Better pay system for soldiers

Soldiers Magazine, April, 2005 by Beth Reece

THE Defense Finance and Accounting Service has begun phasing in a new, more reliable and effective pay system, called the Forward Compatible Payroll. The new system promises fewer errors, an easy-to-understand Leave and Earnings Statement, and instantaneous adjustments to pay records.

The current payroll scheme, called Defense Joint Military Pay System, is actually two systems--one for active-duty and another for reserve-component forces. The two are compatible only with enormous effort, according to DFAS officials.

FCP "should have a huge impact on our efficiency in providing pay services," said Sue Schallenberg, director of DFAS' Military Pay Operations Transition Group.

Phase-in began with the Army Reserve and National Guard in March and will be followed by the active duty in July.--Military Update