PIPS makes in-processing secure, paperless Published April 13, 2009 SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Permanent Change of Station In-Processing System has recently started deploying to the Air Force, ending the days of waiting weeks to complete a PCS in-processing voucher. For members arriving at their new duty station, PIPS will automate and standardize the documentation portion of the Financial Services In-Processing briefing. By using PIPS, members will be able to initiate and complete their Financial Services In-Processing from anywhere in the world using a CAC-enabled computer. PIPS offers a secure, paperless way to submit PCS related financial documents with automated assistance to the member. This process is accomplished using a "wizard approach" to guide the members through PCS In-Processing by presenting an interactive interview session that will explain PCS entitlements based on information provided by the member. PIPS can be accessed via a secure web site application, eFinance, using the common access card and pin. Once a user navigates to the PIPS site, the system will use easy to understand question and answer sessions to take the member through the process of PCS travel from start to finish. The "wizard" technology will make it virtually impossible to overlook even the smallest detail when completing a PCS-In voucher. Because a change of station may be a confusing period in a military career, PIPS focuses on the need for an accurate, relevant information exchange. When a member starts using PIPS, they will be asked whether they are PCSing to an overseas location or within the continental United States. PIPS will use this response to present a briefing containing the correct information based on the destination. Included in this briefing are links to entitlements, pay rates, and frequently asked questions for the PCS move. The information provided includes: · Travel Entitlements o Travel Entitlements - Mileage o Travel Entitlements - Per Diem o Travel Entitlements - Dislocation Allowance · Basic Allowance for Housing · Temporary Lodging Expense · Family Separation Allowance · Enlisted Meal Deductions · Advance Military Pay · Advance Basic Allowance for Housing · Cost of Living Allowance · Temporary Lodging Allowance - Outside Continental U.S. Only · Overseas Housing Allowance - OCONUS Only · Hardship Duty Pay-Location - OCONUS Only · Imminent Danger Pay - OCONUS Only · Combat Zone Tax Exclusion - OCONUS Only PIPS also has a briefing area where the local Financial Services Office can include a tailored briefing or provide information specific to their location for the member to review. The FSO can supply base-specific contact information, hours of operation, or other information that customers may need. The first sites to utilize PIPS for Initial Operating Capability were Altus Air Force Base, Ok., and Little Rock AFB, Ark. The PIPS Program Management office is currently working with bases to plan for future deployments. Active Duty personnel can view a demonstration video of PIPS by simply visiting the Money - Finance Central website at the following URL: https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/globalTab.do?channelPageId=-1073755560 The PIPS demo can be found under the Spotlight section of that website.