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RATION CONTROL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why do we need a ration control program?
- What are my limits?
- What is an anvil card?
- What is a controlled item?
- How much liquor can I purchase?
- Is beer/wine considered liquor?
- How much beer can I purchase?
- How much wine can I purchase?
- My parents who are non-military are coming to visit me in Korea. Can they shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- My spouse is coming to visit me in Korea. Can he/she shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- Both my spouse and I decided to visit Korea. Can we shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I'm stationed in Germany. My spouse wants to visit relatives in Korea. I will not accompany him/her. Can my spouse shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities if he/she visits Korea unaccompanied?
- If my monthly commissary limit is $900 per month and I only spend $700 in January, can I spend $1100 in February?
- I'm having a promotion party and anticipate needing 4 units of liquor. My limit is 3. What do I do?
- My boss asked me to purchase $500 worth of food from the commissary for our unit's annual picnic. I don't want this $500 to apply towards my monthly limit. What do I do?
- What is a "show cause" letter? What happens if I get one? What do I do?
- What is a "warning" letter? What happens if I get one? What do I do?
- Is gas rationed?
- Is heating fuel rationed?
- What are shelf limits?
- What do I do if I suspect someone of violating the ration control program or committing acts of black-marketing?
- How do I get a temporary ration control card?
- How do I get a permanent ration control card?
- My son is 9 years old. Does he need a ration control card?
- I'm active duty. Do I need a ration control card?
- I'm an un-remarried widow. Am I eligible to have a ration control card?
- I'm serving in the Australian Army on temporary duty to United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC), (or Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC)), (or United Nations Command (UNC)), (or the UNC Liaison Group)? Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am a US citizen employed by DoD (or NAF agency). Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am an invited contractor. Can I shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am an active member of the US Reserve component? Can I shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am retired military. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am a Korea government service (KGS) employee. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am a dependent of a civilian employee. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I retired from the Reserve component. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am a member of the Reserve component, visiting Korea. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am an n unaccompanied dependent, visiting relatives in Korea. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am a dependent, living with my military spouse in Korea. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- How do I gain access to the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- My family and I just arrived in country. Do I need a ration control card to shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- What is a unit of liquor?
- What are shelf limits?
- What if I lose my ration control card?
- How long is a temporary ration control card good for?
- How do I apply for a ration control card?
- How long does it take to get a permanent ration control card?
- I completed my ration control card application three weeks ago and still haven't received my card. My temporary ration control card expires in a week. What do I do?
- What documents are required with my ration control card application?
- How do I apply for a gas ration control card?
- What is the governing directive for the ration control program? Where can I get a copy?
- What is an Issuing Agent? Who is my Issuing Agent?
- What is a unit ration control clerk? Who is my unit ration control clerk?
- My commissary /AAFES privileges have been revoked by area commander. What do I do now?
- Can I loan my ration control card to a friend who lost theirs?
- Can a buy a computer as a gift?
- Who runs the ration control program?
- What is the Post/Commissary Exchange Oversight Committee (PCOC)?
- I bought a refrigerator and had to fill out some form called an anvil card. Why? What is this form used for?
- I received a warning letter that I exceeded my commissary limit. I believe this is an error. What do I do?
- The cashier did not ask for my ID and/or ration control card. What should I do?
- While standing in cashier line, I noticed what looked like someone in front of me making a purchase that exceeded the posted shelf limit. What do I do?
The Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and Republic of Korea (ROK) requires US to make reasonable & practical efforts to control access of unqualified persons to duty free goods. It also requires US to "prevent abuse" of this duty free privilege.
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Liquor: Defined as any beverage that contains 20% or more alcohol by volume.
One bottle (fifth, quart, or liter) counts as one unit. A 1.75 liter bottle counts as two units.
Individuals may purchase 3 units per month. Families may purchase 5 units per month.
To receive the "family" size ration there must be two adults (age 20 and older) in the family.
