2009 Cost of Living Allowance Survey Published Sept. 30, 2009 52nd Comptroller Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The cost of living allowance survey has made its way to the Eifel - an official opportunity to get your voice heard about adjustments to overseas entitlements. Specifically, the Living Pattern Survey for Germany kicked off Oct. 1 and will be available online through Oct. 31. The data collected from this survey will be used to potentially adjust the overall COLA rate for military members in Germany. All servicemembers stationed in Germany and living off base for at least three months are required to complete the survey. The key to success is maximum participation and accurate data. This survey should take approximately 30 minutes to complete and members are encouraged to take the survey at home with their families. To access the survey, military members must visit the U.S. Army in Europe homepage at http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/ and click on the "Hot Topics" link. This year's LPS will ask military members and their families to identify local economy outlets where they normally shop for food items, clothing, and other goods and services, such as restaurant meals, hair care products and services, auto repair, etc. The online survey will also ask how much of their shopping is done on the local economy, and how much is done at the commissary, base exchange or on the Internet. Again, all eligible military members and their family members are highly encouraged to take part in this survey that could affect their future COLA rates in Germany. For more information, call the base finance office at DSN 452-5826 or e-mail 52cpts.fmfc@spangdahlem.af.mil. Editor's Note: According to the Department of Defense Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee Web site, http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil, a Spangdahlem staff sergeant with 10 years of service, two dependents and living off base received $364 for Oct. 1-15, 2008. Someone with those same characteristics is scheduled to receive $313 for Oct. 1-15, 2009.