Finance at Fort Gordon: Serving Soldiers and Families
Fort Gordon, home of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence, houses a robust finance operation critical to ensuring soldiers, civilian employees, and their families receive timely and accurate pay and financial support. The finance mission at Fort Gordon goes beyond simply issuing paychecks; it encompasses a broad range of services designed to support the financial well-being of the entire community.
The primary entity responsible for financial matters is the Garrison Resource Management (RM) office. This office manages the garrison budget, oversees resource allocation, and ensures compliance with financial regulations and policies. The RM office also plays a vital role in developing the annual budget submission, justifying resource needs to higher headquarters, and monitoring expenditures throughout the fiscal year.
Directly supporting the soldiers and families is the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). DFAS personnel at Fort Gordon handle a multitude of pay-related functions, including processing entitlements, deductions, and travel reimbursements. Soldiers can seek assistance with issues such as basic pay, allowances (Basic Allowance for Housing, Basic Allowance for Subsistence, etc.), special pays, and incentive pay. DFAS also manages Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) enrollments and contributions, helping soldiers secure their financial future through retirement savings.
Beyond pay administration, financial readiness is a key focus at Fort Gordon. The Army Community Service (ACS) offers a range of financial counseling and education programs. These programs cover topics such as budgeting, debt management, credit repair, investing, and retirement planning. Trained financial counselors are available to provide personalized guidance to soldiers and families facing financial challenges or seeking to improve their financial literacy. Workshops and seminars are regularly offered to educate the community on various aspects of personal finance.
Understanding the complexities of military pay can be daunting. DFAS and ACS at Fort Gordon work collaboratively to demystify the process and empower soldiers and families to make informed financial decisions. They provide access to online resources, educational materials, and personalized support to address individual needs and concerns. The goal is to equip soldiers with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage their finances effectively and achieve their financial goals, contributing to overall readiness and mission success.
In conclusion, the finance function at Fort Gordon is a vital component of the installation’s infrastructure, providing essential financial services and support to the soldiers, civilian employees, and their families who call it home. Through efficient pay administration, comprehensive financial counseling, and robust educational programs, the finance team at Fort Gordon contributes significantly to the financial well-being and overall readiness of the community.