Hi everyone,

I hope someone can help me help my son. He is a private and in his platoon many are having financial problems. My son is not having problems, he is very good with his money and his bank account is growing every month.

Due to many of the young men in his platoon not having enough money to purchase required items, their SGT has requested that all of them make a budget by the end of the week for him to review. That sounds perfectly fine, many of these young men need guidance.

However... and this is what my question is about. A few of the privates have also been told to provide the sergeant with their last two weeks bank records. My son was not asked to provide his, but is wondering if this is lawful.

So... can an NCO request your personal financial data 'just because'? In the outside world that would require a subpoena. Is there a AR about it?

Thanks so much and sorry this was so long winded.

Proud Mom

Financial ignorance isn't a new problem. The SGT is well within his rights to ask to see their bank statements. Being a financial screw-up is grounds for discharge from the services.

I think that's within his authority to help take care of the men that are his responsibility. That's part of his job. The ones he requested the records for probably have a track record of problems already.

I wouldn't have provided mine because I never had money trouble. That makes it none of anybody's business. I probably saved more money while I was in than most of the NCOs I worked for had. I've met very few people who were more responsible than me with money ever.

If I showed a record of irresponsibility, I wouldn't have balked at accepting an NCO's help. My guess is these guys have had trouble. Getting help is better than getting chaptered out of the Army. If it bothers them, they could black out personal info such as account number. He just needs to see the balance info, I'm sure. Mine would've been incredibly boring. I've always done one withdrawal for cash a month...still do, actually.

He didn't request your son's so he knows your son isn't a screw up.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: PepeLep,

Thanks for your input.

Yes, there are several guys in serious financial trouble - several of them couldn't come with less than $3 to purchase a pin for their uniforms and had to borrow money.

All of this led to my son asking me if it's 'legal'. I didn't have an answer for him. I know my rights as a civilian, but does a soldier have that same right to privacy?

Just a side note: I'm very grateful that the NCO's in his platoon are trying their best to lead these guys down the right path. This is just one of those 'a question came up and I have no idea what the answer is' kind of things. So frustrating Aren't moms supposed to know everything?? lol

Yes it is legal for him to ask in his role as an NCO. He is advising them on how to make proper financial decisions.

However, if they refuse, there isn't a lot he can do. There is no law or regulation which gives him access to that material. In fact, unless they fail to pay debts or such, then an NCO can't really tell a joe what to spend their money on. Back in the day it wasn't that way, but the Army has changed.

Wow im a future soldier shipping in January and this is really a surprises me? I guess being governemnt issued isnt a joke.

Everywhere you go there are "those guys".
"Those guys"are idiots.
On pay day they run down to the big PX or in the ville and buy $59 video games, useless electronics and other junk.
They head to a strip joint, buy high priced drinks and give big tips to juicy girls and go home broke.
Then they have to wait 14 days for the next payday.
No money for haircuts, cleaning uniforms, etc. etc. etc...

quote:

No money for haircuts, cleaning uniforms, etc. etc. etc...

It's a good thing I'm not a Platoon Sergeant. I'd lend them the money with 100% interest in the form of physical labor.
Can I do that as an LT...? probably not

quote:

Originally posted by pharoah_1701n:
I'd lend them the money with 100% interest in the form of physical labor.(

I learned how to deal with money from my dad (who had an accounting degree).

When he was in the Army, he loaned money to "those guys". He made a LOT of money loan sharking...um...I mean helping guys make it to payday.


I never understood where guys wasted all their money. I spent a lot of money while I was in...a lot of it I spent on women and booze. The rest I just wasted. (Ha!) Seriously, I bought things, travelled, partied...had a really good time.

I also saved about fifteen grand in my four years.

I was almost always the only guy with any money at the end of the month. I went to the Oktoberfest alone both times because nobody else had any money.

I don't know where their money went?? I always felt rich in the Army.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: PepeLep,

Yeah I saved all my money and never left the barracks.

Ha ha! Yup, we had one of "those guys" in my unit. One of his escapades was taking a taxi to and from Syracuse (from/to Ft. Drum) to a strip joint, blowing all his money there and coming home broke.

I always wondered why guys go to strip joints and pay money for something they won't ever bring home... Heck, at least you can bring a $59 video game home and it will provide you with at least a few hours of entertainment (and you can use it over and over again without further charge).

Matt
SPC, AV
US Army
OCS Selectee
Class 303-10

quote:

Originally posted by Mad_Matt:
I always wondered why guys go to strip joints and pay money for something they won't ever bring home...

Here's a money saving tip I learned while I was in.

Sit NEXT to the guy with a pocket full of ones.

^^^^^^^
That's a good one , you still get a good view and have more money for beers,,,, so ... i heard , when "those" guys returned to the barracks.


I was usually reading "reader's digest" and being a good Pvt.

When I left Germany, I was only making a little over $300 a month take home.
I didn't care about saving.
I was single, thought I might be a Lifer.
I had some nice things in the barracks.
TV, stereo, rocking chair, a big German made wooden closet that didn't have to be inspected.
Used my wall locker for Army stuff.

I traveled when I could.
Tried every beer I could.
Drank some wine.
Ate well.

Lucky for me cases at the PX were about 3.50 each.
Quarts at the ClassVI were around $5.
Beers at the club were 25 cents and mixed drinks were 35. A whole pizza or chicken dinner was $2.

Bus tickets into town were 7 cents each if you bought them by the sheet.
Catching the train to Nuremburg was $2. each way.
Visiting the wall and getting nookie was 40 marks, equal to $15.

Quarter beers ! Damn I wish I was in the Army in 1901.

HAHAHA....

On another note, I seem to recall that Beer at McDonald was equiv to 1.50 when we left in 1983.

The pay got better around 80, but in the long run the soldier got screwed.
They did away with appropriated funding for activities.

The Post theaters, there were 11 on Benning in 73, the EM, NCO and Rod & Gun clubs, bowling alleys, golf courses, skeet ranges all had salaries paid by the Army. Or they had someone with an MOS running the job.

I had thought about re-enlisting for Club Management.
A movie was 35 cents and bowling was 15-25 cents a game depending on when you went.

When they raised the pay and took the money away for playing, prices shot up because the activities had to be self supporting with exception being the gyms and recreation centers.

Plus when Clothing Sales went to the PX, prices got jacked up big time.

Even the commisaries started matching off post prices. Their claim to fame was, not having to pay sales taxes.

I know liquor and cigarettes didn't have to have state tax stamps on them back then and that was a big savings. I don't know if they have to have them now or not.

quote:

Originally posted by 74Bravo:
HAHAHA....

On another note, I seem to recall that Beer at McDonald was equiv to 1.50 when we left in 1983.

If my memory is right, it seems you could get the burger, fries and beer for less than $2. when I left in 77.

Used to take the train to Erlangen to party and first place we would stop was McDonalds right outside the Bahnhof.

The only other American restuarants around was a Burger King in Berlin. That was a good hamburger after two years without one.

Heard there was KFC in Frankfurt area, but never saw one.

Now they have everything from Hooters to who knows.

quote:

Originally posted by WENDELLKEITHDUNCAN:
I know liquor and cigarettes didn't have to have state tax stamps on them back then and that was a big savings. I don't know if they have to have them now or not.

The prices aren't that much lower at the PX/Commissary anymore, as most have pricing policies to not be too much lower than off post. The prices are higher, AAFES just pockets the difference.