ALCOAST 088/16 promulgates a complete revision of the Foreign Travel, Passports, and Visas Instruction.
The new instruction, Foreign Travel, Passports, and Visas, COMDTINST 5000.5G (Note: CG Portal Link, login required) updates the procedures required for the approval and execution of foreign travel. It implements the requirement to consult and adhere to the Foreign Clearance Guide prior to travel. The new instruction also updates the passport and visa application process.
ALCGPSC 034/16, TRAVEL MANAGEMENT CENTER (TMC) CONTRACT AWARD -UPDATE #2, provides important information for Coast Guard traveler-s to use when making travel arrangements.
The following units were serviced by Sector Delaware Bay SPO (DEPTID 007317), they are now serviced by Cape May SPO (DEPTID 006420). The SPO to Unit Relationship Report on our CG Portal page reflects the shift of PDRs for the following units:
| Dept ID | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| 005316 | CGC FINBACK |
| 006363 | CGC IBIS |
| 000781 | CGC MAKO |
| 000803 | CGC WILLIAM TATE |
| 000574 | AST |
| 010824 | DDE-MOORESTOWN |
| 010495 | DDE-DLA TROOP SUPPORT PHIL |
| 004060 | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA |
| 009348 | PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY |
| 004532 | ESD ATLANTIC CITY - DD SEC DELBAY |
Sector Delaware Bay is still a SPO. This change is only for the units listed above.
R 26 FEB 16
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-83//
TO ALCGFINANCE
UNCLAS//N07132//
ALCGFINANCE 010/16
SUBJ: RESERVE TRAINING (RT) APPROPRIATION FISCAL YEAR 2016 (FY16) EXECUTION GUIDANCE UPDATE 1
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 131800Z OCT 15/ ALCGFINANCE 044/15
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 211102Z OCT 15/ ALCOAST 411/15
ALCOAST 099/16; Creditable Servicewide Exam (SWE) Sea Time Points for WMSL Crew Members, announces a change in how Creditable SWE Sea Time points are earned by members serving aboard National Security Cutters (WMSLs).
The Payroll Finalization Processing date for the end-month March 2016 payday has changed to 24 March (from 23 March). SPOs are reminded that they are not to enter or approve any transactions in Direct Access on the Payroll Finalization Processing date. The approval cutoff date of 20 March 2016 has not changed. SPOs may resume normal operations on the day following the Payroll Finalization Processing date once the pay calendar for the next pay period (mid-month April in this case) is opened.
Refer to the 2016 U. S. Coast Guard Payroll Processing Schedule (Calendar View) for other dates and definitions of payroll processing terms.
Requests for adjustments to Aviation Service Date, Officer Service Date, DIFOPS, DIFDEN, DIFPRO, and/or OPFLY TIME require the following steps before PPC (MAS) can make any adjustments:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aviator requests status changes for any of the above mentioned through their Senior Flight Officer |
| 2 | Senior Flight Officer verifies the requested changes to dates/times are valid and authorized IAW policy, and provides supporting documentation to SPO for review. |
| 3 | SPO YN1 or above will review all documents for accuracy, fill in the Aviation Calculation Worksheet and provide all documentation to the Commanding Officer. |
| 4 | Via a CG Memo, Commanding Officer identifies which dates/times are incorrect and what the corrected dates/times should be; enclose all documentation that supports the requested adjustments.
*Note: Commanding Officer cannot delegate this authority. |
| 5 | SPO will submit all documents to PPC via a PPC Customer Service Ticket. SPO should provide a brief description on the Customer Service Ticket regarding the type of changes requested.
Examples of documents to be attached to the Customer Service Ticket:
|
| 6 | PPC Customer Service verifies that memo and enclosure(s) are attached and forwards ticket to PPC (MAS) for action; if not, Customer Service will return to the SPO requesting the required documentation be submitted. |
| 7 | PPC (MAS) may require additional information before a case is worked; if so, PPC will contact the Customer Service Ticket POC (SPO YN1 or above). |
| 8 | PPC (MAS) will make any required corrections and document the corrections in the Customer Service Ticket and in the Direct Access notes. |
See the ACIP topic in the Direct Access Knowledge Base for more information and definitions of ACIP terms.
Per ALCGPSC 041/16, Freeport Texas (Zip Code 77541) is designated a Critical Housing Area. This change was effective on 09 March 2016.
