NOTE: mLINQS Function for Driving to Alaska Per Diem
A function has been added to MLINQS to ensure the correct Per Diem will be paid out when driving to Alaska. When selecting the location in the travel leg, please select CONUS RATE as the ending location. In the comment box, please specify where the member finished their travel. Please note that this only needs to be done when the member finishes their travel in Alaska by POV.
As we approach the full implementation of mLINQS as the Coast Guard’s PCS travel system, PPC’s Travel Division will conduct a series of webinars to reiterate the training that was given last year and include the process for vouchering within the system. Yeomen are required to attend this webinar by signing up using the links included within Email ALSPO B/24. Accessing the webinars via web browser is advised as some issues have been reported with connectivity.
In anticipation of the full “go-live” version of mLINQS, the current PCS workaround process for authorizations in mLINQS serves two purposes
1. To fulfill the process/procedure of an “official calculation source” for PCS travel.
2. To provide “source documentation” for PCS travel, fulfilling the needs of the mandated authorization and audit process set forth by DHS.
Who does the authorization input into mLINQS?
The departing unit YNs are responsible for creating the authorizations in mLINQS (The departing units will understand the correct entitlements during the departing PCS counseling session with the member and ensure those entitlements match the order notes and calculations.) However, in some circumstances, e.g., system errors, outages, ext.) the authorization input to mLINQS may have to be completed at the receiving unit. Communication between units on these rare circumstances is the key to ensuring the member’s travel claim is processed in a timely manner with the correct entitlements calculated in mLINQS and loaded into ETS.
DA (Direct Access):
DA will still be the official source of PCS travel orders and those orders should be added to mLINQS/ETS when doing the authorization. (Once fully integrated, mLINQS will substitute the need for the Order notes in DA). In addition, upon full integration, the mLINQS PCS system will be the sole system for PCS travel from start to finish. The fleet is encouraged to stay up to date via our mLINQS travel webpage (mLINQS PCS travel application (uscg.mil) for the latest news, updates and training resources on mLINQS.
Upcoming Events:
1. mLINQS training webinars will be provided prior to “go-live”. “go-live” is expected to be OCT-NOV 2024.
2. After training is provided, PPC TMO (Travel Management Office) will consider in-person training from units that have special circumstances requiring in-person or additional training.
3. For members of other rates who are AOs (XPOs, etc.), training updates, processing guides, video guides, and manuals are posted on the PPC travel website. There are also TEAMS channels dedicated to both ETS and mLINQS. Creating PCS authorizations in mLINQS is a YN function (SPO and Admin). If special circumstances exist where a YN is not available, units should contact PPC via customer care ticket on how to proceed.
4. FULL INTEGRATION! Testing is currently being conducted with DA, FSMS and mLINQS for full integration and functionality.
5. Updates to our efforts and progress will be posted on the PPC travel web page and CG wide notifications. Dates of webinars, training and “go-live” will be provided via message board in addition to our travel webpages.
Unliquidated Travel Advances
In accordance with the DEC 2023 CG8-C memorandum (Interim Financial Policy – Unliquidated travel advances) each unit should run the “Unliquidated advance report” on a weekly basis and follow up with members who appear on the report.
For Unit- Unliquidated Advance Report Job Aid
Coming soon!!
As mLINQS full deployment “go live” is on the horizon, there will be webinars, additional training, new guides and more information coming in September.
Discover mLINQS Latest Innovation
An automatic User Account Creation feature tailored for Relocating Members via the Employee Portal (which will be used on full deployment)! Say goodbye to manual onboarding profile hassles and hello to streamlined efficiency. Effortlessly provide access to new members as they submit vouchers, making relocation management a breeze! This feature will streamline account creation upon full deployment of mLINQS! Click for details!!!
Pet Transportation Allowance Effective 1 JAN 2024 - JTR 050107 Pet Expenses Due to a PCS (Page 5A-2 of JTR)
Frequently Asked Questions - Defense Travel Management Office
A. Eligibility. A Service member on a PCS order is authorized reimbursement for mandatory quarantine fees for household pets. A household pet is a cat or a dog.
B. Allowances. Reimbursement for the actual cost of these fees is authorized, limited to $550 per PCS move.
C. Pet Quarantine Information. See Pet Quarantine Information and the DTMO website for more details.
D. Pet Transportation. Transportation for a household pet is not a reimbursable expense unless the transportation is due to an evacuation from a foreign PDS in accordance with par. 060204.
E. Changes Effective 2024. On January 1, 2024, the following pet transportation allowances will apply:
1. Eligibility. A Service member on a PCS order with an effective date of January 1, 2024 or later, as defined in Appendix A, may be authorized reimbursement for the costs related to the relocation of one household pet that arises from a permanent change of station. A household pet is a cat or a dog, owned for personal companionship. A Service member is responsible for following rules for importing and exporting a pet to and from the United States in order to be eligible for reimbursement. Denial of entry could result in denial of reimbursement. See How to Compute a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Order’s Effective Date.
2. CONUS. A Service member may be authorized the reasonable and substantiated cost of mandatory microchipping, boarding fees, hotel service charges, licensing fees at the new PDS, and pet shipping fees if the member flies rather than drives, or the pet is shipped separately from the member. Reimbursement for the actual cost of all expenses is limited to $550 per PCS move.
3. OCONUS. A Service member may be authorized the reasonable and substantiated cost of mandatory microchipping, quarantine fees, boarding fees, hotel service charges, licensing fees at the new PDS, testing titer levels for entry, and pet shipping fees if the member flies rather than drives, or the pet is shipped separately from the member. For transoceanic travel, use of Government or Government [1] procured transportation must be used if available or reimbursement for transportation costs is not authorized. Reimbursement for the actual cost of all necessary expenses described above in connection with the movement of a pet is limited to $2,000 per PCS move.