A BASE NEARAMMAN, Jordan - Service members in Jordan have the ability to get their pay questions answered and access funds thanks to the work of Alpha Detachment, 4th Financial Management Support Unit, 17th Special Troops Battalion, 17th Sustainment Brigade, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater).
"Everybody needs support, and being finance, we're here to support them," said Staff Sgt. Javorris Scott, dispersing agent with A/4th FMSU. "Pay is one thing you don't want a Soldier to worry about. A paid Soldier is a happy Soldier. I know if it was me, and if I wasn't getting paid, I wouldn't be happy doing my job."
The military pay system has to account for numerous factors regarding service members: home of record, number of dependents, family separation, and any other location- or job-based incentives if applicable. If any of those variables are not correct in the military pay system, service members can come to A/4th FMSU for assistance.
"They feel good when they come here, and we fix their problems," said Spc. Fred Tuwei, a cashier with A/4th FMSU, who's from Chicago, Illinois. "They're excited with us being here. If we weren't here, their problems wouldn't get solved until we got back to the States. If they aren't getting their pay, we put in their paperwork to get it started."
Based out of Ft. Bliss, Texas, the A/4th FMSU also does dispersing operations. This provides service members with a secure way to get local and U.S. currency.
"We're the only finance office in all of Jordan," said Sgt. Marvin Luke, dispersing manager with A/4th FMSU. "Us being out here is vital to the Soldier."
Service members who move in and out of Jordan appreciate the FMSU's service and the security of the transaction.
"It's a big deal. Because number one, if we're working late hours and miss the DFAC (dining facility), we're able to purchase food," Lt. Cdr. Adam Guthrie, liaison officer with Defense Logistics Agency. "Number two, to get haircuts, we have to pay for them.
"It's most definitely more secure. Plus, there are no charges for currency or exchange fees."
That security is needed for service members, because unfortunately, some transactions out on the local economy aren't as secure.
"Another Soldier went to use an ATM, put in the amount, and no money came out. But, his account got charged," said Capt. Chris Yosifovski, supply and services officer in charge with 1st Armored Division. "That's happened to a few other people."
Handing out the government's money means A/4th FMSU Soldiers work under multiple layers of oversight and accountability. It's a task with a heightened demand for attention to detail.
"Being in dispersing requires a lot of concentration when dealing with government funds," said Luke, who's from Atlanta, Georgia. "You must be focused on what you're doing. Even though it's an office job, you can't afford to make mistakes, especially when it comes to dealing with funds.
"Accountability. It's very important. You have to keep track of every dollar value, every penny. If there's a serious loss of funds, it can trigger an investigation."
Along with helping service members and maintaining 100 percent accountability of funds, being in Jordan has given the squad-sized group of A/4th FMSU Soldiers a chance to expand their personal and professional horizons.
"Overall, [being in Jordan] has been a great experience for the team," said Scott, who's from Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Being in Jordan "has helped them grow professionally and as people. They've been able to see the country and experience the culture, as well as interact with many MOSs (military occupation specialties)."
Thanks to the A/4th FMSU, service members can count on another day bringing another dollar.
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