PACAF drops weight limit entitlements

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Accompanied families arriving to Kadena Air Base will now be able to bring their full weight allowance for goods, due to a policy change that was implemented March 1. 

Pacific Air Forces initiated a study in 2006 that suggested allowing a 100 percent Joint Federal Travel Rate Regulation for weight entitlements to help cut down on costs. Prior to the change, members could only bring 25 percent of their allotted household good weight. 

"The research done in the course of over a year suggests the policy will save the Air Force money for non-temporary storage and improve the quality of life for Airmen," said Joe Walls, 18th Logistics Readiness Traffic Management Office flight commander. 

The member is the one that benefits from this new system, he added. But this new policy comes with some exceptions and caveats that inbounds should consider. 

"Accompanied personnel are authorized full JFTR, however, one must be mindful of the size of government quarters and economy housing," said Mr. Walls, stressing that housing on-island tends to be smaller than people may be accustomed to. 

This initiative for incoming members gives them the opportunity to use their own furnishings during their tour, said Gary Gentz, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron chief, housing support. 

A 100 percent JFTR does not mean members should ship everything. Some items should not be shipped, such as major appliances. They will be provided by the base. Also, the weight allowance varies by grade and whether or not the member is with or without dependents. 

"The housing office will provide all appliances whether people live on or off base and under no circumstances should a member ship their appliances to Okinawa," said Mr. Gentz. "All other required furniture to include bedroom, living room and dining sets will only be issued on a 'loaner basis' until the member's household goods arrive." 

Non-essential items such as king-size beds, large antique furniture and other oversized goods should be left in storage stateside. Any excess shipped property not fit for housing is unable to be stored at the government's expense locally and members may ship items back to the U.S. at their own expense. 

It's not necessary for members to ship everything to Okinawa, TMO offices world-wide have the most up to date information available for members moving here to include what furnishings items that will be provided on a temporary basis upon arrival. 

The new policy should be a win-win situation for both the military members and the Air Force. 

"The Air Force has made JFTR beneficial for members to never pay out of pocket expenses and reduce the cost of non-temporary storage," said Mr. Walls.