Who remembers pay call? What country(ies) did you receive pay call in?

2015-07-15T16:20:37-04:00

I remember pay call while being stationed in Bamberg, Germany in the early 1980's. I think pay call was only used for forces stationed overseas [expect that includes all Navy vessels as well] where a choice of currency to receive your pay made sense. Pay call made sense when many service members did not have direct deposit for their salary. I don't know if pay call still exists and where it is used.

[Update July 19] I was an infantry training company commander in 1985 and 1986 so the soldiers under my command [IET soldiers] had pay call and I am pretty sure they were strongly encouraged to get direct deposit. I don't remember if the National Guard soldiers had to switch to direct deposit after they finished infantry one station unit training (OSUT) or if they were exempted because they were not going to be on active duty.

Images: Marines 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Pay Call;

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Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 15 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-07-15T16:20:51-04:00

I remember being a pay officer in Germany for 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry Regiment at Warner Barracks in Germany. I carried a briefcase with US dollars and Deutsche marks from the finance office to the battalion area. I was armed with a pistol in the holster while carrying and issuing the money during pay call. Having to keep strict accountability of the funds was an important lesson for me as a young officer.
I certainly enjoyed spending my Deutsche marks at the Bäckerei [bakery], Metzgerei [meat market] especially when we are on maneuvers in the German countryside.
Images: 1981-09 1st BN 52nd IN Controllers for Reforger exercise –results of morning brotchen run – breakfast on the hood of the jeep - West of Giessen, Germany.
1981-09 1st BN 52nd IN Controllers for Reforger exercise –results of morning brotchen run – alternate of breakfast on the hood of the jeep - West of Giessen, Germany

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Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-07-15T16:21:59-04:00

Stood in many Pay Lines overseas, aboard ship, and before Liberty!!!

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jul 15 at 2015 4:24 PM

2015-07-15T16:24:02-04:00

I remember having to be the "Pay Officer" as a Lieutenant in Germany. Hated it...

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 15 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-07-15T16:25:28-04:00

Stood in quite a few pay lines after I eventually made it to a ship -- I was stationed on an AF base for the first two years in the navy (go figure). The ship was an AOR (replenishment ship), and one time, the money was being distributed in a compartment directly above a missile magazine, and they discovered that some nitro was leaking from a couple of the birds. Needless to say, that line cleared pretty quick.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 4:27 PM

2015-07-15T16:27:20-04:00

Yes I remember pay call when I was in Germany in 1985. And when I was in the Army National Guard in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 4:27 PM

2015-07-15T16:27:22-04:00

I remember pay call in Basic and AIT. That was 1975. After that I think I recall we had the option of receiving a paper pay check or direct deposit. And they eventually required direct deposit. Pay call. Great memories. SGT Steven Montgomery may be able to shed some light on the subject. He was a finance clerk around that time.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 15 at 2015 4:28 PM

2015-07-15T16:28:06-04:00

I remember Pay Call in the US actually. When I went through the Fort Benning School for Boys back in 1985, we would march to pay call. I think it was just for basic though. Don't remember it beyond that.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 15 at 2015 4:30 PM

2015-07-15T16:30:53-04:00

If by "pay call" you mean the issuing of paper checks and then standing in line to cash them (in my case at the ship's disbursing office) then yes. When I first came in the Navy back in 1992 the military was still issuing paper checks (but with the option of direct deposit). It was probably around 1995 or so that direct deposit became mandatory.
On the ship we had no choice but to cash our paychecks in the disbursing office if we were deployed or didn't have a bank account so I guess that would qualify as "pay call."

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 15 at 2015 4:41 PM

2015-07-15T16:41:19-04:00

I remember hard checks, but just barely.

As soon as I got to MOS school, the first thing they did was send us to Navy Fed to get Direct Deposit there. I know I got hard checks for Boot Camp, and MCT, but I don't remember when I got MCT's check.

My brother who is two years younger than me, never had to deal with it. He had to have direct deposit and a drivers licence before he joined the Army. It was non-negotiable.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Jul 15 at 2015 4:45 PM

2015-07-15T16:45:09-04:00

Japan, when we first got there the S-1 officer had left the safe behind in Alaska (long story) and we recieved a health and comfort allowance in silver dollars. lol

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 15 at 2015 4:56 PM

2015-07-15T16:56:04-04:00

LTC Stephen F. Your age is showing!

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 5:51 PM

2015-07-15T17:51:02-04:00

Pay call in the late 50s was in cash, once a month. Right after the appropriate amount was disbursed, the 1SG was ready to be sure that each EM was "participating" in the US Savings Bond program, and whatever other charitable functions were current that month. Long ago and far away - for and EM under E6 to have a checking account permission from the COC was needed. Looks like many things have truly improved over the last few generations.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 15 at 2015 8:31 PM

2015-07-15T20:31:17-04:00

I remember when the change didn't jangle...

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 15 at 2015 8:38 PM

2015-07-15T20:38:47-04:00

LTC Stephen F. please see my answer in your Mail Call posting. Another rating combined - Disbursing Clerk was subsumed into Personnelman, since it's all just admin records now, and no cash is involved...

Response by MAJ Danny Clark made Jul 15 at 2015 8:57 PM

2015-07-15T20:57:43-04:00

Did pay call at Ft Riley in the mid-80's. It was common until direct deposit was made mandatory.

Response by SFC Dennis Yancy made Jul 15 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-07-15T21:06:27-04:00

Had Pay Officer come out to isolated Nike herc base in1972-1973. Tolchester, Md off Chesapeake Bay. Flew in on a huey, paid us and everybody was there to relieve you of you pay.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Jul 15 at 2015 10:51 PM

2015-07-15T22:51:53-04:00

That's how we were paid in my day! Usually we were marched to the closest gym or theatre and lined up by Alfabet. MP's everywhere and we were paid in cash! We were dismissed the rest of the day to pay bills and whatever else. My first overseas assignment they switched to checks.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 16 at 2015 1:06 PM

2015-07-16T13:06:03-04:00

I didn't have 'pay call' anywhere I served; that I recall. I received my pay in Pirmasens, Germany; and at Yakima Firing Center (Attached to Ft. Lewis) in Washington State.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Jul 16 at 2015 1:10 PM

2015-07-16T13:10:26-04:00

US and in Panama. 1976 - Basic Training, AIT and then in 1980 to 1982 in Panama.
1976 - Basic and AIT - Stand in the Pay line, report to the Pay Officer, sign pay sheet, receive LES and cash. Changed to sign pay sheet, sign check, receive LES and cash.
1976 - 82nd - Stand in line, receive LES and Check. Highly encouraged to go Direct Deposit.
1980 - Personally had Direct Deposit, but Pay Officer would cash Personal Checks after the regular Cash Disbursements for those not on Direct Deposit. Most of the conduct of the Pay Line was the same as it was in 1976, when I was going through Basic and AIT.

Response by SSG Mark Ives made Jul 17 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-07-17T15:05:34-04:00

I was a pay guard many times. Usually had a Lt for pay officer and a couple of pay guards. Officer had a 45 and guards M16's. Had to go to Finance to pick up money. Usually had Deutsch Marks and had better exchange rat than on economy.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Jul 18 at 2015 11:55 AM

2015-07-18T11:55:06-04:00

I remember pay call in boot camp, but after that I just remember pay problems for years. The Coast Guard Reserve was so far behind that they didn't have a reliable way to pay reservists until the late 1990's.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Jul 19 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-07-19T13:57:54-04:00

I remember pay call in 83 and 84...until direct deposit was made mandatory in Oct 84. I attended pay call once a month... In the states and in central america. I started direct deposit june of 84 after waiting to get money. Truth in advertising... Pay call was simply signing for my check... Except in basic amd ait.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 19 at 2015 2:17 PM

2015-07-19T14:17:15-04:00

Does anybody remember what "punishment" there was for service members who didn't sign up for direct deposit when it became mandatory in October 1984?
I was an infantry training company commander in 1985 and 1986 so the soldiers under my command [IET soldiers] had pay call and I am pretty sure they were strongly encouraged to get direct deposit. I don't remember if the National Guard soldiers had to switch to direct deposit after they finished infantry one station unit training (OSUT) or if they were exempted because they were not going to be on active duty.
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Response by SSG James Yellis made Jul 19 at 2015 2:52 PM

2015-07-19T14:52:23-04:00

I remember it but only for a short time in the beginning of my career

Response by SPC Darin Taylor made Jul 20 at 2015 9:33 AM

2015-07-20T09:33:46-04:00

I remember pay call when I was stationed at Clark AFB, PI. in 1984. We had a choice of U.S. currency or Philippino currency. I also remember how we were warned about exchanging currency off base.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Jul 20 at 2015 11:14 AM

2015-07-20T11:14:59-04:00

I was at Fort Huachuca, AZ in 1973 and we were getting paid in cash. I was doing CQ the night before payday and that meant I would accompany the CO the following morning when he went to pick up the payroll. It also meant, I found out, that I would be carrying(mostly for show I think) a .45. I had never even held a .45 before but the Captain said it was regulation that we go armed. He takes the .45(it's in a holster) out of the locked drawer or wherever it was kept, puts it on the desk in front of me and gathers up some other stuff he needs to take along. I look at it and even with my minimum knowledge of firearms I say to him, "Sir..Is this supposed to have bullets?" He says. "Oh...Ah...Just a sec.."
He put a clip down with I think 2 or 3 cartridges in it. "Don't put in, just take it along" he says. Then off we go to get the payroll.

