Wednesday, February 12, 2014

AF announces 'pro-gear' policy change

by Joel Fortner
Air Force Public Affairs Agency


2/12/2014 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials recently announced changes to the Department of Defense's policy on transporting member's professional books, papers and equipment, or PBP&E, shipped in household goods during permanent change of station moves.

Known as "pro-gear," the new PBP&E policy will impact orders issued on or after May 1.

At that time, PBP&E will be limited to a maximum of 2,000 pounds, and will include items in a member's possession needed for the performance of official duties at the next assignment. Those items include instruments, tools, and equipment unique to technicians, mechanics, medical professionals, musicians and members of the professions; and specialized clothing, such as diving suits, astronauts' suits, flying suits and helmets, band uniforms, chaplains' vestments, and other specialized apparel and abnormal uniforms or clothing, according to Michael Topolosky, the Air Force Personal Property Policy chief.

He said the policy excludes other items of a professional nature that will not be necessary at the next duty station, such as text books from schools and personal books, even if used as part of a previous professional reading program, and some previously allowed categories such as, personal computer equipment, memorabilia and table service.

The new policy does include a grandfather clause to allow anyone stationed overseas who transported more than 2,000 pounds of PBP&E before the change to return the same PBP&E amount to the continental U.S.

For more information, see Joint Federal Travel Regulation change 327 and Joint Travel Regulation change 581, dated March 1, 2014.

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