Unit Commanders (CC) & Civilian Leaders (CL)

• Plan programs that contribute to unit cohesion and encourage squadron personnel to participate.
• Ensure funds are expensed following established guidelines; AFIs, CONOPs, and Unite Guide.
• To the maximum extent, use FSS programs and facilities to achieve desired effects through cost savings, geographic proximity to meet squadron needs and flexibility to military missions.
• Designate in writing the squadron POC(s) to perform Unite duties on CCs behalf.

Community Cohesion Coordinator (C3):

• Installation C3 will facilitate effective funded or free programming of high-interest recreational cohesive activities, teamwork, and camaraderie (esprit de corps).
• Installation C3 will work with squadrons to determine their needs and interests, and help develop recreational programs,and make purchases based on their priorities.
• Installation C3 will brief all Unit Commanders and Civilian Leaders about the Unite program’s intent, guidelines, program changes, and finances. Encourage the utilization of Unite funds throughout the installation by actively promoting Unite to installation leadership.
• Coordinate all submissions for APF and NAF dollars with AFSVC for approval of Unite events. Verify that the total amount for the event does not exceed the limit of funding per person. Must verify that the event the unit is submitting is a recreational, unit cohesion activity-based program and not an event centered on using NAF dollars only. (Example: burger burn and two truths and a lie, food- eating contest with trivia, squadron luncheon with required training i.e., SAPR and/or Green Dot).
• Act as the liaison and work with squadron Unite points of contact (POCs) to oversee program execution and adherence to the budget.
• Assist/advise squadron Unite POCs in developing programs, whether on or off the installation.
• Work with FSS managers to develop and bolster new and exciting programs within their program to encourage FSS activities for Unite events.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and adhere to all APF and NAF instructions.

Funds for the Recreational Activities (Appropriated MOA Funds)

APF dollars are designated to pay for or offset the cost of cohesive recreational programs and services. Funds are allocated on a calendar year. As a trial period through CY24, Squadron Commanders can authorize spouses and dependents to receive the allocated per person amount. The dollar figures will continue to be based on unit official manpower totals and will not increase with the inclusion of dependents.

Funds for Food & Beverage (Non-Appropriated Funds)

NAF dollars are used for the purchase of food and beverages in support of Unite recreational cohesive programs. Funds are allocated on a calendar year. The Unite program is activity-based, and NAF dollars are only an added benefit. NAF funds must be used directly in conjunction with an approved Unite event. Unite is not a food and beverage-based program; an event centered on just
eating without an approved Unite cohesive and or team building event is NOT authorized and will not be approved. NAF funds are also approved as a trial period for dependents through CY 2024. Squadron Commanders can authorize spouses and dependents to receive the allocated amount per person. The unit dollar allocation will continue to be based on unit official manpower totals and will not increase with the inclusion of dependents.

Unauthorized Use of Unite Funds

• Unite funds are not to be used for the following: December holiday parties, end of year events, Balls, banquets, dining/out, combat dining in/out, squadron training/meetings, change of commands, eating events, promotion/retirements, or base-wide special events.
• Unite funds cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.
• Unite funds cannot be used to purchase equipment, including electronics. However, funds are authorized to rent recreational equipment in support of a unit cohesive event. Unauthorized rentals include but are not limited to portable toilets, trash services, cleaning fees, cleaning supplies or cleaning companies, and lodging. Contact AFSVC if the cost of renting equipment exceeds the cost of procuring the equipment.
• Unite funds are not authorized to purchase items for volunteer events, such as gloves, tools, paint, or supplies.
• Unite funds cannot be used to purchase cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, etc. Food service gloves are authorized.
• Unite funds cannot be used to cover the cost of damages, late fees, or insurance.
• Unite funds cannot be used to purchase prizes, gift cards, giveaways, or promotional items. (examples: trophies, medals, plaques, banners, marketing/advertisements, apparel, cups,
  personalization of objects, murals, shirts, hats, and jerseys)
• Unite funds cannot be used to purchase equipment to donate to charities (Example: Build-A-Bed and Build-A-Bike).
• Unite funds cannot be used for gambling or to purchase gambling products, including traditional bingo games, where funds are accumulated and paid to a winner. Such an arrangement is a prohibited practice that conveys a personal benefit to a winner.
• AFSVC will not provide reimbursement to events that have not been approved. If a squadron executes an event without approval, all expenses will be the responsibility of the squadron.
• Commanders should make every effort to ensure all authorized members of a unit have an opportunity to participate in Unite events; inclusive to all Airmen and Guardians in a unit and cannot be divided based on age, race, gender, or religion. An Unite event cannot be held for dependents only.
• Wing or Group events may be held with written agreement from each participating Unit Commander for the use of his/her funding.

NOTE: APF MOA dollars are intended to fund the actual team-building event only.

AFSVC will provide centrally-funded NAFs ($5.00 per person) to subsidize meals in conjunction with approved Unite cohesive activities. The C3 will coordinate with FSS food activities when possible. (i.e., club, bowling center, golf course and snack bar operations, etc.)

Unite funds are not authorized to pay for rental vehicles; utilizing ITT/ODR vehicles with driver is approvable.

Unite funds are not authorized to pay for equipment purchases. APF funds can be used to rent equipment for the approved event (i.e., FSS equipment rental through ODR).

The Unite Program intends to provide unit leaders with the maximum flexibility to develop and deliver recreational programs to build recreational cohesion for personnel within their unit, or subset of the unit, to include spouses and dependents at their discretion through CY24. Installation C3s provide squadron leaders with program ideas that are authorized uses of Unite funds. Squadron Leaders are given the discretion to create Unit-Developed Programs (UDP) that capitalize on opportunities available in the geographic area. C3s are encouraged to offer volunteer and no- cost programs in addition to UDPs. Events must be both recreational and unit cohesive to utilize Unite funds.

All programs must be submitted to AFSVC for approval at least fourteen days before the event date.

Samples