Can a Soldier Send His Salary to His Family While Serving Abroad?
The question of whether a soldier can send his salary to his family while serving abroad has been a topic of much debate and tragic consequence. In cases like the 1984 incident involving Danny Holley, a 13-year-old boy who committed suicide, the financial struggles faced by military families on the home front have been painfully apparent.
Tragic Incident Leading to a Military Scandal
In 1984, Danny Holley, the son of Army SSG Johnnie Holly, tragically took his own life. The heartbreaking reason behind his actions was his desire to give his meager share of food to his mother and three younger brothers. Before taking his own life, he told his mother, “There will be one less mouth to feed; maybe my brothers won’t be hungry tonight.”
At the time, SSG Holly was on a voluntary tour in Korea at Camp Casey. Notably, he did not send any money to his family during this time, which led to severe financial hardship for the family back home.
For his actions, SSG Johnnie Holly was drummed out of the Army through the QMP ( Quiet Monday Procedure) in 1986. The incident highlighted the dire economic challenges faced by military families and sparked a broader conversation about the military’s obligations towards its service members and their families.
Military Pay Practices Today
Given the benefits and practices of today’s military, the answer to whether a soldier can send his salary to his family while serving abroad is a resounding YES. Military members receive their pay twice a month, via direct deposit into a bank account of their choosing. This system ensures that soldiers can manage their finances independently and choose how to allocate their earnings.
For those who trust their partners, financial accounts can be set up as joint accounts, eliminating the need for soldiers to send money. Electronic transfers from one bank to another provide a convenient and secure way to share financial resources within a relationship.
Direct Deposit and Minimum Cash for PX
Military pay is processed through direct deposit, ensuring that funds are automatically sent to a designated account on specific dates, such as the 1st and 15th of the month. For those military members who prefer a balanced approach, part of their pay can be designated for direct deposit while they also receive a cash allotment for purchases from the military commissary or PX (Post Exchange).
The military ensures that service members have enough flexibility in managing their finances. They provide resources and support to help alleviate financial stress and provide tools like financial coaches and budgeting tools. By maintaining transparency and providing support for financial needs, the military works towards strengthening the financial stability of its service members and families.
Conclusion
While the story of Danny Holley serves as a tragic reminder of the financial struggles faced by military families, the current practices of the US Military provide solid support to ensure soldiers can manage their finances independently and contribute financially to their families regardless of their location.
Understanding the support available through direct deposit, electronic transfers, and the balance between cash and direct deposit can help military families navigate financial challenges more effectively. The military’s financial policies work not only to support individual service members but also to strengthen the overall financial stability of military families.