Response by SGT(P) Bruce Van Havermaet made Jul 20 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-07-20T15:16:22-04:00

Yes I remember pay call 1980 in Korea. I liked pay call. Had to sometimes dress in class A or other inspections before you could go to pay call

Response by LTC Marc King made Jul 20 at 2015 3:22 PM

2015-07-20T15:22:33-04:00

Not only pay call but being the unit pay officer - reporting the the post Finance Office at 0400, collecting the unit pay vouchers, one per soldier including the Officers and NCOs , being issued cash, 50-60K - remember an E1 earned $62 per month before collections, savings bonds and hair cuts! The Pay Officer was armed-45 Cal sidearm drawn from the unit arms room... Count the money - insure it was exactly correct, matched to every pay voucher in the stack... Pay call at the unit ment all personnel lined up - reported to the pay officer -- saluting and stating "Sir Pvt Jones Reports for pay"! The 1Sgt checking, correcting and collecting each soldier that reported for pay. The money was counted out in front of the soldier who confirmed the count/amount - stopping to see "Top" on his way out (no females back then) and so it went till it was all dispersed. Back to Finance to report a successful conclusion or return non-dispersed funds - weapon back to the arms room and on to the training day. I do recall pay call!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-07-20T15:35:39-04:00

I received pay through pay call in the U.S. and Japan.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jul 20 at 2015 6:12 PM

2015-07-20T18:12:53-04:00

Pay Call? Some might carbon-date themselves with a "yes" answer. By 1988, I think everyone had direct-deposit (or Navy Federal's representative would be "available right after Sunday services" to sign you up!). Pay Call? Wow, that's "old Corps!"

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-07-20T19:11:13-04:00

I do remember pay call, because I enlisted in 1973. (My first tour was Active Duty, but I didn't reup and joined the National Guard instead.) But even then we were encouraged to have either direct deposit or our checks mailed to our permanent address. It didn't take much encouragement. If you didn't have direct deposit or a mailed check, you had to stand in line (at parade rest) enter the pay room when told, salute, report, collect your pay, count it there, salute again, about face, and march out.

Mine was mailed to my parent's home, who deposited it into my checking account. I signed up for direct deposit within the year after I completed AIT. Saved a lot of hassles.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 20 at 2015 8:24 PM

2015-07-20T20:24:00-04:00

LTC Stephen Ford, What about all of the, "Reporting for pay, Sir", salutes the Pay Officer never had to return?

Response by SSG Matthew West made Jul 20 at 2015 11:37 PM

2015-07-20T23:37:01-04:00

Sir, I was in the Army from 1991 to 2013, we still had pay call during my 13B OSUT at Fort Sill (June to September, 1991). Once I reached my first duty station (Camp Casey, ROK) we still received a paper check from the Department of Treasury, but the command was really hammering it home that we HAD to have direct deposit by end of fiscal 1992. Since then I have been receiving e-money every month ;)

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 12:03 AM

2015-07-22T00:03:26-04:00

I don't personally but my dad has talked about it when he was in. He was in Vietnam & Germany.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 12:27 AM

2015-07-22T00:27:56-04:00

The closest I had was Payday Activities, which was a bunch of Dog and Pony followed by Class A's for an early final formation. And that was only if we weren't working the road.

Response by MAJ John Adams made Jul 23 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-07-23T13:24:17-04:00

I remember pay call at Fort Riley in 1975 because I was the class A agent for my cavalry troop. I remember being handed "the magazine" from the troop commander's safe and noticing that it was loaded with five of the most disreputable, corroded rounds of .45 ammunition I'd ever had the misfortune to encounter. I remember the "incident" that happened right in front of me when one class A agent racked his slide before removing the magazine, and let one off into the discharge barrel right outside the finance office. And I remember chasing the First Sergeant across Fort Riley in a high speed quarter-ton chase because he insisted on being paid in cash and he loved to torment new 2LTs like me.

I think about half of the enlisted in the troop were using direct deposit, and all of the officers were. The others all got a check. The ones who wanted to be paid in cash endorsed the check and I had cash to give them in return, but it was all by check.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 2:08 PM

2015-07-23T14:08:39-04:00

Vaguely, it was a long time ago. I do recall reporting to the Commander to receive my pay. The troops lined up in ABC order and reported in the customary manner.

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made Jul 23 at 2015 11:10 PM

2015-07-23T23:10:20-04:00

I had pay call in basic training at Fort Dix in 1984 we would march down to the gym the pay officers would be there you reported for pay received your LES and signed for your pay you could keep the cash or by travelers checks. I always loved pay day.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 19 at 2018 7:47 AM

2018-04-19T07:47:18-04:00

Remember going thru this in basic and AIT, and at AT until they started direct deposit.

Response by Sgt Adrian Jones made Apr 19 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-04-19T11:39:27-04:00

Pay calls...thats funny I think that went out with the bank cards and chip enabled cards. That's what I used both times to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2018 12:17 PM

2018-04-19T12:17:37-04:00

I started my military career at Ft Jackson SC where I had pay duty every month. I do remember serving as pay officer in Germany a couple times. Back in the day...

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 19 at 2018 1:02 PM

2018-04-19T13:02:46-04:00

Never daelt with pay call. We had direct deposit from the beginning. I did have to teach some troops how a checking account worked, though.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Apr 19 at 2018 2:29 PM

2018-04-19T14:29:38-04:00

LTC Stephen F., this isn't something I have had to do. My deployment to Iraq, I was able to use USD. In ROK, I used both USD and ROK Won (the ATMs there you could choose which currency you needed).

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Apr 19 at 2018 4:48 PM

2018-04-19T16:48:24-04:00

Who remembers getting paid in MPC?

Response by Sgt John Koliha made Apr 22 at 2018 12:27 AM

2018-04-22T00:27:34-04:00

MPC in RVN. Called it Monopoly money 'cause that's what it looked like.

Response by SSG Ronald Bloodworth made Apr 23 at 2018 8:42 PM

2018-04-23T20:42:35-04:00

I remember pay call from early in my career. There would be a unit formation in Class A uniform. The 1SG would call out the entire company roster in alphabetical order. Upon hearing his name called each soldier would take one step to the rear and exit their platoon using the closest route to the end of the their platoon and the run at top speed around the barracks and form up on the other side. The company would then march to BN HQ and line up at the door to the day room, again in alphabetical order, where the pay officer wa already set up and waiting inside. Each soldier would then step up to the table with ID and LES in hand to be examined and then be paid. Once a soldier signed the receipt ledger that pay had been recieved, the rest of the day was considered “Off Duty”. I always loved it when it fell on a Friday, or better still, at the beginning of a holiday weekend...
Mandatory direct deposit put an end to that pretty much as soon as it wa implemented. After that, it was called “Payday Activities”. Top still held the Class A formations a few times afterward hit it wasn’t the same. Then I PCS’s to Germany in 1986 and never participated in one again. It wa just a formation in duty uniform and then dismissed to take care of financial business and be at COB formation at 1630 and be released from duty....

Response by SSgt Max Gonzales made Apr 30 at 2018 6:29 PM

2018-04-30T18:29:34-04:00

Bin They,VN,ALSO DA NANG,69-70. COULDN'T COMPLAIN.

Response by SSG Donald H "Don" Bates made Apr 30 at 2018 8:17 PM

2018-04-30T20:17:26-04:00

Chunchon, South Korea

Response by Cpl Gabriel F. made May 1 at 2018 12:11 AM

2018-05-01T00:11:10-04:00

Returning stateside ended up in Camp Pendleton. Remember standing outside of a WWII wooden two story barracks for a long time. The line continued inside of a empty squad bay to a wire cage. Name, rank, service number, I.D. Card. Senior NCO's Checked, NCO rechecked the roster. Large old steel trunks with chains that were full of cash with a lot of weapons around. Thought if something happens and all these guys start shooting we are in trouble. Looking down through the wire cage at the Butter Bar LT. starring at me as another was flipping brand new hundred dollar bills very fast from a stack picture side down very green side up. Thought what the hell are they paying us with now ? It had been some time since seeing U.S. green backs. Pay true and correct sir. Sign and move out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2018 12:15 AM

2018-05-01T00:15:02-04:00

DMZ Korea 1973, the Junior LT was the pay master with 2 armed guards, and we got paid with MPC. Hope someone remembers MPC. Lol
I still have some in my money collection, maybe someday it'll be worth something again.

Response by Cpl Scott McCarroll made May 1 at 2018 5:58 AM

2018-05-01T05:58:38-04:00

LTC Stephen F., it truly was, I made a point to not say anything to anybody prior to graduation, I was scared that the DI's would set me back if they knew, I had seen others set back. I never really thought about the day I hit the yellow footprints, now I think it's kinda funny. Do you remember the movie "Born on the 4th of July", with Tom Cruise? Guess that my joining the Corp was kinda like being born again. LoL

Response by Maj John Bell made May 1 at 2018 7:23 AM

2018-05-01T07:23:23-04:00

My very first payday in the FMF, I was the payroll officer for the very last stateside company pay call with cash. Although I think everybody in the company except half a dozen were paid with checks. The next payday everyone had to be on direct deposit or go see the Battalion SgtMaj for their pay. NO ONE (officers included) wanted to pick up their check or cash from the SgtMaj.

