Cost of Living Allowance: Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is paid when the cost of living is higher at an overseas duty station than in the United States. COLA helps to pay for things you buy on the economy that are more expensive than comparable items back home. The COLA index is a percentage that represents the difference between the cost of a “market basket” of goods and services in Naples and the United States. A COLA index of 110, for example, means that prices in Naples are 10 percent higher than in CONUS. This does not translate into a 10 percent increase in your paycheck however, because COLA is calculated based on your average spendable income – total income minus housing expenses, taxes, savings, life insurance, gifts and contributions, and whether you are accompanied or unaccompanied. The amount of COLA that you receive depends on your rank, length of service and number of family members.
Important Note: Because OHA, COLA and MIHA rates are set in euro currency and service members are paid in U.S. dollars, fluctuations in the exchange rate will cause your paycheck to vary. When planning your budget, you cannot count on a particular dollar figure each paycheck. It is more prudent to focus on the amount of euro you will need each month for rent, utilities and other expenses. The Defense Travel Management Office closely monitors changes in the exchange rate and resets the rate so that under- and over-payments are zeroed out over time.
Overseas Housing Allowances and Overseas Cost of Living Allowances are available at http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/allowances.cfm Rates are usually updated every two weeks.
1. What is Overseas COLA?
The Cost-of-Living Allowance, or COLA, is paid to Service Members to partially offset high costs when stationed overseas (including Alaska and Hawaii). COLA helps maintain purchasing power so you can purchase about the same goods and services overseas as in CONUS. It does not reimburse expenses, but is designed to offset higher overseas prices of goods and services. It does not compensate for remoteness, hardship, or non-availability of goods and services.
2. Does everyone assigned overseas receive COLA?
No. If the cost of living in the overseas area where you are assigned is the same as, or lower than it is in an average area in CONUS, you do not receive COLA.
3. How much COLA will I receive at my new permanent duty station?
A COLA rate query by location is available at https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/index.cfm
4. How does the Department of Defense know whether it costs more to live at my overseas duty station than in CONUS?
The Cost of Living index is based on data furnished by uniformed members assigned to each overseas location. DTMO's Allowances Branch uses two surveys to determine the relative cost of living: a Living Pattern Survey and a Retail Price Schedule.
The Living Pattern Survey asks Service Members which local stores they shop in and how much (the percentage) they buy from the commissary and exchange. For example, the Living Pattern Survey may show that Service Members typically buy half their clothing in local stores (with foreign currency) and half at the exchange (with U.S. dollars).
Using information from the Living Pattern Survey, price collectors in many overseas locations conduct a market basket survey (Retail Price Schedule) each year, pricing about 120 goods and services.
The prices from each overseas survey are compared with prices in the average CONUS for equivalent goods and services at the same point in time. If the overseas market basket cost is greater than the average CONUS cost, a COLA is paid.
Survey results may show, for example, that in September the market basket items on average in CONUS cost $100 while at your overseas duty station the same items cost $130.00 indicating that the cost of living is 30% higher in your area. As a result and you would receive COLA to help pay the extra costs associated with the higher cost of living overseas.
5. So if the cost of living is 30 percent higher at my duty station, will my paycheck be 30 percent larger?
No, because COLA is figured on spendable income, not total income. Spendable income is total income minus housing expenses, taxes, savings, life insurance, gifts and contributions.
6. How does DoD know what my spendable income really is?
The spendable income used to calculate COLA is based on averages. DTMO's Allowances Branch uses spendable income tables computed for different family sizes and income levels. These tables are based on consumer expenditure surveys from the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics that show how people typically spend their income.
7. Does the type of housing I occupy affect my COLA?
Yes. If you are a member without dependents living in government quarters such as the barracks or aboard ship, you will receive less COLA to reflect your lower living expenses. If you are a member with accompanying dependents living in either on-base family housing or off base housing, your COLA will not be affected.