Members with dependents with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) reporting date on and after 9 Mar 2016 to a Coast Guard unit located in Zip Code 77541, who have no intention of relocating their dependents to that unit, may submit a Housing Allowance Protection Worksheet (CG Form 2025A) to PSC-PSD-fs requesting housing allowances be based on a location other than their new Permanent Duty Station (PDS). Members who are authorized a housing allowance based on the payment of child support are not eligible to submit a CG- 2025A under the CHA policy.
Refer to ALCGPSC 001/16; 2016 Annual Review of Critical Housing Areas, for other CHAs.
The 2016 HHG transportation season will be upon us soon, and whether a member is performing a long distance permanent change of station (PCS) move or a funded local move, HHG counseling is mandatory. To ensure members are aware of their HHG transportation entitlements, commands should ensure that all members departing on PCS orders, or separating from the Coast Guard receive a printed copy of ALCOAST 117/16; Transfer Season 2016 Household Goods (HHG) Shipping Information and Mandatory Customer Satisfaction Survey.
The Defense Travel Management Office has updated the following information for 01 April 2016:
OCONUS Non-Foreign and Foreign Per Diem Rates
Overseas Housing Allowances (OHA)
Overseas Cost of Living Allowances (COLA)
Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) and Appendices
To access this information, visit the DTMO Website.
During the HHG peak season it may be difficult to secure a Government contracted transportation service provider (TSP) that meets everyone's desired packing, pick-up, and delivery dates. If a TSP cannot be contracted, or if a member prefers, they may perform a full or partial PPM and receive an incentive payment of 95 percent of what it would have cost to transport the member's HHG, not to exceed the member's authorized permanent change of station (PCS) weight allowances in one lot. Refer to ALCOAST 119/16; Personally Procured Movements (PPM) of Household Goods (HHG) for more information.
ALCGRSV message 006/16 provides updated policy and procedures for requesting Reserve Early Retirement. Members who believe they qualify for a Reserve Early Retirement must follow the processes listed in the message to collect retired pay before age 60.
ALCOAST 122/16 announces changes to the Enlisted Accessions, Evaluations, and Advancements Manual, COMDTINST M1000.2 (series), and promulgates the enlisted leadership development continuum courses required at specific points in an enlisted member's career in order to advance to the next higher pay grade.
The information provided in the ALCOAST applies only to the active duty workforce. Reserve requirements will be addressed in future communications.
The Identifying SGLI, FSGLI AND TSGLI Arrears user guide provides procedures to correctly identify whether a member is in arrears for SGLI, FSGLI, TSGLI and the amount of the arrears. A member is in arrears with life insurance when they fail to drill regularly or fail to prepay for life insurance while not drilling.
Issue 03/16 (March) of the PPC Customer Newsletter 
is now available.
In this issue:
A Request for an Advance is unique in that it creates a One Time Positive Input (OTPI) which establishes the Advance payment and an Element Assignment By Payee (EABP) which liquidates it.
The Verifying the Remaining balance of an Advance user guide provides the procedures for finding the balance owned on ad advance.
R 06 APR 16
BT
UNCLAS //N04600//
ALCGPSC 052/16
SUBJ: GTCC PROGRAM UPDATES AND PCS SEASON REMINDERS
A. Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) Program Policies and Procedures, COMDTINST M4600.18 (SERIES)
This message seeks to raise awareness of general programmatic concerns and provide general guidance as we move into the summer transfer season.
Travel Card Use. In general cardholders are required to use their travel card for all authorized, reimbursable travel expenses unless specifically exempt in Ref A. These exemptions include Temporary Duty (TDY) of more than 21 days, Permanent Change in Station (PCS) duration of over 15 days, cases where the card is not accepted by the vendor, or prohibited such as group meals where the check cannot be split. Provided below are specific examples where card use is not authorized:
Permissive Orders. Permissive orders do not include reimbursement for travel expenses and therefore card use is prohibited.
Team Gear or Equipment. Government material required by multiple members of a group or team is not considered a reimbursable travel expense for an individual member and must be paid for by other procurement methods.
Tuition. While conference registration fees including those for training conferences are reimbursable travel expenses, tuition for regularly scheduled courses is not.