Response by PO1 Gery Bastiani made May 1 at 2018 4:46 PM

2018-05-01T16:46:41-04:00

Nam Phong Thailand 1972

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 1 at 2018 9:30 PM

2018-05-01T21:30:53-04:00

I remember the day pay call didn't come. We had just arrived at Ft Jackson for AIT and our financial records hadn't caught up with us. After running out of cigarettes, a group of us went to the PX and conducted a voluntary police call picking up pennies and nickels until we had enough to buy a pack and split it among ourselves. After finishing, we started another police call. A sergeant stopped us and complained that we were missing trash. When we explained what we were doing, he went inside and bought a carton to split among us

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made May 1 at 2018 9:33 PM

2018-05-01T21:33:33-04:00

2 Med Floats in the 1977, back to back. Pay every two weeks, port visit every 2 weeks! Food every day. Life was simple.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2018 9:48 PM

2018-05-01T21:48:34-04:00

I remember pay call in Germany, but we were encouraged to get direct deposit. Eventually they issued government checks. That was in 1982-1984.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made May 1 at 2018 10:17 PM

2018-05-01T22:17:22-04:00

LTC Stephen F. I remember it in 1989-1990, I had to Salute and state my last 4 of my SSN. I remember getting sure pay/casual pay out of a cage. I also remember Bonds/Travels Checks back then.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made May 1 at 2018 10:18 PM

2018-05-01T22:18:32-04:00

Paid in funny money in Yokosuka, Kobe, Nagasaki and Subic in 1968-69.

Response by SGT Mary G. made May 1 at 2018 10:34 PM

2018-05-01T22:34:11-04:00

I remember pay call in Germany. I had direct deposit, but was assigned to be the armed guard one month.

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made May 1 at 2018 10:55 PM

2018-05-01T22:55:29-04:00

I remember pay call the first year or so into the Coast Guard (79-80). I thought it was easy and responsive. Waited, at most, 15mins. If there were any problems, they were solved on the spot. Direct deposit cause unintended consequences aboard ship. No one had cash. As ship's store officer, collateral duty, I became the ship's ATM. The store and single soda vending machine were the only two places to spend cash. Before pulling into port, I exchanged checks for cash. New problem developed with checks bouncing once back to home port of New York City. Crew had more checks than cash.

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made May 2 at 2018 1:24 AM

2018-05-02T01:24:45-04:00

LTC Stephen F. I remember it at Ft Leonard Wood (BT) and Ft Lee (AIT).

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made May 2 at 2018 7:16 AM

2018-05-02T07:16:31-04:00

I remember it very well. (U.S. and Thailand)

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 2 at 2018 7:24 AM

2018-05-02T07:24:00-04:00

Other than while at basic training in 1966 that never happened.

Response by SFC Stephen Atchley made May 2 at 2018 9:15 AM

2018-05-02T09:15:47-04:00

Actually, my last 'pay call' was at Fort Irwin in late 1980. It was a cold, windy, Mojave desert day and we were in an otherwise unused, drafty building. I was selected to be the pay guard and had my M16 and two rounds. My instructions were, (if someone tried to grab the money and run), to fire one warning shot and then shoot to kill. I remember thinking at the time: "Where is someone going to go if they take the money? Barstow is 40 miles away and no one has access to a vehicle..."

Response by SPC Paul C. made May 2 at 2018 10:00 AM

2018-05-02T10:00:00-04:00

I too received pay call in Bamberg Germany in 86

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made May 2 at 2018 11:16 AM

2018-05-02T11:16:42-04:00

When I transitioned to Army Reserve back in 2009, the legacy system of paper checks still existed despite active duty using direct deposit. In 2010, it went completely to computer based digital system.

Response by Sgt Randy Wilber made May 2 at 2018 11:22 AM

2018-05-02T11:22:57-04:00

I remember it in Okinawa, Mainland Japan, then I joined Navy Federal Credit Union in 1983 and did direct deposit.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made May 2 at 2018 11:44 AM

2018-05-02T11:44:06-04:00

LTC Stephen F. I know what Pay Call is, but when I went in, everything was direct deposit.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made May 2 at 2018 11:50 AM

2018-05-02T11:50:39-04:00

Pay call up through the mid 80's on both land stations and sea deployments. Began post boot-camp in 1978, would visit paymasters window to get paid in $20 bills, then came the tan checks that we took to the paymaster to get cashed, then green checks and finally direct deposit. In mid-80's often carried side arm and went with Gunners Mate to the bank to retrieve deployment cash, Equal to paycheck for all crew for entire deployment minus what they had in direct deposit for dependents. It was an eerie feeling walking into a bank armed and walking out with several hundred thousand in cash.

Response by SFC David Xanten made May 2 at 2018 5:24 PM

2018-05-02T17:24:05-04:00

It was paid alphabetical by rank during the early 60’s with my last name beginning with an X I was always last and when I finally made E-5 I thought I would finally get paid in front of another E-5 that I had been one grade behind. The first time I was to be paid they changed to checks.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made May 2 at 2018 5:43 PM

2018-05-02T17:43:38-04:00

I had pay-call in basic, (1964) AIT, Dog Handled School, at my nike base, in Heidelberg (66-68) Viet Nam (68-69) and Korea (72-72)

Response by SP5 Jerry Mucha made May 2 at 2018 7:11 PM

2018-05-02T19:11:42-04:00

Yes indeed, starting at Ft Polk in Nov 1966, at that time pay was less tan $100/month for new recruits, but all in cash, less whatever you had sent home. West Germany at Mainz was the same thing, armed guards, pay officer, stand in line and get your cash. South Viet Nam was similar, except no green backs, all pay was in MPC. I guess this was done to prevent black market in green backs, every so often, they would change the deign of the MPC and all your currency had to be exchanged on the same day or it was worthless. But one way or another, everyone got paid in cash, and that night the poker games begin, leaving a lot of poor suckers broke the next day. Probably why they went to direct deposit besides being more efficient.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 2 at 2018 9:54 PM

2018-05-02T21:54:15-04:00

Yes I reported for pay at Fort Bragg NC in 1992 at ROTC Advanced Camp.

Response by SSG John Ross made May 3 at 2018 7:07 AM

2018-05-03T07:07:26-04:00

Had it during OSUT training at Benning in 86

Response by SSgt Ray Stone made May 3 at 2018 9:07 AM

2018-05-03T09:07:52-04:00

wOW you guys are ancient lol

Response by CPT Don Kemp made May 3 at 2018 12:50 PM

2018-05-03T12:50:00-04:00

I remember pay call in Ft. Polk, LA for BCT / AIT, Korea, and Germany.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2018 11:33 PM

2018-05-03T23:33:54-04:00

Georgia. Not in the Balkins, the other one where they talk funny.

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made May 5 at 2018 9:16 PM

2018-05-05T21:16:11-04:00

Where you report to the pay officer to get your money

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made May 6 at 2018 11:16 PM

2018-05-06T23:16:51-04:00

When I was leav’g BMT at Lackland I took a pay voucher and A good smount if $$ in
Cash which I had turned some into traveler checks(I was promoted to A1C at end of BMT, backdated to day 1 Of BMT. )
I got out of Texas that day and headed back to Mi. To home and my Reserve unit.
I remember the Payroll signature .. did a lot of vouchers with it. Later I went Active Duty AF .. went to Fort Lee, Va. first r field kitchen / Baking school.. I had share drafts for Pentagon Fed Credit Union to last through school, so I didn’t have to draw no partial pay at Ft. Lee..(that’d F***
Your pay up good.. I was told to report for partial pay.. I did and told them I had direct deposit with Pentagon Fed Cr. Union.. (yes, they had it then(1971).. They actually checked!.. said I was good to go..
4 others that went two drew partial and got their pay screwed up... just one check.. but that’s enough.. I don’t know what it is or why they like one to draw that partial pay.? Did they get s’thing out of people getting their pay screwed up?...
I didn’t go through it so I didn’t suffer trying to get my pay straightened out..
I helped a few guys.. all I asked is they pay me what they borrowed.. I didn’t do that interest game.. it wasn’t right .. I got taken care of later.. little favors .. they did.. nice gratuity.. on their own..

Response by LTC John Griscom made May 7 at 2018 8:17 AM

2018-05-07T08:17:40-04:00

I was a Class A agent (pay officer) at Fort Benning, Korea, and Okinawa. One unit had about 300 troops to pay.

Response by Cpl Billy Ashworth made May 9 at 2018 5:22 AM

2018-05-09T05:22:26-04:00

I remember pay call at Cherry Point NC I was paid 60 dollars a month we had to put Our ID card on the pay table and say our name rank and service number then pick up our pay in 1956 then in 1958 at Camp Lejeune

Response by COL Ardis Ferguson made May 13 at 2018 8:09 PM

2018-05-13T20:09:02-04:00

Yes, I reported for pay in BCT and in Turkey. Later in life, I was the pay agent in a small detachment in northern Germany as part of Corps Landjut and as pay agent for my unit in Desert Storm. Paid out US dollars and local currencies. Most Soldiers had direct deposit in my later assignments, but getting to the money was challenging. The Pay Agent was welcomed assistance for Soldiers in far away places

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made May 13 at 2018 11:02 PM

2018-05-13T23:02:09-04:00

I remember pay call at Ft Knox in 1973. I received a few hundred dollars in cash. I kept 100 for myself and put the rest in an envelope and mailed it back to my parents. Later, they told me that they were shocked when they opened the envelope, and to never do that again.