Beer: Eligible persons (20 years and older) may purchase 2 case-lots per day, not to exceed eight case-lots per month. Purchases of up to three six-packs per day by an individual will not be counted against the eight case-lot monthly limit.
|
Commissary Dollar Limit |
| Family Size |
Dollar Limit |
| 1 |
$450.00 |
| 2 |
$700.00 |
| 3 |
$900.00 |
| 4 |
$1,050.00 |
| 5 |
$1,250.00 |
| 6 + |
$1,450.00 |
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The IBM cards anvilled by sales clerks and signed by the patron at the time of purchase to record sales of high values items and the liquor. Processed on a monthly basis, to identify suspected system abusers and record accountable items.
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Controlled items are single items or sets of items (such as golf clubs) which are selected for special monitoring by the Black Market Working Group (BMWG). A current list of controlled items is below. Purchase of these items is recorded and monitored.
- Air Conditioner
- Clothes Dryer
- Color Television/monitor over 27in
- Computer hardware
- Cosmetics costing more than $50.00
- Diamonds or jewelry with diamonds
- Furniture costing over $200.00
- Golf Clubs (single clubs costing over $50.00)
- Perfume costing more than $50.00
- Ranges
- Refrigerators/freezers
- Washing machines
- Watches costing more than $200.00
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Defined as any beverage that contains 20% or more alcohol by volume.
Individuals may purchase 3 units per month. Families may purchase 5 units per month.
To receive the "family " size ration there must be two adults (age of 20 or older) in the family.
One bottle (fifth, quart, or liter) counts as one unit. A 1.75 liter bottle counts as two units.
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No. Liquor is considered any beverage with 20% or more alcohol by volume.
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Beer: Eligible persons (20 years an older) may purchase 2 case-lot per day, not to exceed 8 case-lots per month. Purchases of up to three six-packs per day by an individual will not be counted against the eight case-lot monthly limit.
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There is no limit on wine purchases.
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Sorry, the answer is no. There are no provisions in the Status of Forces Agreement to allow non-dependents to purchase items at the commissary and AAFES facilities. In addition, non-military affiliated personnel cannot enter the commissary (i.e., your non-military parents).
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Yes, if he/she registers in the DBIDS. However, if you are a local hire civilian, your spouse is not authorized to shop.
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If you are active duty or retired military both you and your spouse can shop at the commissary and AAFES facilities after both of you are registered in the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS).
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Sorry, the answer is no. There are no provisions in the Status of Forces Agreement to allow unaccompanied dependents to purchase items at the commissary and AAFES facilities.
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Sorry, the answer is no. The dollar limits are monthly and not cumulative from month to month.
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You may request a short-term exception to policy.
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The purchases should be made against the unit or organization's Ration Control Card. For information on requesting a unit RCC for your organization, requesting the use of the unit RCC, or making purchases with the unit RCC.
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An itemized listing of purchases from the commissary by an individual sent to the unit command, adjudication Authority, and the individual indicating that the individual has exceeded their monthly commissary or alcohol limits. This report is for individuals who have previously received a warning letter or have exceeded their dollar limits by more than 5%.
Personnel receiving a "show cause" letter must contact their area support group commander to adjudicate the violation.
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This is an itemized listing of purchases from the commissary by individual sent to the unit commander and the individual. This report lets the unit commander and the individual know that the individual exceeded monthly commissary limits. This report is used for informational purposes only and no actions need be taken. This report is issued to first time offenders who have exceeded their monthly allotment by 5% or less.
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Gasoline is not rationed but can only be purchased by individuals authorized access to duty free goods.
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The installation commander sets heating fuel limits in writing. Limits will be posted at appropriate locations for patrons to see. Gasoline can only be purchased by individuals authorized access to duty free goods after presentation of the appropriate access documents. Gas RCC cannot be used to purchase heating fuel (kerosene).
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These are limitations specifying the number of items or dollar amount that can be purchased during a specified time period for a given product.
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Report the offense(s) to the installation law enforcement agency or call Black Marketing Hot Line (DSN) 738-5118 or (Commercial) 02-7918-5118.
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Individuals authorized a Temporary Ration Control Card may obtain one through their supporting are Issuing Agent.
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Individuals authorized a Permanent Ration Control Card may obtain one through their area supporting Issuing Agent.
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Sorry, the answer is no, but he still needs to register in the DBIDS. In order for a dependent to get a minor ration control card, he/she must be 10 years of age or older.
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Sorry, the answer is no. The Status of Forces Agreement allows active duty military access to duty free goods.
