RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The days of waiting weeks to complete a Permanent Change of Station in-processing voucher for active duty Air Force members will soon become a thing of the past.
The PCS In-Processing System, or PIPS, has started deploying to the Air Force and will go live for Randolph members April 27. PIPS offers a secure, paperless way to submit PCS related financial documents with automated assistance to the member.
Members use a "wizard approach" to guide them through PCS in-processing by viewing an interactive interview session that will explain PCS entitlements based on information provided by member. PIPS can be accessed via a secure Web site application, eFinance, using their 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.
The system is focused 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 where they are going. Included in this briefing are links to entitlements, rates payable and frequently asked questions relative to the PCS move.
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.
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.
The first sites to use PIPS for initial operating capability were Altus Air Force Base, Okla. 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 at
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 Web site.