Response by CPO Mark Robinson made May 13 at 2018 11:15 PM

2018-05-13T23:15:26-04:00

Aboard ship there was always two pay lines. The first one is when they pay you cash and the second one is where you then turned it over to the loan sharks (slushers).

Response by SGT George Smith made May 14 at 2018 12:46 AM

2018-05-14T00:46:01-04:00

Okinawa, early on and Vietnam in cash and funny money.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made May 14 at 2018 8:37 AM

2018-05-14T08:37:01-04:00

Pay call was just dying out when I enlisted. Had its good and bad points. Continued on floats and other deployed situations for a while, then banking system made it unnecessary under many situations. It was a chance to reinforce the idea that there was more to the unit than just your specific section or work center.

Response by SFC Sara Zlateff made May 14 at 2018 1:31 PM

2018-05-14T13:31:26-04:00

Early 1980, Germany. I was the armed escort for the pay officers. We reported to the bank, watched the count for receipt to the pay officer. Usually set up in the lobby of the installation bank. Soldier would step forward, last name, first name, last 4 of the SSN, watch the count, payroll signature, proceed to bank window for deposit. Units had time slots, service members alphabetically. The pay officer and I were the last to be paid. Only once was the count off and only by less than 5 cents but may as well been a thousand dollars. We had 3 cents left in the tray upon completion but had so much paperwork,probably killed at least a tree for 3 cents. Was always a long day. Direct deposit became mandatory before the end of 1981. Paid out in USD, could exchange for DM at the bank window.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made May 15 at 2018 11:07 AM

2018-05-15T11:07:39-04:00

You know all these posts got me wondering, does anyone (military or civilian) actually still get handed their pay on payday anymore? Know my grandson recently started his first job and he had no option but direct deposit to an account.

Response by A1C Dick Schmidt made May 15 at 2018 3:45 PM

2018-05-15T15:45:59-04:00

kimpo AB korea 1964

Response by SFC William Farrell made May 15 at 2018 7:59 PM

2018-05-15T19:59:25-04:00

Korea, Vietnam, Texas and many other places since until we went automated LTC Stephen F.

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made May 16 at 2018 4:00 PM

2018-05-16T16:00:13-04:00

My first deployment was in 1969 on the old USS Kearsarge CVS-33. She took us to Nam and all the good liberty ports to boot. We really did not have pay call, but every pay day, the disbursing office would post your pay on a bulletin board. You would go see what your pay was, and you would fill out a pay chit for the amount you wanted to draw, up to and including the full amount on the books. Many sailors would only draw partial pay and let the rest ride. This minimized theft in the birthing area, and also minimized the money lost when a wallet went overboard or was lost. It also minimized how much a sailor was carrying ashore in a less than savory port call! Many a drunk sailor returned to the ship with no wallet and a trip to sick bay to get that shot to take care of ...well you know what! We also were paid with MPC (Military payment certificates) in some ports to thwart the black market. They were like monopoly money (different colors and designs) and they were changed rather frequently.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made May 16 at 2018 7:40 PM

2018-05-16T19:40:25-04:00

I remember Pay Call in the Late 60s in the USA at Great Lakes and on my first ship, USS Cambria (APA-36). We were paid every other Friday and it was in cash. The pay list was posted and we filled out a payslip - sort of like a withdrawal slip. It could be for any amount up to the full amount of pay that was on the books.

One thing I will always remember is the Sailors at the end of the pay line. They were there to collect their pay and interest that they had lent to other Sailors at ridiculous interest rates. 7 for 5 was fairly usual!

In foreign ports, we were still paid in American Dollars, but there was always another table where we could exchange our money for local currency, usually at a fair rate. We were never paid in any foreign currency.

By the mid-1980's I believe all Sailors had Paychecks and we had done away with pay lines. Direct Deposit followed shortly.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 12:40 PM

2018-05-17T12:40:46-04:00

LTC Stephen F. Sir I saw it in a movie (Glory) once.

Response by SSG Thomas Barry made May 17 at 2018 4:39 PM

2018-05-17T16:39:18-04:00

I remember paycall in the states also and how the card tables setup at the end of the line had the field first collecting for various things to include haircut pot so you could not say you didnt have the money for one each week. the loan shark's table was around the corner. Remember 5 for 8 10 for 15?>

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made May 19 at 2018 6:21 PM

2018-05-19T18:21:51-04:00

I reported for pay man those were the days.

Response by Sgt Johnnie R Johnson made May 20 at 2018 2:42 AM

2018-05-20T02:42:10-04:00

While at Tech School at Keesler AFB we received 1 pay call with $2.00 bills because the businesses in Biloxi complained that the military didn't spend money in town. That was in 1974.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made May 20 at 2018 2:52 AM

2018-05-20T02:52:58-04:00

I had one pay call in basic. the rest of my career it was a check in my PSC box every two weeks (once a month in Thailand and Vietnam. Finally, I switched to direct deposit in the mid 70s.

Response by CPL Any Jim made May 20 at 2018 3:22 AM

2018-05-20T03:22:53-04:00

Yah we had pay call in basra in 2007

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made May 20 at 2018 6:52 PM

2018-05-20T18:52:48-04:00

I remember that, but later they said to do direct pay in Augsburg, Germany at 1-18 FA.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made May 21 at 2018 6:55 AM

2018-05-21T06:55:44-04:00

I was in Korea in 1957 so we were paid in MPC. A poker pot would look huge but no very much money in it. Morning LTC

Response by 1SG John V. made May 21 at 2018 9:09 AM

2018-05-21T09:09:14-04:00

Yes, I remember pay call very clearly. My memories are different than most of those expressed. I was in finance, so I was at the start and end of the process. I remember getting up at O-dark-thirty to go to work and issue money to the Class A Agents. Then at the end of the day going through the torture of watching them trying to balance. It was worse overseas when we had both US and foreign currency. I for one was very happy to see direct deposit start.

Response by LCpl Aaron Freeman made May 26 at 2018 2:52 AM

2018-05-26T02:52:20-04:00

Never really had pay calls in the '80s... it was all Direct Deposit... What I remembered, was LES statements.

Response by SGM Gerald Fife made Jun 3 at 2018 1:24 AM

2018-06-03T01:24:30-04:00

I am going to show my age here. Of course my first Pay Call was Dec 1954 at then Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. Then in Germany, starting in July 1956 through January 1958, we received our "monopoly money," actually called script if my memory serves me correctly.

Response by SSG William Bowen made Jun 3 at 2018 11:50 AM

2018-06-03T11:50:22-04:00

I was the LT's driver so when he got assigned as pay officer, I had to drive him to finance to get the money. He got a .45 with like 5 rounds, and drew my M16 and I think they gave me 3 rounds. I got to be first in line and cash my check, and then would sit there as soldiers reported and got paid. We could also buy German marks if we wanted. The cool thing was I got to immediately hit up everyone that owed me money before they could "get lost" Pretty much much most of our unit had direct deposit by the end of 85.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2018 10:40 PM

2018-06-17T22:40:31-04:00

1986-90 , out to sea or on deployme, you had the option to keep uour money on the books. We either got a paper check or the dispirsement officer kept your pay until you could deposit it in the bank. No direct deposit at that time

Response by MAJ Glenn Lasater made Jun 26 at 2018 8:45 PM

2018-06-26T20:45:26-04:00

I remember both receiving pay in cash as enlisted and paying in cash as a payroll officer in CONUS. When reporting for pay, you saluted the pay officer but he/she did not return your salute. That was one of the questions on promotion/soldier of the month boards.

As a pay officer, I was required to report to Finance & Accounting the day before payday to count the money and review each LES. I had to have exact change to pay every soldier down to the penny. After counting the money, it was locked in a footlocker until the following morning. On payday, I recovered the footlocker and transported it to the company day room with an armed escort. After I counted out the soldier's pay out loud, they had to count it back out loud. It was the worst duty I pulled as a Lieutenant.

Response by MAJ Bob Firth made Jul 13 at 2018 2:32 PM

2018-07-13T14:32:18-04:00

Pay day activities. Signed for a .45 and ammo with a guard with M16 and ammo. Picked up a big bag of cash. Germany 1985.

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Jul 13 at 2018 8:45 PM

2018-07-13T20:45:54-04:00

I sure do remember pay call, we were paid cash once a month. I was payroll guard for the pay officer and had escort him to the Finance Office and after he and I counted all the money we came out the same, I escorted him back to the company area and I stood behind him all the time with my weapon. This was the time when the Military got a really large pay raise in 1969. I was sure glad when they went to paying by checks and twice a month.

Response by PO1 Tom Follis made Jul 22 at 2018 5:17 PM

2018-07-22T17:17:41-04:00

Navy-Last duty station was 2 years in Guam. Was with military police. Many times, provided armed escort from ship to bank and back. Many times in excess of 7 figures.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Jul 22 at 2018 6:07 PM

2018-07-22T18:07:36-04:00

Wow, being so over-paid for such insignificant work, how could I ever forget.. At least I have life-long souvenirs, I can proudly display at many, many hospitals..

Response by Capt Joseph Barron made Jul 29 at 2018 11:47 PM

2018-07-29T23:47:20-04:00

Germany 1957-1960

Response by SSgt Brian Brakke made Jul 30 at 2018 5:10 AM

2018-07-30T05:10:34-04:00

When I was in [81-86] everything was direct deposit..

