PENTAGON SAYS ALL PAY AND ALLOWANCES TO BE PAID

The Pentagon’s accountants said today that all troops will receive their pays and allowances on time for the mid-month paycheck next week, but some details remain unclear. The Defense Finance and Accounting Services issued a statement saying that “Normal pay and allowances have been processed and you will receive them in your mid-month pay. The amount reflected in your mid-month statement will be deposited.” DFAS officials are beginning the process of running the payroll for the October 15 paychecks and have been awaiting the Pentagon’s official interpretation of the law Congress passed September 30 ensuring troops get paid during the government shutdown. A Pentagon official said troops will likely receive all pays, allowances and bonuses, including incentive pay and re-enlistment bonuses. However, any payments that are not directly issued to service members, including some issued to spouses such as death benefits, may be withheld, the official said.