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Yes, if you are registered in the DBIDS.
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Yes. You must present your id and copy of your orders to gain access to duty-free goods.
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Yes, provided you do not normally reside in the ROK and work 20 hours or more per week or 40 hours or more within two weeks.
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Yes, provided you ordinarily reside in the U.S. and within the terms of your contract.
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Yes, provided you are assigned to a Troop Program Unit in the ROK.
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Yes. The Status of Forces Agreement allows you access to duty-free goods.
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No, unless you are an IMPAC cardholder and have an IMPAC Card Order and Receipt form detailing the specific items you are purchasing at AAFES only. You are not authorized to shop at the commissary.
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Yes, if your sponsor is not ordinarily resident in Korea and is working 20 or more hours per week or 40 or more hours within two weeks except those of civilian local hires.
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Yes, provided you are receiving full retirement benefits.
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Sorry, the answer is no. There is no provision in the Status of Forces Agreement that allows visiting Reserve component members access to duty-free goods.
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Sorry, the answer is no. However, you can apply to an exception to policy for extenuating circumstances
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Yes
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If you are permanent party, active Duty U.S. military members are not required to present a ration control card to gain access to duty-free goods. Civilian sponsors, and all dependents will be granted access to duty free goods only when presenting a valid ID card and ration control card. See question 39 for additional information.
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For permanent party, newly arrived dependents can use their dependent ID card and a copy of their sponsors orders to gain access to the commissary and AAFES facilities for five days after their arrival in country. After five days the dependent must either present a temporary or permanent ration control card. See question 38 for additional information.
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One bottle (fifth, quart, or liter) counts as one unit. A 1.75 liter bottle counts as two units.
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These are limitations specifying the number of items or dollar amount that can be purchased for a given product during a specified time period.
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Applications for replacement RCC's, either permanent or temporary, must have the unit commander, first sergeant, or civilian equivalent's signature and be forwarded through the area commander or designated representative for final approval along with Military Police Report (DA Form 3975) or Statement of Witness (AF Form 1168).
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30 Days, reissued up to 90 days.
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If you register in the DBIDS, you are also registered in the Raton Control System. The USFK will require all military, civilian or contractor personnel including children under 10 years of age, be registered in the DBIDS it because DBIDS registration will constitute registration for ration control
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Approximately 1-2 weeks, depending on geographical location. If you apply on-line through your issuing agent you will get your card quicker.
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No document is needed for Ration Control Card if you have registered in the DBIDS
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Gas ration control cards are only issued to those Korean Nationals supporting law enforcement investigative efforts. Applications for gas RCCs will be made by memorandum through the area commander and the servicing IA to FKJ1-DM. The requestor must be the unit commander or civilian equivalent. The memorandum must provide the applicant's name, SSAN or ROK ID number, and a justification.
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No longer unit ration control clerk is existed
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If your privileges have been revoked by your area commander, you cannot access any commissary or AAFES facility ROK-wide. Upon completing of the revocation period, the offender may request reinstatement of privileges. Such a request must be made, in writing, to the area commander who revoked your privileges.
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No. To do so is punishable under the UCMJ or provisions of your employment contract.
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Gifts/transfer of duty-free and tax-free goods are covered by USFK Reg 643-1 and USFK Reg 643-2.TOP
The Assistant Chief of Staff J1, Data Management Division.
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The PCOC is an over watch council that makes recommendations to AAFES and DECA managers to help reduce command-wide black marketing, implement changes to the ration control policy, deter black marketing, and discuss any issues relating to the Ration Control Program.
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Anvil receipts are used to record the sale of liquor and controlled items. Liquor and controlled item purchases are monitored IAW USFK Reg 60-1. For a list of controlled items and information pertaining to liquor purchase limits see questions 2 and 4.
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To contest a violation the individual must send a memorandum through the unit commander and servicing issuing agent to FKJ1-DM to request a correction of records. The unit commander must provide an endorsement that states that the violation was investigated and recommend the violation be removed from the FKJ1-DM violator database.
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Report it to the manager of the facility.
Note: Uniform personnel are not required to show an RCC.
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Notify the manager of the facility, or call the installation law enforcement office or call Black Marketing Hot Line (DSN) 738-5118, (Comm) 02-7918-5118.
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