8. I've heard that there also is an overseas housing allowance, or OHA. Does the amount of COLA I receive affect my OHA?
No. COLA and OHA are separate allowances: COLA partially offsets non-housing expenses; OHA partially reimburses for housing expenses when housing is not provided by the government.
9. Is COLA affected by changes in the foreign exchange rates?
Yes. DTMO's Allowances Branch monitors foreign exchange rates throughout the year. As the amount of foreign currency your dollar "buys" changes, the DTMO's Allowances Branch increases or decreases COLA to maintain your purchasing power.
10. How often is COLA adjusted?
COLA is adjusted once a year based on data furnished by the Commands overseas. For currency fluctuations, DTMO's Allowances Branch can adjust COLA as often as every payday. Of course, just as it takes time to process an allotment change, it takes a while for a COLA change to show up in your pay.
11. I know that the value of the dollar has dropped a lot over the past several months, but my COLA hasn't gone up an equal amount to compensate for the drop. Why not?
Because COLA is adjusted only for the portion of income that the typical member spends on the local economy (in foreign currency). If the living-pattern survey for your area shows that typical members spend 50 percent of their income on the local economy and 50 percent in dollars (i.e., on-base), then only that portion of COLA based on local currency purchases is changed for currency fluctuations. If the value of the dollar against the local currency falls 4%, in this case your COLA would be increased 2%.
12. What if spending patterns have changed because of changes in the exchange rate?
When such changes occur, the Living Pattern Survey will be updated. An event such as the opening/closing of a commissary/exchange also may prompt a survey update.
13. My dollar buys less foreign currency than ever, but I still don't receive COLA. How come?
Remember that you receive COLA only when the cost of living in your area is higher than it is in CONUS. If you have enjoyed a lower cost of living in your area, you may feel disadvantaged when the exchange rate becomes less favorable to you, even though costs are still lower than in CONUS. You can be sure that once average costs exceed those in CONUS, you will receive an appropriate allowance.
14. Why does the Spendable Income Table list only up to five dependents?
In contrast to the CONUS COLA Allowance which only considers whether a Service member has dependents or not, Overseas COLA takes into consideration a Service member's number of dependents (up to five). The data used to calculate spendable income for Overseas COLA payments is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The data demonstrates that when family size reaches five dependents, spendable income begins to stabilize. As family size increases, more income is devoted to housing (greater number of rooms/bedrooms), so there is less disposable income left over to spend on COLA items. A Service member with five dependents has reached the point where they have maximized the percentage of income that they devote to spending on COLA items for dependents.
The methodology for calculating the Spendable Income Table has remained unchanged since 1999. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) provides reliable data that takes into consideration data on family sizes (up to five dependents) and carefully details how military families across a series of income ranges allocate their spendable income across all COLA types of goods and services.
The COLA Spendable Income Table is computed using data derived from BLS. Overseas COLA is calculated based on a Service member's portion of spendable income, not disposable income, used to purchase COLA goods and services. If the table were to be expanded, with a very few exceptions, the payment amounts for members with more than five dependents would not vary significantly from that at five dependents. A larger family size does not increase income. As the number of dependents increases, over five, the overall amount of COLA goods and services purchased tends to remain the same.
https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/colaCalc.cfm
Required Legal Documents
All incoming civilians are required to obtain a Missione Visa prior to arrival in Italy. Military members will continue to be admitted into the country on military ID and travel orders alone. All family members, DOD Civilians and their dependents must have both an Official or a No-fee passport, and a Visa. Dependents who are citizens of European Union countries do not require a Visa. DOD Civilians must have an Italian Visa that reads "Missione" (visa for mission). Thus, all military dependents, including children, DOD civilian and their dependents traveling on orders must possess an Official or No-fee passport with a Mission Visa placed in it.
Contractors (and their dependents) as well must also have a Visa that reads "Missione" placed in the tourist passport. No other type of visa will be accepted for mission purposes.