Response by SSG Donald H "Don" Bates made Jul 30 at 2018 8:58 AM

2018-07-30T08:58:07-04:00

We received script in S Korea

Response by SGT(P) Bruce Van Havermaet made Jul 30 at 2018 9:07 AM

2018-07-30T09:07:24-04:00

Yes I remember 1980 Korea

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2018 11:24 PM

2018-07-30T23:24:53-04:00

Come to think of it, only the enlisted got paid together, I never saw the officers where they got paid at.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 3:33 PM

2018-08-01T15:33:55-04:00

Pay call at Ft Jackson S.C. Nov 1977. And the pay guy telling us "Guess you never seen so much money at one time." And "Don't spent it all at once!"

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 3:35 PM

2018-08-01T15:35:12-04:00

$362 for an E-3, 1977. Big. $$$ for a 17yr old.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 3:37 PM

2018-08-01T15:37:09-04:00

Not much change; E-5 w/ 17yrs is $421 as a reservist a month!

Response by MSgt Zeke Zellers made Aug 1 at 2018 7:42 PM

2018-08-01T19:42:04-04:00

Yes I remember pay call here in the states. I had it in Basic training at Sampson AFB New York. The I went to Tech school at Sheppard AFB Texas. We had pay call there also. We could see the building where pay call was held from our barracks. My last name starts with a Z and my two friends started with a Z and the other a Y. They paid A to Z every time. Well we got tired of going over to pay call and standing in line for an hour and a half. So one pay call we watched the line from the barracks till the line got up to the steps. It was a very short wait to the pay officer from there. When we got to the pay officer we reported and the officer turned the pay roster around and should us our names at the bottom and in the right margin it had big N P D. The officer said next time fall in on time. You 3 are dismissed to go to your barracks. We went to the barracks with empty pockets.

Response by CPT Scott Sharon made Aug 2 at 2018 9:40 AM

2018-08-02T09:40:17-04:00

I know it sounds weird but I don't remember any pay calls in the US. I do remember in Vietnam my jeep driver and I driving to Brigade Hqs. in Qui Nhon to pick up the payroll. My Battalion hqs. was about halfway between Qui Nhon and Da Nang and my company was about 30 miles north of Battallion hqs. I remember being paid in $10 MPC bills although most of my pay was put in Soldier's Deposit.

Response by LTC Peter Hartman made Aug 2 at 2018 12:39 PM

2018-08-02T12:39:27-04:00

When we were deployed to the Sanai in 1988 we had a pay call. I imagine they have ATMs at South Camp now.

Response by SGT Brent Scott made Aug 2 at 2018 9:20 PM

2018-08-02T21:20:39-04:00

I remember pay call ending when I arrived in Europe in 86, it was all direct deposit from then on, but when you pulled your cash they asked if we still wanted different currency

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Aug 3 at 2018 11:52 PM

2018-08-03T23:52:09-04:00

While stationed in Thailand in 1972, we didn't call it "pay call", but we did have to see our 1st Sgt for our checks. We were a detachment out of NKP, so our pay came from there. All our finacial requirements were routed thru NKP.

Response by CW3 Ed Vincent made Aug 4 at 2018 4:08 PM

2018-08-04T16:08:21-04:00

When I joined the Army in 1962 we had pay call and I remember the line of folks wanting donations s
after the CO handed you your pay.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Aug 4 at 2018 11:55 PM

2018-08-04T23:55:36-04:00

I remember paycall in Okinawa and Vietnam. I also remember one time when I said "Thank You" to the pay officer. The officer replied "Don't thank me Marine you earned it" I never said thank you again to a pay officer. Semper Fi.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Aug 5 at 2018 7:53 PM

2018-08-05T19:53:49-04:00

We were paid cash in boot camp (1980) and when I went on my first float to the med (81-82). We had pay call stateside but were issued checks by the 1st Sgt. I believe I drew a "hard check" until 1985 when I got married, then I got direct deposit.

Response by LTC James McElreath made Aug 6 at 2018 6:05 PM

2018-08-06T18:05:59-04:00

When I was in Basic Training back in 1974 and again when at AIT at Ft Ord, Cal.. In Germany, I kind of remember receiving a check, but could only get it cashed from American Express, also on base I believe after leaving AD in 1996, it was check to bank only. From 1996 on I think the only option was check to bank and could split pay in two increments.

Response by LtCol Andrew Horne made Aug 7 at 2018 10:28 AM

2018-08-07T10:28:30-04:00

As a new Infantry Officer, I was pay officer for 1st Bn, 6th Marines during Team Spirit in the ROK in 1985, I was under arms and had an armed MP guard escort. The first and only cash pay call I ever saw. I think they were fazed out shortly thereafter.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Aug 8 at 2018 10:01 AM

2018-08-08T10:01:41-04:00

LTC Stephen F. Reported for pay many times in the Marine Corps and was paid with MPC(Military Payment Certificates) in certain Areas.

Response by SPC Robert Gary made Aug 8 at 2018 11:58 AM

2018-08-08T11:58:24-04:00

I remember my first pay in Fort Knox Kentucky in 1967. I was quite surprised it was in cash

Response by LTC David Tuttle made Aug 10 at 2018 6:29 PM

2018-08-10T18:29:00-04:00

I served as one of the payroll guards, in 1980-1981. Alpha Company, 23d Engr Bn, 3AD, Hessen Homburg Kaserne, Hanau, FRG. Direct deposit ended this.

Response by MSgt Don Beers made Aug 13 at 2018 4:07 AM

2018-08-13T04:07:05-04:00

We had pay call in UT until June 67 . Don't know how long after that.

Response by SFC George Sease made Aug 14 at 2018 8:06 PM

2018-08-14T20:06:31-04:00

I remember pay call when we were in Panama (the Canal Zone-Fort Clayton). I was an E4 .

Response by Sgt Cesario Briseno made Aug 22 at 2018 5:58 AM

2018-08-22T05:58:44-04:00

Pay call at Clark AB in the Philippines, also at Da Nang in Vietnam.

Response by Sgt Daniel J. Daly made Aug 24 at 2018 10:53 PM

2018-08-24T22:53:30-04:00

When I was in the Marines in 2D Bridge Co. at Camp Gieger, NC 1966-67 pay call was handled by the OD and SNCIO. Both wore 1911A1 and when the arrived they would sit at the Duty NCo’s desk and the OD would place is pistol on the desk next to him and the SNCO would stand behind him with the flap of his holster opened and ready to go. Pay was made in cash and counted out for you. Upon my return from Vietnam they still had a pay call and both carried the .45’s, but they stayed in the holster and pay was a check in a envelope with you name on it. Reall don’t remember how we were payed In Vietnam, but do know I sent most of my money home keeping only $50.00.

Response by LTC Greg Henning made Aug 25 at 2018 6:29 PM

2018-08-25T18:29:22-04:00

I had the honor of having the duty of armed guard for pay call at Fort Devens 1974. You drew a 45 with 6 rounds

Response by SGT Greg Davis made Aug 26 at 2018 8:50 AM

2018-08-26T08:50:42-04:00

I only had pay call a few times before direct deposit was mandatory. It must have been 1985 as my AIT was the better part of a year and I can only remember doing it early during training. I did have to pull pay guard duty once with an empty M16 and three rounds in a magazine stored Barney Fife-style in my pocket that I was strictly forbidden to touch.

Response by SPC Mike Davis made Aug 29 at 2018 8:09 AM

2018-08-29T08:09:52-04:00

1959-1962 Pay-call and then not paid in real american dollars. Called script.

Response by CPL Richard Brackner made Sep 2 at 2018 4:48 PM

2018-09-02T16:48:22-04:00

I remember it well. I was stationed in Gießen West Germany in 1985 to 1987. They tried to force us to bank with American Express I think. We weren't having it and did it the old fashioned way. On the 1st and 15th of the month a butter bar would set up in the basement by the armory. She had a foot locker like lock box and a 2 MP escort. She would count our cash and we would sign for it. Usually about 4 days before the next pay day my roomies and I would be broke and would go around the barracks knockin on doors to fill a rack with empties. If we filled the rack we could each get a bratwurst, fries and 2 beers. Man, life was simple then. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Response by CPT John Stoddard made Sep 3 at 2018 2:52 PM

2018-09-03T14:52:40-04:00

I must be ancient now because in 1970 at then, Ft. Lewis, I was pay master for the Air Cav Troop of the 3rd ACR. At that time pay was at the end of the month and in cash. Around 6 months later the Army went to direct deposit. I had a side arm and armed guard. I was immensely happy when I made out the pay envelopes as the cash I had left for the last voucher matched exactly what was needed.

Response by MSG Robert Greco made Sep 13 at 2018 9:46 PM

2018-09-13T21:46:15-04:00

For me, only Bootcamp at Ft. Sill (1985). We were marched to the nearest gym. On all 4 corners was a M60 Machinegun nest. In the hallway there was more. In the gym, guards walking around with M16's. The pay officer had a M1911 on the table.

You entered with your hands on your head, waiting to be called and went to the pay officer who called your name and last four. Once paid, the DS marched you to the post bank to buy money orders. You were only allowed to have $50 cash on you, $51 and you'd get an article 15.

After Bootcamp you had to get direct deposit, after that, never paid cash or by check while on Active Duty.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Sep 18 at 2018 5:05 PM

2018-09-18T17:05:44-04:00

LTC Stephen F. in 1983 on the ship I did not get cash. We received checks, but we went upstairs to disburing and stood in line to get cash and convert to lire.

