where military families shop. Then during the annual Retail Price Survey (Market Basket Survey) the prices of 120 goods and services are collected from these outlets. After the Per Diem Committee compares the prices in Turkey to those in the U.S., a Cost of Living Index is computed that reflects the difference.

When is it? The survey is available from now until Dec. 31.

Who can take the survey? All servicemembers assigned to Incirlik, Izmir, Ankara and Eskisehir as their permanent duty station for at least three months are encouraged to take the survey.

How is the survey taken? Click on the link above and follow the instructions. Servicemembers are encouraged to take the survey at home with their families. It takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.

How does taking the survey help the process? It ensures the Per Diem Committee has accurate data when computing the COLA for a given location. The key to success is good participation and good data. Encourage everyone to take the survey.