Sojourner Permit
A Sojourner's Permit is required for all military family members, DOD civilian employees, Contractors and their family members. Application must be made within 8 days of arriving in Italy. This document, which is issued by the Italian government, permits civilians to legally reside in Italy. Before you travel to Italy, you must have all necessary documents for this permit. Specifically, you must have a Mission Visa, issued by the Italian Embassy or Consulate outside of Italy, stamped on your no-fee U.S. passport. It is essential to work with your sponsor and new command to ensure you have all of your documents before you depart for Italy.
MILPERSMAN 1300-300 The Navy's Suitability Screening Program is used to determine the suitability of Sailors and their dependents for overseas or remote assignments. Consecutive Overseas Tours requires transferring commands to re-screen service members and their families transferring from overseas to overseas.
What is a Navy overseas screening?
The purpose of an Overseas Suitability Screening is to identify medical, dental, educational and potential duty limiting conditions or requirements of both service and family members.
The responsibility for determining suitability rests with the CO of the transferring command. The CO must ascertain whether the service member or family member(s) possess any performance, disciplinary, financial, psychological, medical, dental or educational attributes which would preclude them from conducting themselves as worthy representatives of the United States in a foreign country. CO's of the transferring command are responsible for providing a suitability determination for the service member to Navy Personnel Command and the gaining command within 30 calendar days. You can contact us at overseas_screening@navy.mil for more information.
Allowances
MIHA - The Move In Housing Allowance is a "one time" allowance used to ease the financial burden of moving into economy quarters. It helps to defray the costs of additional cabinets, light fixtures, and various other items for your home. Allowance is not offered to personnel who choose to live in government quarters.
OHA - The Overseas Housing Allowance is a variable allowance that fluctuates with the price of the Euro. OHA changes very often due to the fluctuating Euro rate.
COLA - The Cost of Living Allowance is a variable allowance that is closely monitored to ensure that all service members receive an increase in the money required to survive the cost of living fluctuations. Naples is considered a high cost of living area. COLA also changes very often due to the fluctuating Euro rate.
All incoming civilians are required to obtain a Missione Visa prior to arrival in Italy. Military members will continue to be admitted into the country on military ID and travel orders alone. All family members, DoD Civilians and their dependents must have both an Official or a No-fee passport, and a Visa. Dependents who are citizens of European Union countries do not require a Visa. DoD Civilians must have an Italian Visa that reads "Missione" (visa for mission). Thus, all military dependents, including children, DoD civilian and their dependents traveling on orders must possess an Official or No-fee passport with a Mission Visa placed in it.
Contractors (and their family members) as well must also have a Visa that reads "Missione" placed in the tourist passport. No other type of visa will be accepted for mission purposes.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred. DSN for calling Europe (314) area code.
Guiding Principles
We are committed to:
Overview
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples traces its origins back to 3 October 1951, when it was established as Headquarters, Support Activities. Its mission was to support NATO’s Allied Forces Southern Europe and, later, U.S. Sixth Fleet. Two years later, the support unit became Commander, Subordinate Command, U.S. Naval Forces Eastern Atlantic/Commander, Headquarters Support Activities. In 1957, it was re-designated as U.S. Naval Activities, Italy/U.S. Naval Support Activity, Naples. The name changed once more on 8 August 1966, when it became U.S. Naval Support Activity, Naples. The support activity serves as headquarters for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe–Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. NSA Naples is home to more than 50 separate commands and approximately 8,500 personnel.
https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/organization-and-administration/installations/nsa-naples.html
Mission
Our mission is to exercise command and area coordination over assigned activities, to coordinate provisions, and to provide logistics and administrative support to authorized U.S. personnel attached to NATO Commands located in the Naples area and U.S. Navy operating forces, Naval activities and units in the Naples/Gaeta area and other U.S. agencies as directed, as well as to carry out responsibilities for other U.S. Naval matters assigned by competent authority.
