Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee
Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA
RCS DD-P&R(AR)-2125

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Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA

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Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA
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PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (public Law 93-579), this notice informs you of the purpose of the survey and how the findings will be used. Please read it carefully.

Authority: 10 USC 136, 1782 and 2358; 37 USC 405
  
Principal Purpose(s): Information collected in this survey will be used to determine Cost-of-Living Allowances (COLA) for uniformed Service members in overseas locations
  
Routine Use(s): None.
  
Disclosure: Voluntary. Failure to respond will not result in any penalty to the respondent. However, maximum participation is encouraged so that data will be complete and representative. Your survey questionnaire will be treated as confidential. Any identifiable information will be used only by persons engaged in, and for the purposes of, the survey. Only group statistics will be reported.

      Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  

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      Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  

PURPOSE OF DATA COLLECTION

  • The Cost of Living Allowance, COLA, is an allowance paid to Service members stationed in high cost overseas locations. COLA helps maintain purchasing power so you can purchase about the same level of goods and services overseas as in the United States.

  • The questionnaire is designed to identify where and how you purchase goods and services. The information obtained from this questionnaire is used in planning and completing a separate Retail Price Data Collection that forms the basis for prescribing your COLA.



      Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  

TIME TO COMPLETE
  • Please take about 30 minutes to complete this survey.

  • Please answer all of the questions that apply. If you do not purchase a particular product, select 'Not purchased' or 'Not Applicable'. All of the requested information is necessary to compute a cost-of-living index for your location.



      Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  

PART I. GENERAL INFORMATION (1 of 2)
  Country
{COUNTRY}

  Duty Station
{DUTYLOC}

  Branch of Service

  DoD Agency/Command


  Pay Grade


      Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  

PART I. GENERAL INFORMATION (2 of 2)

  Number of family
members living with you.

  Months at this duty station:

  On-Base or Off-Base Housing



      Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (1 of 14)
INSTRUCTIONS

  • Select the Primary and Secondary retail outlets most frequently used by you and your household in the local economy.

  • Use the drop down lists to select the name and location for each retail outlet.

  • If you do not purchase a product, select "Not purchased" instead of selecting a name and location.

  • If you use an outlet that is not in the list, please select the 'Other' button next to the list. You will then be able to supply your own outlet name and location.

      Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (2 of 14)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Exclude any military facilities or any other government owned or operated facilites.

  • Please report OFF BASE Retail Outlets only.


  •       Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (3 of 14)
    I. Meat and Dairy Products
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Meat (beef/pork/lamb)
      Primary
      Secondary
    Seafood
      Primary
      Secondary
    Poultry
      Primary
      Secondary
    Dairy Products
      Primary
      Secondary

          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (4 of 14)

    II. Groceries
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Groceries
    (including cereal, bread, soda)
      Primary
      Secondary
    III. Tobacco and Alcohol  
    Cigarettes
      Primary
      Secondary
    Alcoholic Beverages
      Primary
      Secondary


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (5 of 14)

    IV. Fruits and Vegetables
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Fresh Fruits/Vegetables
      Primary
      Secondary
    Frozen Fruits/Vegetables
      Primary
      Secondary
    Canned Fruits/Vegetables
      Primary
      Secondary


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (6 of 14)

    V. Clothing
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Men's Clothing
      Primary
      Secondary
    Woman's Clothing
      Primary
      Secondary
    Children's Clothing
      Primary
      Secondary


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (7 of 14)
    VI. Personal Care Items
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Toiletries (including
    toothpaste and shampoo)
      Primary
      Secondary
    Dry Cleaning
      Primary
      Secondary
    Laundry
      Primary
      Secondary
    Hair Services
      Primary
      Secondary

          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (8 of 14)

    VII. Household Goods
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Household Appliances
    (including microwave, toaster, and coffee maker)
      Primary
      Secondary
    Housekeeping Supplies
    (including detergent, toilet paper, and diapers)
      Primary
      Secondary
    Major Appliances
      Primary
      Secondary


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (9 of 14)

    VIII. Phone Services
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Telephone, Local
      Primary
      Secondary
    Telephone, Long Distance
      Primary
      Secondary
    Internet Service Provider
      Primary
      Secondary