Response by SSgt Bob Mobbs made Oct 6 at 2018 1:00 PM

2018-10-06T13:00:35-04:00

The only time I remember pay call was in Basic. After that I always received a check mailed to my mail box. (1971-77)

Response by Cpl Geoff Smith made Oct 6 at 2018 2:51 PM

2018-10-06T14:51:50-04:00

Had pay call in US and Vietnam also remember when local merchants complained we weren't spending our money in town,e we would be paid only with $2.00 bills and what change we were due

Response by SSG Lee Kujawa made Oct 14 at 2018 2:50 PM

2018-10-14T14:50:54-04:00

I always thought that was very “ military,” and I loved it. I was paid in Deutch Marks in Germany and MPC’s (funny money) in Vietnam.

Response by Sgt Mike Jacobi made Oct 28 at 2018 11:07 AM

2018-10-28T11:07:34-04:00

we got paid in cash and the change was held over to the final pay call of the year. we had to report in a military manner complete with salute to the officer(usually a second lt ) Generally the first sgt was next at the table with a clerk collecting for the red Cross or some other project. It was a foolhardy Airman who didn’t “voluntarily” pay up.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Oct 29 at 2018 8:13 AM

2018-10-29T08:13:54-04:00

LTC Stephen Ford. Good Morning Sir. I recall a stateside paycall where They gave me $1.00. And that was for the month. In Korea with MPC I made approx $30.00 monthly.. Got a pay raise under Johnson and it was big enough that it put most in a higher tax bracket and we lost a few bucks on our pay. And I am sure that meany out there was a E7 and never made over a $1000.00 per month. But they have been paying me for 48 years so no compliant.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Oct 29 at 2018 9:57 AM

2018-10-29T09:57:52-04:00

Always amazed that the money I picked up to 200 troops (about $40,000) came out exactly to the dollar.

Response by SSG Lee Kujawa made Oct 29 at 2018 12:21 PM

2018-10-29T12:21:09-04:00

It was your choice at pay call in Vietnam just how many dollars in MPC you wanted to exchange for dollars.

Response by SFC Dave Nutter made Dec 13 at 2018 11:45 AM

2018-12-13T11:45:22-05:00

Joined the army in 73 got paid in cash until 1976 when I opted for check because iy came a couple days early. At Ft Knox all of the units in Disney Barracks were paid in the gym in that area. In Korea we were paid in the company area the 1sgt was at the end of the line to collecy for the haircut and houseboy funds after him was the unit mamasan to collect what ever she might be owed. Then payday activities (hit the ville and spend whatever the 1sgt an mamasan did not ger)

Response by PO1 Steven Siepp made Dec 15 at 2018 6:56 PM

2018-12-15T18:56:15-05:00

Serving aboard ship abroad we always had pay call on the mess decks. there would be the Dispersing officer along with a couple of armed Master at Arms. you stood in a long line and collected your pay. My first deployment I was single and young not making much like everyone else but as with rank and marriage the pay grew but then you had allotments home to pay the bills so still not a lot of money to worry about. I say worry about because your locker with it's little lock wasn't much of a bank vault. I was stationed in Little Creek NAB I think when Direct Deposit became mandatory and although I had it when it was available was glad it became mandatory. I think at least 3 young Sailors were robbed outside the gate every pay day

Response by SSG Mark Lawless made Dec 29 at 2018 10:53 AM

2018-12-29T10:53:45-05:00

I remember pay call while in Korea in the mid-70's. We were paid with Military Script (MPC) and had to dole it out for this or that as we went down the pay line. Back then, greenbacks were illegal to have.

Response by SGT James Colbert made Dec 30 at 2018 8:23 AM

2018-12-30T08:23:12-05:00

In Germany we used to line up for our Ration Cards. We used for coffee alcohol and cigarettes

Response by SGT James Colbert made Dec 30 at 2018 8:25 AM

2018-12-30T08:25:50-05:00

They had lines like that during Basic in the late 80 early 90's

Response by COL George Antochy made Jan 2 at 2019 2:56 AM

2019-01-02T02:56:10-05:00

I was the XO of an ADA Battery at Camp Stanley, 1982. Every Pay Day (15/30) started with a early morning 12 mile ruck march through the ROK. When we returned the Soldiers were to clean-up themselves and the barracks and have chow. Meanwhile my driver and gunner drove me to Camp Casey, where I received the payroll in $20's, which I had to count. I had an M-60mg mounted on my M-151A1, as Koreans liked US dollars. Then back to Camp Stanley where the 1SG had the Soldiers lined up for Pay Call. They came into my office, where they reported to me, I counted out their 20's, then they counted it and signed for it. Then they went back to the 1SG where certain collections tables were setup. Once everyone was paid we drove back to Camp Casey where I returned the unissued funds and then back home. Mid-month was about $150 K and end of month was about $300 K. Some of my friends on larger camps had to also pay the Korean Nationals, and at the time the exchange rate was about 750 won to $1. I was always grateful that I didn't have that task.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Jan 2 at 2019 9:06 AM

2019-01-02T09:06:37-05:00

My first time was in basic training (bad experience but that another story). After that while on deployment and TDY's we had Pay Officers.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Jan 2 at 2019 2:59 PM

2019-01-02T14:59:17-05:00

Well LTC Stephen F., I remember Pay call, but only served CONUS during the era when Pay Call was still how the military chose to pay soldiers.

My most memorable thoughts about Pay Call stemmed from my last name being Thorin, especially on incredibly hot and humid days.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jan 2 at 2019 7:33 PM

2019-01-02T19:33:40-05:00

3 partial pays in BMT . My Great Aunt wanted send me some fun money. I told her no, too many nosy people.. Some
Body lies accuses you of being a thief, I
Want have no more money than I should have for that point in BMT with proper
Mgt of my funds..

Response by Lt Col Paul Maxwell made Jan 13 at 2019 12:06 PM

2019-01-13T12:06:14-05:00

Yes...remembered from early in my career. I think early 80s, and we were on direct deposit quickly after. I recall armed pay officers, and MPs on roof of the gym ( pay was done there) , traffic restrictions in area. and you didn’t want to go near the PX on payday, because it was all cash economy back then... this was stateside.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 8:20 PM

2019-01-17T20:20:42-05:00

West Germany.

Response by SFC Bill Patterson made Feb 15 at 2019 4:22 PM

2019-02-15T16:22:41-05:00

Pay call Korea. Paid in Won

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Feb 15 at 2019 8:12 PM

2019-02-15T20:12:24-05:00

I got paid by check in Alaska

Response by SMSgt Tom Burns made Feb 15 at 2019 11:21 PM

2019-02-15T23:21:36-05:00

We didn't have pay call in the Air Force, even overseas in the 70-90. Although in S Korea in 71-72 we were paid in Military Script. Only got to see real money if you got R&R or took leave to Japan.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Mar 31 at 2019 12:44 PM

2019-03-31T12:44:40-04:00

There I was, payroll guard with my M60 and 100 rds ammo; scared the hell out of a bunch of people. Long story, but funny. ;)

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 31 at 2019 6:18 PM

2019-03-31T18:18:23-04:00

Definitely Other in My Case, Usually I was Paid in Check but Not Always at the End it was Mostly by Direct Deposit but While in Dry Dock I do Remember a Pay Call or Two. Made More Interesting when Your DISBO Disbursing Officer is LTJG David Robinson. Not a Lot of Sailors Taller than Me but He Was

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Mar 31 at 2019 6:34 PM

2019-03-31T18:34:25-04:00

I received pay in cash during my entire enlistment as I recall. Twenty dollar bills, a couple of tens and ones and a few coins. By the time I paid for my laundry, SGLI and the cup and flower fund and a couple of other things there was considerably less than when I started.

Response by PO3 Lynn Spalding made Mar 31 at 2019 7:22 PM

2019-03-31T19:22:45-04:00

I remember filling out pay chits on ship in the 70s and a lot of times Doc would be waiting at the end of the line to give shots.

Response by SPC James Seigars made Apr 1 at 2019 2:58 AM

2019-04-01T02:58:47-04:00

I remember mine very well. I was in Basic in 1985, AIT in 1986, and in Germany from 1988 to 1990. Since I Was in the Reserves in 1985 and in the Guard in 1986 to early 1988 (til March) I only had pay call in Basic (Apr-Jun 1985) and AIT (Jun-Aug 1986) because the rest of the time we got a check in the mail. However, when I went active and to Germany in 1988 I again had pay call for a short while before we were all required to have a bank account and direct deposit. As far as I recall by Jan 1989 all Military pay was sent Direct Deposit to a SM’s bank regardless of Branch of Service or payment coming from Federal or State Government. Personally I have had my checks Direct Deposit for all my jobs from 1992 on and though I miss the formality and tradition of having Pay Call & what it represented I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Response by SFC Bill Patterson made Apr 1 at 2019 8:16 AM

2019-04-01T08:16:16-04:00

Korea MPC

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Apr 1 at 2019 7:00 PM

2019-04-01T19:00:48-04:00

Did it in my first few years as the army transitioned to direct deposit. Still have my very first Dot Matrix printed LES.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 2 at 2019 8:43 AM

2019-04-02T08:43:04-04:00

Excuse meee.. did that many people forget pay call at BMT where they got partial pay a couple times or did they issue checks in the later times(after the 80s?).. Maybe paid with gift card ?

