Ft Benning Finance

Here’s an overview of finance at Fort Benning, formatted as requested:

Fort Benning, now known as Fort Moore, houses a significant finance operation supporting soldiers, their families, and the post’s operational needs. The primary entity responsible for financial services is the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).

DFAS at Fort Moore

DFAS plays a crucial role in managing military pay, travel reimbursements, and vendor payments. At Fort Moore, DFAS ensures that soldiers receive their accurate and timely paychecks, including basic pay, allowances (such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)), and any special pay related to deployments or specific duties. They also handle deductions for taxes, allotments, and other authorized withholdings.

Soldier and Family Financial Services

Beyond direct pay, DFAS and other Fort Moore resources provide avenues for financial education and assistance. These services aim to improve soldiers’ and families’ financial literacy and well-being. This may include:

• Financial Counseling: Counselors offer guidance on budgeting, debt management, saving, and investing. They can assist soldiers in developing personalized financial plans and addressing specific financial challenges.
• Tax Assistance: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation services to soldiers and their families, particularly those with lower incomes. VITA volunteers are trained to handle military-specific tax issues.
• Emergency Financial Assistance: Organizations like Army Emergency Relief (AER) offer financial assistance to soldiers and their families during times of unexpected hardship. This assistance can come in the form of grants or interest-free loans.

Vendor Payments and Contracting

DFAS is also involved in paying vendors who provide goods and services to Fort Moore. This includes everything from construction companies to suppliers of office equipment. Accurate and timely vendor payments are essential for the post’s continued operation and maintenance.

Budgeting and Resource Management

Various directorates and agencies at Fort Moore are responsible for budgeting and managing financial resources. These entities work to allocate funds effectively to support training, operations, and infrastructure improvements. They ensure compliance with financial regulations and strive to maximize the value of every dollar spent.

Financial Training for Soldiers

Recognizing the importance of financial responsibility, the Army provides financial training to soldiers throughout their careers. This training covers topics such as basic budgeting, credit management, and investment strategies. The goal is to equip soldiers with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions.

Challenges and Opportunities

The finance operations at Fort Moore face challenges similar to those in any large organization, including maintaining data security, adapting to changing regulations, and ensuring efficient processes. However, there are also opportunities to leverage technology and innovation to improve financial services and enhance the financial well-being of the Fort Moore community.