What is the UNITE Program?

The UNITE program was designed to help leadership foster cohesion, comradery and esprit de corps at the lowest level possible through recreation and shared experiences. The basis of this is the Squadron but can be broken down into Flights or smaller work groups and can also include working units that are outside the Squadron structure to include Group and Wing staffs. The Community Cohesion Coordinator or C3 is responsible for Unite Program Administration.

Who can benefit from the funding?

All Active-Duty Members, DoD Civilians and NAF Employees.

How much money is available?

Funding is based on official manpower numbers. There is $13.50
per person for activities and $6 per person for food. Your C3 can give you the specific amounts for
your Squadron.

What can this money be used for?

There are two different funding sources that support the UNITE Program. The Activity Funds can be used to help fund Your UNITE Event. This can be rental cost for equipment, purchase of supplies, hiring a tour guide, purchasing a service or paying entry costs. This money cannot be used to purchase to personal items like T-Shirts or for prizes. The Food Funds can be used to purchase food from a restaurant, FSS Facility or from the Commissary. If used at the Commissary only edible items can be purchased. This excludes things like napkins, cutlery and aluminum foil; however, your Activity Funds can be used for these non-edible items.

How does our Squadron receive this money?

You need to contact your C3 and they will be able to assist you. The basic process is to identify a UNITE POC, submit an event proposal and submit a DoD ID number form prior to the event. The C3 will use a NAF P-Card to pay for the authorized expenses. The UNITE event must include a team building or unit cohesion activity. Activity in the literal sense of the word, the participants must be doing something that causes them to interact with each other.

How long do we have to spend this Money?

Your funds are running on a Calendar year and will be available from February 15 until December 15. You can hold your UNITE event in November or December, but you will need to submit the request by October 1. On 1 October, all remaining Team USAFA funds will be rolled together. The C3 will take responsibility for executing any remaining funds in the form of Team USAFA UNITE events. Details and reminders provided to unit POCs in August.

Why do we need a UNITE POC?

The UNITE POC is your leadership’s connection to the UNITE Program. They will work with the C3 to develop an event that is tailored to the needs of your unit. Since they work with your unit every day, they are in a better position to find the activities that will engage the most interest for the people that they work with every day.

Why does the Commander have to sign the Event Proposal form?

The C3 has appropriated these funds for your Squadron. They are your Squadron’s funds. While the C3 has been given the duty to verify that the funds are used appropriately they need the authority from the Squadron Commander to execute these funds on their behalf.

Will we get reimbursed if we pay ourselves or with squadron monies?

NO, your UNITE rep must be able to purchase with a government credit card (NAF Purchase Card). Make sure if you use a business off base that they can accept card payment and that they can provide a printed & detailed receipt. (some exceptions may apply, check with your C3)

Why do you need to know how many people are attending, can’t we use the whole amount assigned to our Squadron?

We need to ensure that funds are being executed wisely and accurately. AF is tracking this program closely. We also need to make sure that everyone is being included and has the opportunity to gain the benefit from this program. You will answer in the after-action report if the attendance changed and why (duty related, sick, etc.).

When securing activities on base, why do I need to tell them this is a UNITE event?

You may get preferred prices! UNITE has been able to continue negotiating on your behalf to find the best deals possible. Be sure and mention to them that you are planning a UNITE event! Your C3 will be happy to work with the FSS Facilities to make sure everything is scheduled for you. If you scheduled with the facilities directly the C3 will be contacted by the FSS Facilities before approval to ensure this is an approved UNITE Event. Below are some on-base ideas:

a. Bowling
b. Golf
c. Crafts at Arts & Crafts
d. Horseback trail ride
e. Pavilion rental at FamCamp
f. Lazer Tag at FamCamp
g. Farish (day of fishing, hiking, boating, pavilion rental, BBQ)
h. ODR game rentals, bike rentals, picnic rental items
i. Tickets to USAFA sporting event
12. Can we plan for activities or food off-base? Yes, you can. However, be aware that off-base
activities and food may exceed your allotted amount, and additional funds may need to be secured.
a. Top Golf
b. Movie Theater
c. Escape Room
d. Dave & Busters
e. Main Event
f. Dart Wars
g. Paint ball
h. Whirly Ball
i. Sporting event
j. Mini Golf

• Event Request: Ask your UNITE POC to complete the event request and submit it to the USAFA C3 org box email (email address top of page). Please send requests at least two weeks prior to the event and six weeks for contracted entertainment.

• Unit Commander designates a UNITE POC.

• Reach out to your event venue of choice for tax exempt pricing & availability. Provide a quote/pricing and venue POC information to your C3.

• HAVE FUN AT YOUR EVENT!!!
• Submit an after-action report.

AUTHORIZED PURCHASES

• Outdoor Recreation rentals
• Facility rental like park or pavilions, Club room rental etc.
• Food Service Equipment
• Kayaks & Paddleboards
• Disposable food prep and service items (paper plates, napkins, cups,
  plastic utensils, charcoal, foil, foil pans etc.
• Murder Mystery Kits
• Cardboard and Tape
• Crafting Kits & Supplies
• One time use only items
• Bowling lane and shoe rentals
• Arts & Crafts guided activities
• Outdoor Recreation Center trips, tours, and workshops
• Golf green fees and driving range fees
• ITT trips & tours
• Off base instructional classes that accept the government purchase
  card.
• All food facilities on-base
• DIY Commissary grocery shopping
• Food operations from other bases
• Food Trucks/Catering Restaurants off base

UNAUTHORIZED PURCHASES 

• Alcohol
• Gambling
• Lodging or transportation
• Equipment (rentals are allowed)
• Prizes, giveaways or promo items
• Portable bathrooms, trash services, damages or cleaning fees
• Cookouts or any food & beverage event NOT connected to an
  approved Unite event. Meals must be in addition to a resiliency event. (Corn
  hole tournaments, games, etc.)
• Other activity resiliency funds (chapel, wing etc)

EXCEPTIONS:

• PrivateOrg/Booster funds are acceptable and highly encouraged if/when
  available.
• Out-of-pocket purchases acceptable

UNAUTHORIZED EVENTS

• Holiday parties
• End-of-year events
• Balls or banquets
• Dining in/dining outs
• Squadron trainings or meetings
• Base-wide special events
• Commander’s Calls
• Hail & Farewells
• Promotions
• Retirements
• Off-Sites

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

• Movies, Amusement parks and waterparks are now approvable events
• Family members can participate in the activity with Unite Funds
  (Commander’s discretion-no additional funding will be allocated for family
  members).
• Events must be designated for the Squadron. The event cannot be solely for spouses/family members.

Contact your C3 to confirm your budget and to make payments for activities and food on your behalf.

• Recreation Funds – $13.50/person
• Food & Beverage Funds – $6/person
• The unit is responsible for any event related costs outside of the approved event budget.

FUNDING GUIDELINES

• Unite is NOT a food & beverage program
• Events must be recreational and cohesive to utilize funding
• Unite funds CANNOT be combined with other NAFs or APFs
• Funds from non-federal entities such as Booster Clubs may be used