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (10 of 14)
    IX. Medical
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Non-Prescription Drugs
      Primary
      Secondary
    Doctor
      Primary
      Secondary
    Dentist
      Primary
      Secondary
    Hospital
      Primary
      Secondary

          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (11 of 14)

    X. Entertainment
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Audio and Visual Supplies
    (including VCR's, video tapes, CD's)
      Primary
      Secondary
    Photographic Supplies
    (including film & development)
      Primary
      Secondary
    Recreational Equipment
    (including bicycles)
      Primary
      Secondary


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (12 of 14)

    X. Entertainment: Recreational Activities
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Movie Theater
      Primary
      Secondary
    Professional Performing Arts
      Primary
      Secondary
    Professional Sporting Events
      Primary
      Secondary


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (13 of 14)
    XI. Personally Owned Vehicle
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Auto Maintenance
    (including oil changes & tune up)
      Primary
      Secondary
    Gasoline
      Primary
      Secondary
    Auto Tires
      Primary
      Secondary
    Auto Insurance
      Primary
      Secondary

          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART II. LOCAL OFF BASE RETAIL OUTLET PURCHASES (14 of 14)

    XII. Restaurants
    Local Off Base Retail Outlets
    Lunch
      Primary
      Secondary
    Dinner
      Primary
      Secondary
    XII. Daycare
     
    Daycare
    (excluding pre-school)
      Primary
      Secondary


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART III. SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES (1 of 11)

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Estimate the percentage of where you purchase the given items since your arrival at the base.

    • Base your estimates on the percentage of total volume you buy from each source, not the percentage of total cost.

    • Indicate percentage of use; do not report outlet names.

    • For items that you do not use, check the N/A box.

    • Fields left blank will be considered 0%.


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART III. SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES (2 of 11)
    SOURCES OF SUPPLY DEFINITIONS
    • Local Market - purchases from outlets on the local economy.

    • Military Commissary/Exchange - purchases made on local base.

    • Supplies Brought to Base - purchases made prior to assignment to this location for use at your new duty location.

    • Catalogs/Mail Orders/Internet/Export Companies - purchases made from catalogs, online, or export houses, i.e., Peter Justesen.

    • Other - purchases made from other overseas military installations, and U.S. or foreign non-military retail facilities.

          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART III. SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES (3 of 11)

    N/A Local
    Market
    Military
    Commissary/
    Exchange
    Supplies
    Brought
    to Base
    Catalogs/ Mail
    Orders/ Internet/
    Export Companies
    Other
    Required
    Total
    Meat % % % % %
    100%
    Seafood % % % % %
    100%
    Poultry % % % % %
    100%
    Dairy Products % % % % %
    100%


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART III. SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES (4 of 11)
    N/A Local
    Market
    Military
    Commissary/
    Exchange
    Supplies
    Brought
    to Base
    Catalogs/ Mail
    Orders/ Internet/
    Export Companies
    Other
    Required
    Total
    Groceries (including cereal, bread, & cola) % % % % %
    100%
    Cigarettes % % % % %
    100%
    Alcoholic Beverages % % % % %
    100%


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART III. SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES (5 of 11)
    N/A Local
    Market
    Military
    Commissary/
    Exchange
    Supplies
    Brought
    to Base
    Catalogs/ Mail
    Orders/ Internet/
    Export Companies
    Other
    Required
    Total
    Fresh Fruits/
    Vegetables
    % % % % %
    100%
    Frozen Fruits/
    Vegetables
    % % % % %
    100%
    Canned Fruits/
    Vegetables
    % % % % %
    100%


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART III. SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES (6 of 11)
    N/A Local
    Market
    Military
    Commissary/
    Exchange
    Supplies
    Brought
    to Base
    Catalogs/ Mail
    Orders/ Internet/
    Export Companies
    Other
    Required
    Total
    Men's Clothing % % % % %
    100%
    Women's Clothing % % % % %
    100%
    Children's Clothing % % % % %
    100%
    Toiletries % % % % %
    100%


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART III. SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES (7 of 11)
    N/A Local
    Market
    Military
    Commissary/
    Exchange
    Supplies
    Brought
    to Base
    Catalogs/ Mail
    Orders/ Internet/
    Export Companies
    Other
    Required
    Total
    Household Appliances % % % % %
    100%
    Household Supplies % % % % %
    100%
    Medicine % % % % %
    100%
    Audio/Visual Supplies % % % % %
    100%


