COLA to Dip in Korea

[Reggie]

"Army Gen. B.B. Bell, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, has advised U.S.service members stationed in Korea and their families there to expect a major decrease in their cost of living allowances (COLAs). To ease the four-point drop, pay adjustments will be made by a two-point reduction Oct. 1, followed by another two-point deduction Nov. 1. Bell explained that the reduction came from pricing surveys taken in May and June in Seoul, Pyongtaek, Taegu, Chinhae and at Osan Air Base. The COLA compensates service members for costs of goods and services that are higher overseas than in the continental United States. According to the May-June survey, the costs of goods and services rose more in the States than costs for similar items in Korea, triggering the COLA drop."

I'd like to open this for discussion. What is wrong with this picture? That way, I'll know if I'm off base before going ballistic and starting my phone tree on this issue.

Mods, please delete any post that uses the "Ir__" word.

[Sparta]

I hate to see troop benifits decrease at any point. They aren't compensated well enough IMO, but if this is based on COL, and was calculated inaccuaratly, perhaps it should change to refelct the actual COL. That is, after all, how they afford to pay the correct COL in DC, no?

[metheron]

Does anyone know whether or not this is unprecendented? I have never heard of reducing your current cola. Maybe not adding to it one year, but taking away? In my mind, that would have to mean that the cost of living has actually lowered there, really has nothing to do with the U.S.

[Sparta]

After rereading it, it sounds odd. The cost of living has gone up in the US, but remained the same in Korea, so a reduction? Why would it reduce rather than remain static?

[Reggie]

Does anyone know whether or not this is unprecendented? I have never heard of reducing your current cola. Maybe not adding to it one year, but taking away? In my mind, that would have to mean that the cost of living has actually lowered there, really has nothing to do with the U.S.

Unprecedented.

[Reggie]

After rereading it, it sounds odd. The cost of living has gone up in the US, but remained the same in Korea, so a reduction? Why would it reduce rather than remain static?

Because it's kicked in against the base. If 4% is approved in the US, they want the 4% to kick in Korea, then drop 2% one month, then another 2% the next month. That all keeps it legal. If any of you have ever lived overseas, away from your family, or if you have your wife and children with you, away from your extended family, you have to ask: Are these people NOT worth three pizzas extra a month? It positively blows my mind that we can be this "fiscally" responsible/irresponsible regarding this issue. These are the kinds of things that come up where I'd love to have "instant electronic referendums", where the American people could vote on their TV and say which way to go. This is what I mean when I say "support the troops". Save the money from the magnetic ribbon on your car and send it to the USO or other organization that's helping families abroad.

Vent done.

[Sparta]

Because it's kicked in against the base. If 4% is approved in the US, they want the 4% to kick in Korea, then drop 2% one month, then another 2% the next month. That all keeps it legal. If any of you have ever lived overseas, away from your family, or if you have your wife and children with you, away from your extended family, you have to ask: Are these people NOT worth three pizzas extra a month? It positively blows my mind that we can be this "fiscally" responsible/irresponsible regarding this issue. These are the kinds of things that come up where I'd love to have "instant electronic referendums", where the American people could vote on their TV and say which way to go. This is what I mean when I say "support the troops". Save the money from the magnetic ribbon on your car and send it to the USO or other organization that's helping families abroad.

Vent done.

I see, if we're going to allow those in Korea a 4% overall hike then we would have to allow a 4% hike for Japan, Germany, and everywhere else. This isn't a matter of small monies. I agree that they should receive more, but not more than a service member outside of Korea.

[Reggie]

I see, if we're going to allow those in Korea a 4% overall hike then we would have to allow a 4% hike for Japan, Germany, and everywhere else. This isn't a matter of small monies. I agree that they should receive more, but not more than a service member outside of Korea.

I explained it bass ackwards. You are correct. It would be reduced from their current base, therefore a reduction in salary.