Local Travel. The travel card can only be used when the cardholder has travel orders and is not authorized for local travel expenses.
TDY Over 21 Days. For TDY travel over 21 days, the travel card shall not be used unless interim travel claims are submitted at least every 21 days which requires the travel orders to be document type 13 orders.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Issues. Relocation to a new duty station can be both exciting and stressful on the member and the family. Provided below are a few helpful reminders to ensure cardholders use their travel card correctly during the move:
Duration. If the duration of the PCS travel will exceed 15 days, including leave, compensatory absence, proceed-time, and temporary duty in conjunction with the PCS, the card shall not be used. This does not apply to Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA). The card may be used to cover hotels and meals in conjunction with the TLA entitlement, but reimbursement claims must be submitted every 15 days to allow for timely payment of the GTCC bill. In the case of Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), card use is subject to the 15-day rule addressed above. If PCS travel duration will exceed 15 days, ensure the traveler requests a travel advance to cover the expenses.
Dependent Travel. The GTCC shall not be used for dependent travel expenses such as meals, lodging, and transportation tickets. Instead members should request travel advances and ensure their PCS travel orders authorize the use of the Centrally Billed Account (CBA) for dependent travel.
Leisure in Conjunction with Official Travel. Use of the members GTCC or the CBA and the GSA contracted fares for travel other than between official duty stations is not authorized. Special rules and fare restrictions apply to leisure in conjunction with official travel. Travelers are encouraged to review the Leisure in Conjunction with Official Orders FAQ sheet available at www.uscg.mil/psc/bops/govtrvl/Traveler/LICWO-FAQ.pdf or contact their Servicing Personnel Office (SPO) prior to booking any leisure travel.
Transportation of Household Goods. The GTCC is not authorized for the transportation of household goods (for example: U Haul rental), privately owned vehicles, mobile homes and boats per Ref A. This includes Personally Procured Moves (PPM).
Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) Reservations. Personnel traveling into or out of Alaska via the AMHS ferry system are encouraged to review the current data on reservations and cancellation policies detailed on the following website - http://www.uscg.mil/psc/bops/govtrvl/Traveler/default_Traveler.asp
#AMHS_Reservation_Policy_Change.
Trailers/Recreational Vehicles (RV). Movement of a trailer (boat, camper, U Haul) or even driving an RV is not a reimbursable travel expense and therefore associated expenses are not authorized to be charged to the CBA or the Individually Billed Account. This is particularly important for travel within the northwest that involves the Alaska Marine Highway System. This would be considered part of a Do It Yourself (DITY) move and reimbursable under a separate process.
Credit Limit Increases. As part of your travel preparations, travelers should verify that the credit limit on their GTCC is sufficient to meet their authorized, reimbursable travel expenses. Cardholders can view their credit limit in Direct Access under the Self-Service, Employee, View, My Credit Card Data or by contacting their Travel Manager who can also increase the limit if needed.
Address Update. GTCC cardholders are reminded that they need to contact the bank following their PCS move to update their address in the bank system. The bank may be reached by calling the number on the back of the GTCC, 888-297-0781.
All questions should be directed as follows:
Cardholders shall direct GTCC questions to their unit GTCC Travel Manager. Members can determine who their supporting Travel Managers are under the contacts page located at www.uscg.mil/psc/bops/govtrvl/.
GTCC Travel Managers: direct questions to Ms. Carlene Curry at 703-258-5996 or Evelyn.C.Curry@uscg.mil or Mr. Matt Ruckert at 703-201-3080 or Matthew.T.Ruckert@uscg.mil.
Released: RDML M. T. Bell Jr., Commander, Personnel Service Center. The Service Center for Our Most Important Resource - Our People.
Internet release is authorized.
Per ALCOAST 131/16, the FY-2016 SDAP rates have changed, effective 01 April for:
The above rate changes have been implemented in Direct Access. SPO action only needed to start SDAP for newly eligible members (e.g. OPM-SF).
CGSMR must be started timely. Failure to do so WILL result in full one-time recoupment (DA 9.1 system design). If you will be starting retro-CGSMR (more than one month late), submit a trouble ticket requesting the deduction debt be converted to in-service debt and a liquidation schedule be built.
Failure to start CGSMR timely or failing to notify PPC that retro-CGSMR is being started WILL result in full recoupment of the CGSMR debt.