Local control of military pay returns next May

Published Oct. 12, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Frank John Casciotta
71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 71st Comptroller Squadron will once again be in charge of the military pay system for Team Vance, beginning May 2012.

For the past three years, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., has been in charge of the military pay system for the entire Air Force.

"It was supposed to lower manning requirements and consolidate that system, but ultimately things did not work out that way, so it's coming back to the bases" said Staff Sgt. Nathan E. Meier, the NCO in charge of special actions with the 71st CPTS at Vance Air Force Base, Okla.

Team Vance will receive extra manning in the comptroller office to handle the extra workload and to train other members of the office on how to use the system.

"Having control over military pay will allow us to do a better job as customer service providers," said Meier. "By having the system in house, we will have more control and be able to handle problems when they arise instead of having to send them out.

"We should have a faster turnaround with records, permanent change of station updates -- and the thing I think will be most affected -- deployment entitlements," said Meier. "Right now the entitlements sometimes cause financial hardships if they are not taken care of quickly.

"We'll have more power over pay-affecting documentation, which will allow us to assist the members of Team Vance in a faster and more efficient manner," said Meier. "Overall it's a good thing."