The Commander, Mobile Mine Assembly Group (COMOMAG) receives administrative funds from the Commander, Mine Warfare Command (COMINEWARCOM) and provides each mine assembly group (MOMAG) activity with funds each quarter. MOMAG activities are normally authorized two separate funds: OPTAR and mine maintenance, On occasion, a site may be granted a separate fund allocation; when this occurs, the COMOMAG provides specific instructions concerning the use and obligation of the special fund.

Fleet commanders are responsible for funding operational costs associated with MOMAG activities. This includes mine material movement/handling support and travel associated with fleet exercises. Operational funding support from the fleet commanders is passed to the MOMAG in various ways-often by way of reimbursable orders, sometimes through the host activity, and, in the case of travel, direct allocation.

OPTAR Funds

OPTAR funds are allocated for general site support. This support includes items necessary for the day-to-day support of the activity, but not for the direct support of mines, mine components, or mine maintenance. Examples of OPTAR expenditures include cleaning gear, office supplies, electrical power, copier rental fees, telephone services, water, steam/heat, and foul weather gear.

Mine Maintenance Funds

Mine maintenance funds are provided for procurement of chargeable mines, mine components, and mine-related material. The funds must be obligated for material in direct support of mine material or maintenance. Examples of mine maintenance expenditures include paint and associated equipment, hand tools, sandpaper and disks, and protective clothing.

REQUIREMENTS DETERMINATION

With the rapid changes in the world defense situation, there has been a lot of talk about reducing the defense budget. Every year, funds get tighter and they will continue to be progressively harder to obtain. As a Mineman, you will be expected to maintain the current level of readiness that we now have. Therefore, it is critical to budget accurately and wisely, with justification for all of the funds requested.

Budget considerations rest on all personnel at the command. Each area in the budget must be closely reviewed, and accurate estimates must be developed. Allowances must be examined to ensure that mine maintenance funds are not spent for weapons that are no longer required. Costs associated with upcoming inspections must be included in the budget. Basically, everything that costs money must be considered.

Routine requirements can be handled on a daily basis by your supply department. Special requirements, on the other hand, may need an additional augmentation of funds to fill requirements. When allocated funds are determined to be insufficient to meet known requirements, a special request for funds augmentation is forwarded to the COMOMAG by letter or message in accordance with instructions in Mobile

Mine Assembly Group Supply Procedures, COMOMAG/MOMAGINST 4000.1.