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 2 at 2019 8:45 AM

2019-04-02T08:45:23-04:00

Actually.. a gift card be a good way to go..
Just remember to not wash it or dry it !

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 2 at 2019 8:55 AM

2019-04-02T08:55:44-04:00

I remember before going on a deploy I purchased some cards through the Credit Union in the states and in Germany for their marks .. One bank paid the best rate. Which is where they suggested we go.. I hung on to all my cards that had some change amounts and the credit union put it back to my account .. I got about $5 back over 10 cards turned back. They were refillable so I kept for next deploy..

Response by SPC David Roberts made Apr 3 at 2019 11:11 PM

2019-04-03T23:11:23-04:00

I had paycall stateside during AIT in '75. Wait in line outside the dayroom, walk up to the table, salute the officer and give your name. He grabs your paper, counts out your money to you. You take it, salute and walk to the next table and buy travelers checks if you are smart.

On payday weekends, we'd have guards on every floor of the barracks. And two EMs would be issued weapons to go with the pay officer to the finance office to get the cash.

Response by SFC Howard Rouser made Apr 4 at 2019 11:17 PM

2019-04-04T23:17:50-04:00

In Vietnam in '66 and '67.

Response by SP5 Dennis Dorsey made Apr 5 at 2019 11:34 AM

2019-04-05T11:34:02-04:00

I had pay call while with the 572nd HEM in Heilbronn, Germany and later while with the 169th Engineers Bn, in Long Bin SV.

Response by SFC David Xanten made Jun 2 at 2019 10:43 PM

2019-06-02T22:43:52-04:00

I was in Germany and pay call ended in early 63 when the Army started paying by check

Response by SSG Michael Noll made Jul 10 at 2019 4:08 PM

2019-07-10T16:08:31-04:00

We reported for pay in basic Ft. Jackson 83, AIT Redstone Arsenal 83/84 and 84 at Ft. Ord CA, I think we called it payday activities then.

Response by SFC Michael Moody made Nov 13 at 2019 8:04 PM

2019-11-13T20:04:27-05:00

I remember it through Basic and AIT to my first duty station at Ayers Kaserne (The Rock) with the 2/36 Info. After getting your pay in cash the 1SGT sold US Saving Bonds after him the Day Room Orderly had your tab for the month between the two you went to the Day Room and started your Day Room tab all over again.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Nov 15 at 2019 6:26 PM

2019-11-15T18:26:44-05:00

Was a payroll guard a few times.
Best (most fun) time was when i did it with my M60 machinegun and a 100 round box.
Scared the shit out of a bunch of people.
;)

Response by SSG Jeffery Payne made Nov 17 at 2019 7:03 PM

2019-11-17T19:03:08-05:00

Yes, paycall in the 1st of the 12 cav, 1st cav division Wildflicken Germany. A pay master would come, one of our Lts would catch the duty. They always worried about the money coming short. They didn't like the duty.

Response by Cpl John Cogswell made Nov 18 at 2019 3:15 PM

2019-11-18T15:15:28-05:00

We had pay call during Desert Shield/Storm. They all highly recommended we get Direct Deposit. It was basically just so we had a little spending cash when the PX truck came through with pogey bait, tobacco and minor health and hygiene products. We learned the hard way to buy up all we could when it came through for us, because we never knew when it would through again.

Response by SP5 Jeannie Carle made Nov 19 at 2019 11:17 PM

2019-11-19T23:17:19-05:00

Yup - that would be So Korea.

Response by MAJ Michael Cummings made Jan 16 at 2020 11:08 AM

2020-01-16T11:08:55-05:00

I only had pay call a couple of times when I first came into the military and it was at Camp All American at Ft. Bragg in '94.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 18 at 2020 12:20 AM

2020-01-18T00:20:58-05:00

Posted on behalf of Sgt Charles Welling
Mail call? I stood in line to get paid in cash by an armed officer and an armed MP behind him and had to sign for it.
FYI SP5 Jeannie Carle SPC Chris Bayner-Cwik SPC Diana Rodriguez SPC Diana D. SSG Diane R. LTC Hillary Luton Maj Kim Patterson Sgt Kelli Mays SFC Private RallyPoint Member SGT Elizabeth S SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" MSG Andrew White SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 1SG Steven Imerman COL Mikel J. Burroughs Col Carl Whicker Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen MAJ Rene De La Rosa TSgt David L.

Response by BG Gary Jones made Jan 22 at 2020 8:41 AM

2020-01-22T08:41:50-05:00

In the 70’s we had pay call stateside as NATIONAL GUARD soldiers. As a young 2LT I had to serve as pay officer by going to bank, getting the cash, counting out and marrying to pay vouchers, then accounting for any unexpended funds.

Response by SFC John Lich made Jan 22 at 2020 11:06 AM

2020-01-22T11:06:31-05:00

Yep...received it and guarded it

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jan 23 at 2020 11:17 AM

2020-01-23T11:17:00-05:00

Vietnam & Germany

Response by MAJ Michael Scharff made Jan 28 at 2020 4:31 PM

2020-01-28T16:31:51-05:00

I was a 2 LT disbursing officer in Ansbach, Germany in the 80s so I remember it well.

Response by SSG Rick Austin made Feb 4 at 2020 7:23 PM

2020-02-04T19:23:49-05:00

I was in C, 1/52, Bamberg from 79-82..

Response by LTC Glenna Wheatley made Feb 6 at 2020 6:19 AM

2020-02-06T06:19:19-05:00

As a 1LT in a Training Battalion stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in the early 80s, I had to sign out a .45, with 2 bullets that were then never loaded into my weapon, collect the cash, then issue it to the troops well before oh dark 30.

Upon completion, I would return the pay sheets and any balance not disbursed to the Post Finance Office, at which point I had to sit and wait for them to open because unlike us, they did NOT have to do anything at even CLOSE to oh dark 30.

The women who received the money was a union leader. Even though there were some soldiers employed by that office who were there early, she did not let them accept the money from us before they “officially” opened. We all hated her and most civilians under union control back then.

Fond memories.

Response by COL David Turk made Feb 10 at 2020 7:52 AM

2020-02-10T07:52:31-05:00

Definitely remember it in basic training in early ‘72, and the various “collections” at the next table. Was a pay officer in Germany in the late 70’s. Long lines at finance to pick up money. One time was notable in that I was standing next to another 2Lt who sounded like a sad sack. Sure enough, about 15 minutes into his conversation with another 2Lt in front of him, he volunteers that he was passed over for 1LT!

Response by SGT Diana Lewis made Feb 20 at 2020 8:31 PM

2020-02-20T20:31:04-05:00

I remember paycall in basic training last year of woman’s Army Corp in 1976 had Athena brass. Then in regular Army we had to get a checking account. When we were in the field in Germany I was in a medical unit and we had mail call because we would be in Grafenfeld for a couple weeks at a time

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Mar 12 at 2020 10:58 PM

2020-03-12T22:58:50-04:00

We had payday activities in gelnhausen Germany when I was stationed there in 89-91 consisted of class a inspection then the co and 1sgt would go over your financial situation briefly before they presented you with your les

Response by SFC Richard Williamson made Mar 13 at 2020 8:56 AM

2020-03-13T08:56:33-04:00

In S. Korea, we had pay call where we were in dress uniform and went through in ranks inspection, barracks inspection, and then marched up to the rec center where we reported to the pay officer and received our monthly allowance. I say allowance because there were bills, which were called "fees" taken out on the spot. Those fees were for the barber shop, house boys, and club fees, in other words, pay your tab. And from 1973 until late 1975 or early 1976, we were paid with MPC ( Military Payment Certificates) or Monopoly Money. That's what it looked like, and Greenbacks were illegal back then. Even though I only got paid around $125, a month, I felt rich, because the highest denomination in MPC was $10, and then $5 & $1.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Mar 23 at 2020 10:12 AM

2020-03-23T10:12:22-04:00

Yes, remember it well, pay master was typically one of the platoon LTs with a 45 and 1st Sgt, you were paid cash and you passed the line of charities asking for money as you left, almost have of my check went to a savings bond allotment

Response by CW3 Michael Clifford made Mar 29 at 2020 8:16 AM

2020-03-29T08:16:24-04:00

I remember holding pay call at Fort Monroe and Fort Eustis. As an MP, we use to guard the payroll site and also the post pay from Finance & Accounting to the payroll sites.

Response by MSG Gilbert Berg made May 30 at 2020 7:36 PM

2020-05-30T19:36:36-04:00

Military pay call Formation at Ft. Eustis, VA 1953, we had mail clerk in France, 1954-56. Long time ago.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Jul 12 at 2020 8:26 PM

2020-07-12T20:26:15-04:00

I remember pay call from 74 - 82, Basic Training, Aberdeen Md, Fort Knox, Germany and being a pay guard and officer in Germany.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2020 7:47 AM

2020-07-31T07:47:31-04:00

We had pay call.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Jul 31 at 2020 8:57 AM

2020-07-31T08:57:59-04:00

Pay call in basic training, AIT and my first duty assignment at Ft Carson, Colorado. It lasted about 6 or 7 months before they changed it. I can’t remember when they went to paying twice a month, but it was after Paycall.

Response by SFC(P) John McLaughlin made Jul 31 at 2020 6:54 PM

2020-07-31T18:54:29-04:00

I believe I was the last training cycle going through Ft. Knox having to go through the line to receive pay from the company commander.