History
Italy proclaimed unification in 1861, but became a fascist dictatorship under Mussolini from 1922 to 1945, after defeat by the Allies. After World War II (WWII), Italy became a republic and in 1948, became a democracy with a parliament, a prime minister and a president. There are many active major political parties in Italy. The government is run by a coalition of several different parties, with the leader of the coalition serving as prime minister. Since WWII there have been more than thirty governments in power. Political instability has resulted in a lack of continuity on broad social and economic reforms. Modern Naples, a major seaport, has retained much of its ancient beauty and splendor. Medieval castles and classic ruins exist side by side with industrial elements. For more information on Naval Support Activity Naples see the installation's homepage.
Location
This installation is located in Naples, which is a city in the Campania region of Southern Italy. Italy is a land of antique beauty and rich culture. Its formation in the depth of the sea created its contours, plains and mountains as well as its variety of soils and climates. Italy has a total land surface of about 116,000 square miles. The eastern and western coasts of the peninsula are separated by the Appennini mountain range. The Alps line its northern border. Northern Italy has a continental climate similar to its neighbors north of the Alps. Winter is cold and rain falls in the spring and summer. Central and Southern Italy have a Mediterranean climate where winters range from cold to mild and are often rainy, while summers tend to get fairly hot. The base operator's phone number is 011-39- 081-568-5547.
Welcome to U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy
U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy is a host to more than 50 separate commands and approximately 8,500 personnel. NSA Naples is located approximately 60 miles (96 kilometers) south from the city of Gaeta and 145 miles (235 kilometers) from Rome.
NSA Naples encompasses three locations. The Capodichino location is in Naples, Italy, near the Naples International Airport. The Support Site is located in the town of Gricignano di Aversa, which is north of Naples. The Gaeta location is approximately 80km from Naples.
To Capodichino from Naples International Airport
When traveling to Capodichino and arriving at the Naples International Airport:
Walking: simply exit the arrival area through the glass doors, turn left walk past the departure area (on your left, continue forward keeping the access road and parking to your right) turn left at the corner of the building (Italian post office on left) walk straight through the parking lot to the left along the building and exit to left of the electric drop arm, look down the road to the left and you will see the entrance gate for Capodichino. As you enter the gate, turn left and follow pedestrian walk through the turnstile for an ID Check.
From Naples International Airport to Rental Car agencies: Upon exiting the arrival gate look for a van with the name of your rental company. Otherwise walk to end of taxi stands and cross the road staying on the right side walk, you will see white overhang bus stops ahead. After the bus stops there is a round about, stay to the right going straight ahead and cross the intersection, there is a police box in front and to the right, turn right and follow the fence all the way to the end, at the last booth walk in to your left turn right and all rental agencies will be to your front. Upon exiting rental agency parking lot, turn left follow to the roundabout and cross straight through with a slight turn right after crossing, you will see the entrance gate for Capodichino
To Support Site from Naples International Airport
Upon exiting rental agency parking lot, turn left follow to the roundabout, turn right, at the end of the road there is an MMP on the right, go straight across at this second roundabout and turn left, follow straight ahead watching for traffic entering from the left and right, go down the exit ramp and move to the center or left lane, stay in the left two lanes . At the split, stay to the left to remain on the A1 toward Rome. Take the Pomigliano-Villa Literno exit, toward Villa Literno. In 0.3km, keep right at the fork, following signs for Villa Literno/Aversa/Domitiana/SS7quater. Merge onto the SS7.
In 7.5km, take the Gricignano di Aversa exit. At the stop sign, see the base entrance ahead and to the left. (Watch for vehicles making U-Turns to your front and side). Continue to roundabout, following three-quarters of the way through the roundabout to the base entrance.
To JFC Naples, Lago Patria Receiver Site from Naples International Airport
Upon exiting rental agency parking lot, turn left follow to the roundabout, turn right, at the end of the road there is an MMP on the right turn right before the roundabout, stay in the left lane and go down the ramp follow the green Tangenziale/Ottaviano signs for 250 meters. Merge onto A56 (partial toll road) and continue for 20.1 km. Continue onto SS7qtr for 10.8 km and take the exit toward Lago Patria. After 230 m merge onto Via Lago Patria/SP1 and take the exit toward Licola. Make a slight right and the JFC Headquarters will be on the right.
