This is ridiculous that the new rates are not out yet. Is it possible they are trying to re-evaluate the rates since gas prices have gone down the last couple of months?
There is a 2009 pay chart posted on mil.com in the benefits section, along with some other info on BAH. I would imagine that includes the COLA as it affects one's base pay. Might look there. I know retirees are getting 5.8% and I think the figure I saw for active duty was 3.9%, but I wouldn't swear to the latter number.
It seems there are two discussion going on, about the two different "COLAs" (ok, and a third one going on about the drinks)
When I say two different COLAs, I mean the "pay raise" COL ADJUSTMENT for retiree pay and the EXTRA CASH COL Allowance for Active duty.
For the AD COLA, I can answer at least one question, and that was the one about gas prices going lower making them redo it. That is doubtful as the math used to determine an area's COLA is an AVERAGE price nationally compared to locally. The % difference locally and nationally likely dis/will not change much. When the avg price is $2 a gallon, City A may be $2.20. When nationally it goes to $4, City A likely will be close to $4.40, still a 10 % increase. Remember, to get any COLA in CONUS, the average cost for the average GI Joe for non-housing related expenses must be AT LEAST 9% greater than the national average. If their are military facilities available (NEX, Commisary, etc) then it becomes a bit more.
Originally posted by Mightyz90_93: It seems there are two discussion going on, about the two different "COLAs" (ok, and a third one going on about the drinks)
When I say two different COLAs, I mean the "pay raise" COL ADJUSTMENT for retiree pay and the EXTRA CASH COL Allowance for Active duty.
For the AD COLA, I can answer at least one question, and that was the one about gas prices going lower making them redo it. That is doubtful as the math used to determine an area's COLA is an AVERAGE price nationally compared to locally. The % difference locally and nationally likely dis/will not change much. When the avg price is $2 a gallon, City A may be $2.20. When nationally it goes to $4, City A likely will be close to $4.40, still a 10 % increase. Remember, to get any COLA in CONUS, the average cost for the average GI Joe for non-housing related expenses must be AT LEAST 9% greater than the national average. If their are military facilities available (NEX, Commisary, etc) then it becomes a bit more.
Master Chief, in your scenario, it appears that City A (without BX/Commissary) would receive CCOLA, and City B (with BX/Commissary) would not receive. However, I am stationed in Toledo, Ohio (1 small CGES (mainly alcohol sellage)) and do not receive CCOLA. My spouse is stationed Harrison Township, MI (Selfridge Air National Guard Base) (with full BX and Commissary) and receives a 5% CCOLA rate.
Maybe I'm confused, but I know my CO was trying to work where we would receive SOMETHING for CCOLA since we do not have a full BX or Commissary.
