354th CPTS addresses rising fuel cost, BAH concerns Published Oct. 1, 2008 By Capt. Tammy Colvin 354th Comptroller Squadron EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Eielson Teammates--we continue in our series of Polar Press articles written by your 354th Comptroller Squadron concerning the Basic Allowance of Housing program. We are publishing these articles in response to widespread and understandable concerns by those who live off base about the cost of home heating oil as we enter another Interior Alaska winter. In the previous article, we discussed the details of the BAH process and how rates are calculated. This discussion has led to additional questions about the difference between BAH and Cost of Living Allowance. To recap last week's article, the purpose of the BAH program is to provide fair housing allowance to service members. BAH rates are calculated using three separate components: rent, utilities and renter's insurance. Heating fuel is captured in the utility costs of the BAH rate. With the understanding that BAH reimburses for housing expenses, we can expand our discussion to COLA which partially offsets non-housing expenses. The COLA entitlement offsets non-housing expenses as a supplement designed to equalize the purchasing power between members overseas, including Alaska, and CONUS-based counterparts. To help illustrate the intent of COLA, we will use an example of purchasing a gallon of gasoline for your vehicle. Purchasing a gallon of gas in the CONUS costs $4. However, if you buy a gallon in Alaska it costs $4.50. The COLA helps offset the extra 50 cents you pay locally. The entitlement maintains purchasing power so you can purchase approximately the same amount of goods and services in Alaska as you would if residing in the Lower 48. The 354th Fighter Wing and 11th Air Force leadership understand that escalating costs in Alaska continue to be a concern for our entire Eielson team. This week the issue was discussed between Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins and the Air Staff A1, Lt. Gen. Dick Newton, who will be discussing the issue with his Army counterpart. Since BAH and COLA impact all service members, it is important the Air Force and Army approach this concern jointly to intensify visibility, strengthen position, and accelerate action. We will continue to keep the Eielson community informed through subsequent Polar Press articles. We will continue to keep the Eielson community informed through subsequent Polar Press articles as information becomes available. In the meantime, if you have questions about BAH, COLA or other military pay issues please contact our Customer Service line at 377-1851 or send an email to 354cpts.customerservice@eielson.af.mil.