To Gaeta from Naples International Airport
Stay on the SS7 heading North past the Villa Literno exit until the road splits, stay in the right lane heading towards ROMA until it ends in Formia, following the signs for Roma, Formia and/or Scauri. It will take you through Mondragone and then over a blue and white bridge once you are near Scuari (about 45miles from Capodichino). Stay on the same road until it ends in an intersection in the center of Formia. Go right then, a short veer left, and back to the right,
Stay in the left lane as both lanes force you to go right towards Gaeta, make the wide sweeping right, vice the tight downhill right. Stay on this main road, keeping parking lot to the right and going under the overpass which runs along the coast through Formia and into Gaeta, it is about 5 miles to Gaeta.
As you enter the town of Gaeta, keep to the left and hug the coastal road. There is a false right turn you need to avoid at the beginning of Gaeta; it is in an intersection with 2 lights close together. Stay as far left as possible and follow the seacoast.
About a 1/2 mile into the city you will come to the next traffic light at a fairly large intersection. After this intersection you will see a white Postale Communicatione building, at this traffic circle you will need to take a left towards old Gaeta. Suddenly, on your left you will see the entrance of FLEET LANDING and (if in port) the US Navy Ship Mount Whitney. At the gate you will find Italian Military guards and U.S. Guards.
To Gaeta from Fiumicino Airport using the Autostrada
Fiumicino Airport lies 21 km to the West/Southwest of Rome, well outside the city limits, you must first drive towards Rome, circle it then leave Rome to come to Gaeta.
Depart the airport following the green signs to Rome.
As you approach Rome the map shows a circular road labeled G.R.A. You will enter the G.R.A. at exit 30 headed for Napoli.
Eastbound towards Napoli you will look for exit 20 which will have a lot of destinations on it, but amongst the towns will be "Napoli", and "A-1 dir" take it. (Remember to follow green signs only)
Stay on this road which eventually merges with the A-1 south for Napoli.
You will exit at the Cassino off-ramp. Some landmarks along the way are:
Travel south for approximately 20 miles and merge right onto the SS-7.
SS-7 dead ends in downtown Formia, you will be forced to turn right towards Gaeta.
You will travel into Gaeta along a coastal road for about 10 km, or 6 miles.
To Gaeta from Fiumicino Airport without using the Autostrada
Leaving the airport look for the "Roma" and "Autostrada" sign, taking you back toward the beltway. Take the exit just after the 8 KM marker on the center divider; the exit is "SS-148 Pontina, Napoli." You are now on the beltway. After 3 l/2 miles take Exit 26 "Pontina, Pomezia." You are now on SS 148 toward Gaeta and there are only two tricky spots to watch out for:
General Tips for Driving in Italy
Road signs for primary (TOLL) highways (Autostrada's) are colored green, following them will keep you on principle highways. Secondary road signs are blue and while still viable, using them without a very good map can be confusing to new drivers.
Stay within the speed limit, signs are round and white with a red ring around the outside, the black number in the white field indicates the speed in KPH.
Conversion from KM to MPH is to multiply the KM value by 0.6 (e.g. 80km = 48MPH)
Somewhere in the driving process you will enter/exit through toll plazas. Some facts concerning the use of tolls:
The current bus system will provide transportation between NSA Naples Support Site, Capodichino, and JFC. For a current schedule, please see your sponsor. It can also be obtained from the Navy Lodge reception desk and Fleet & Family Support Center. School bus transportation is also provided for school age children, pick up points are determined by population distribution.
Naval Support Activity Quarter Deck 24 Hours
From US: 011 39 081 568 5547
From EU: +39-081-568-5547
DSN 314-626-5547
Release 2024.03.06.1