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART III. SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES (8 of 11)

    N/A Local
    Market
    Military
    Commissary/
    Exchange
    Supplies
    Brought
    to Base
    Catalogs/ Mail
    Orders/ Internet/
    Export Companies
    Other
    Required
    Total
    Photographic
    Supplies
    % % % % %
    100%
    Reading
    Materials
    % % % % %
    100%
    Recreational
    Equipment
    % % % % %
    100%
    Auto Tires % % % % %
    100%


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART III. SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES (9 of 11)

    N/A Local
    Market
    Military
    Commissary/
    Exchange
    Other
    Required
    Total
    Dry Cleaning % % %
    100%
    Hair Services, Men's % % %
    100%
    Hair Services, Women's % % %
    100%
    Hair Services, Children's % % %
    100%


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART III. SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES (10 of 11)

    N/A Local
    Market
    Military
    Commissary/
    Exchange
    Other
    Required
    Total
    Movie Theater % % %
    100%
    Gasoline (note
    coupon use in column 2)
    % % %
    100%
    Auto Maintenance (including oil changes and tune up) % % %
    100%
    Daycare % % %
    100%


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART III. SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES (11 of 11)
    If you reported purchasing products from catalogs, mail orders, export companies or from other sources, list your most important suppliers below. Otherwise, click next.
    Catalogs, Mail Orders, Internet, Export
    Retail Outlets
    US Catalogs and Mail Orders
    (including Internet purchases)
     
    Primary
     
    Secondary
    Export Companies
     
    Primary
     
    Secondary
    Other Overseas Military Installations
     
    Primary
     
    Secondary


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  

     
    Do you employ Household Help?

    Yes
    No


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART IV. HOUSEHOLD HELP (1 of 2)

    N/A Hours Worked
    Per Week
    Hourly Wage (in local currency) Currency Used (Example: Euro, Yen) Social Security Tax (Example: 5.00%) Other Expenses Other Expenses Description
    Housekeeper
    Cook
     


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART IV. HOUSEHOLD HELP (2 of 2)

     

    Household Help Necessary for:
    (check all that apply)


     

    Comments:



          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART V. RELATIVE USE OF GOODS AND SERVICES (1 of 4)

    Based on volume (not cost), approximate the proportion of the following goods used in preparing meals at home:
    N/A Fresh Canned
    Required
    Total
    Fruits           % %
    100%
     
    N/A Fresh Canned Frozen
    Required
    Total
    Vegetables % % %
    100%


          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART V. RELATIVE USE OF GOODS AND SERVICES (2 of 4)

    Based on volume (not cost), approximate the proportion of the following goods used in preparing meals at home:
    N/A Fresh Dried
    Required
    Total
    Milk              % %
    100%
     
    N/A Beef/Veal Pork Lamb Seafood Poultry
    Required
    Total
    Meats/Fish % % % % %
    100%


       
          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART V. RELATIVE USE OF GOODS AND SERVICES (3 of 4)

    Estimate you and your family's usage of transportation:
    Personally
    Owned
    Vehicle
    Government
    Transportation
    Taxi Municpal
    Bus
    Subway/
    Commuter
    Transit
    Other:
    Required
    Total
    Transportation % % % % %
    100%



          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  
    PART IV. RELATIVE USE OF GOODS AND SERVICES (4 of 4)

    Estimate you and your family's usage of meal facilities:
    N/A Local
    Restaurant
    On-Base
    Restaurant
    Home
    Required
    Total
    Breakfast % % %
    100%
    Lunch % % %
    100%
    Dinner % % %
    100%
     

          Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA {!DONE} of Survey Completed  

    PART VI. REMARKS


    Use this section to briefly describe any other unusual cost-of-living expenses for your household that were not already covered in this report.
    • Do not address concerns about housing, utilities, and other housing related costs. This information is collected in a separate questionnarie.
       
    (You have 250 characters for your remarks)



      Living Pattern Survey for Military COLA 100% of Survey Completed  

    Thank you for completing the Survey.

  • If you completed this survey via floppy disk or email, please return the survey data file to your locality POC as instructed.

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