Did you know that Military members used to be paid in cash?

I remember moving forward, reporting for pay, receiving greenbacks. Days long gone.

Yep. 1st and 15th, get in line to get cash, then get in line for traveller's checks.

There was a reason we used to have payday activities...

In the days before PII, there was a clipboard outside the Disbursing Office aboard ship. You'd look up your name, see what your total balance was, and then write in how much cash you wanted. So if you weren't going to a port, you'd draw enough for stuff at the Gedunk like toothpaste, etc. Back in homeport, you'd get a check.

When I first joined the Navy I used to get paid in cash on the ship and all the wives and girlfriends would line up on the pier. Things have changed a lot in 38 years!

When I entered the service in 1982 Sgt Kelli Mays, there was always a pay call on the 1st and the 15th. I guess I continued seeing pay calls until the early 90's when I was stationed in Germany. I believe direct deposit became mandatory around January 1, 1995, although it was "strongly encouraged" before that.

I actually had to report for pay in 1992.

Yes- at Ft Bragg, in the 60's the civilians were harassing troops and wanted them gone- the Fayetteville mayor said that Ft Bragg did nothing for the economy. Commanding General had all troops paid with silver dollars- and then took the Mayor on a tour of the banks after payday to see how much silver was there. The mayor shut up after that. We all where paid cash until Direct Deposit came in in mid 70's

It wasn't weird or inconvenient at all...as a matter of fact I really liked it. I remember in 1985 at basic training that you went to the window, they counted out your pay, you verified by counting out your pay before you left (cause if you left and it was wrong...you lost), signed the roster and got back in formation. When you got back to your barracks, you had to record the serial numbers of all your bills in case they came up "missing". If you spent anything you had to redo the list and keep it current as it was an inspectable item during basic. I also remember filling out travel vouchers and handing them in at the finance window. They calculated them right there and paid you the cash you were due. I liked both cash processes. I didn't like it when it got e-deposited to your account. If I had cash it was up to me to put it in the bank or bury it outside in a coffee can...but it was my decision... now it goes directly to my bank and I have to go get cash when I want it versus having it in hand.

I use to have pay officer guard duty was paid once a month in cash by the pay officer

Prior to deployment ( Old Tin Can Navy ) I was detailed along with another PO to accompany our Supply Office to the Base Disbursing Office to pick up payroll and expense funds for out trip to the Med. Two large canvas and leather bags full of large bills. All three of us with loaded .45s. I also remember everyone being paid in $2 bills in Norfolk. $2 bills were everywhere for months. This was back in the 50s.