Response by MAJ Van Chase made Sep 30 at 2020 11:06 AM

2020-09-30T11:06:48-04:00

When I was stationed in Germany pay call was with mail call. Our pay checks came in the mail. I remember one time our company had soldiers AWOL that would turn themselves in the day before checks came. They would get there checks from the mail room the go AWOL again.

Response by SPC Dwight Turner made Sep 30 at 2020 6:40 PM

2020-09-30T18:40:43-04:00

i was 1 of 29 % who only went to pay call while in formation in germany !! we wore cook wihtes i had to do it twice during 18 months
in basice we stood behind each other then aproached " REPORTING FOR PAY SIR " he counted out what we earned asks us how many travelers checks we needed ?
of course basic training was so different my last duty station i never stood pay formation !!!
they wound up moving our company further away from our dining facility we wound up staying with a company which was alot closer to working seems like they wanted to punish us cooks !! we fixed them though HEHEHEHE

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 21 at 2020 11:27 PM

2020-10-21T23:27:01-04:00

duplicate

Response by MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. made Oct 22 at 2020 4:47 AM

2020-10-22T04:47:34-04:00

In BCT and in the field in Vietnam.

Response by SGM Major Stroupe made Oct 22 at 2020 7:48 AM

2020-10-22T07:48:43-04:00

I remember reporting for pay while stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. When we were offered to have our pay delivered in a check by mail or put directly into a bank pay call suddenly vanished. Those still not signed up had to go to the Finance Office to receive their pay. Of course that soon resulted in everyone getting direct pay by either check or direct deposit. So no more reporting for pay to an officer with an armed guard to receive you monthly pay. Some time later the Army began offering pay twice a month. Having learned to budget on a once a month pay plan I saw no need to convert and to this day I still budget monthly.

Response by MSG Felipe De Leon Brown made Oct 26 at 2020 1:11 PM

2020-10-26T13:11:06-04:00

I still remember the pay line from Basic, AIT and SFTG even though it was more than 50 years ago. We had to stand in line and salute the pay officer (who didn't have to return the salute) as we said something like "PFC John Doe reporting for pay, sir." I don't remember as formal a pay line while in Viet Nam because our pay was in MPCs which we could exchange for Vietnamese Piasters in that era. After I returned to the States, all SF had to elect Direct Deposit.

Response by SSG Christopher Boyer made Oct 27 at 2020 3:33 PM

2020-10-27T15:33:22-04:00

Remember those cages in Germany too, we had them in the 90s too at Ft. Stewart, and Ft. Knox....TDY, and ETS Leave Pays were all done this way...BAQ and Terminal Leave, etc

Response by SSG Christopher Boyer made Oct 27 at 2020 3:35 PM

2020-10-27T15:35:24-04:00

Still trying to remember what the checks looked like before the colorful Statue of Liberty, anybody remember??

Response by SSG Christopher Boyer made Oct 27 at 2020 3:36 PM

2020-10-27T15:36:48-04:00

LES's were all Paper that was a light green and white color

Response by PO1 Randy Morse made Oct 28 at 2020 7:43 PM

2020-10-28T19:43:32-04:00

Being Navy, we had pay call when I was stationed on a sub tender in Charleston, Sc

Response by Sgt Floyd Carmichael made Nov 1 at 2020 11:25 AM

2020-11-01T11:25:27-05:00

In Vietnam the 1st of each month, Stated Last Name, first Name, Middle Initial, Rank and Service Number. Yes we had Service numbers back then, Got paid in Military Payment Certificates (MPC). At another table could exchange whatever amount you wanted into Piasters, the Vietnamese currency.

Response by SP5 George Smith made Nov 1 at 2020 12:25 PM

2020-11-01T12:25:54-05:00

B-1-1, Basic Training, Ft Ord, CA, 1968. (Hand salute) “SIR! Pvt. Smith reporting for pay!” Salute returned. At ease. Watched the LT count out, “20, 40, 60, 80, 5, 1...$86.00” Base pay was $102 for an E-1. Uncle Sam’s cut was $16. Sign the roster. Collect your pay. Salute. Move out.

Response by MSG Terry Lingle made Dec 24 at 2020 1:07 PM

2020-12-24T13:07:01-05:00

Basic and AIT, Aug 68-Feb 69 in greenbacks, then Korea, 69-71(?) in MPC. All once a month.

Response by MSG Terry Lingle made Dec 25 at 2020 6:37 PM

2020-12-25T18:37:54-05:00

I remember pay call. Does anyone else remember the people waiting in line to collect their chunks of that pay? The KP fund, your houseboy, the unit savings bond rep, etc?

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2020 4:33 PM

2020-12-26T16:33:46-05:00

Sicily, Spain and Cuba.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Dec 26 at 2020 5:36 PM

2020-12-26T17:36:05-05:00

Pay call was ending right around when I came in in ‘90. As we were mandated to get direct deposit! Although, for my very first two paychecks at Basic, stood in line... And yes, the old ration cards in GE. Eventually got away from them and kept the ESSO fuel tickets!

Response by CWO3 Dave Alcantara made Dec 27 at 2020 10:37 PM

2020-12-27T22:37:48-05:00

St Kitts, South Korea, Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, Azores, Portugal, France and Spain

Response by MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. made Dec 28 at 2020 2:01 AM

2020-12-28T02:01:04-05:00

I got paid in BCT, AIT, at the Visual Tracker Course and in Vietnam before I started getting paid by check.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2020 5:40 AM

2020-12-28T05:40:06-05:00

Basic training Ft. Jackson, S.C. 1977. Was told by the payer: you guys probably never had that much money in your life ($325 month). Its got to last you till next month, so dont spend it all in one place!

Response by SGT John Shatesky made Dec 30 at 2020 2:22 PM

2020-12-30T14:22:48-05:00

The USA and Vietnam.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jan 22 at 2021 2:02 PM

2021-01-22T14:02:04-05:00

I just had pay call. I called out for my paycheck but it didn't answer back. Just a faint, "screw you" was all I heard...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2021 10:32 AM

2021-02-25T10:32:10-05:00

I received pay call in Beirut Lebanon, they paid us in cash

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Feb 25 at 2021 8:09 PM

2021-02-25T20:09:53-05:00

Always had pay call.

Response by Col Tom Duquette made Mar 27 at 2021 4:47 PM

2021-03-27T16:47:34-04:00

Sure do, 4/64 Armor in Aschaffenburg, FRG in 1976 until they offered direct deposit. I even was the guard for the officer doling out the money.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Mar 27 at 2021 11:20 PM

2021-03-27T23:20:12-04:00

Pay Call was the only way when I was serving. In the US, everywhere.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2021 3:20 PM

2021-04-07T15:20:29-04:00

Yes, in 1978 in South Korea, a table was set up to receive pay, but after pay received, their were others at the long table, the house boy, the Baker, yard man, mama San, first sergeant, it was best not to invest in those services! All hustlers!

Response by SFC Dwight Beaver made May 2 at 2021 3:10 PM

2021-05-02T15:10:17-04:00

Yes my first duty station was in Korea. We'd walk out with a big wad of bills

Response by SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson made May 3 at 2021 9:56 AM

2021-05-03T09:56:45-04:00

Germany...

Response by 1SG Michael Lyons made May 20 at 2021 7:02 PM

2021-05-20T19:02:35-04:00

We had Pay call at 2/9 Cav Ft Stewart GA in 84/85. I was the guard. One of the few times I was given love ammo on post Lol.

Response by William Drummond made Jun 7 at 2021 11:07 AM

2021-06-07T11:07:21-04:00

In 1981/82, I was in Germany working as a DAC for an engineering battalion. Whenever the battalion was in the field, I went with one of the staff officers to pick up sidearms and then to the disbursing to pick up the locked cases of US dollars and DM. We arrived at whichever area the current war games were and set up a table and the ledgers to record who received what amount of money. The real work was double-counting everything before we signed for it at the disbursing office. The drag was returning to base after the disbursing office closed. The first time, neither of us knew what to do with the cash overnight. Neither of us had access to a safe, and we did not want to take it home. What to do? Then it occurred to me, another secure area in the HQ is the mailroom, and I was the only person on the Kaserne with a key at the moment. Close enough for government work. It may not have been precisely kosher, but it worked.

If any of you recall a smartass civilian telling you that he had to collect 20% tax on your pay, getting old sucks, huh? I am not sure what was more fun, the guys who were outraged or the ones who believed me. Fun times.

Response by Sgt Dan Baughman made Jun 13 at 2021 4:07 PM

2021-06-13T16:07:53-04:00

When i was in we had pay call. Got payed in cash. Then on second enlistment got a check. (Stateside). Always in cash overseas.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 15 at 2021 8:51 AM

2021-06-15T08:51:57-04:00

Korea in the early 1960s, it was VD day they would make us watch the VD MOVIES and then pictures of which local girls were infected. We were required to go see the donut dollies and have a donut. We were paid in cash, just under $60.00. I recall being asked about it by someone who though it had to do with the Normandy landings.

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Jun 15 at 2021 5:26 PM

2021-06-15T17:26:29-04:00

I remember Pay Call at BCT and AIT at Ft Jackson SC in 1966.

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Jul 5 at 2021 6:11 PM

2021-07-05T18:11:24-04:00

Alas, I remember it well! I was Army in Korea at the time (1969). Paid once a month in the mess hall in "cash" in MPC, and right after leaving the table were those standing there collecting for Army Relief Fund, the Chaplain's causes, the Red Cross, the NCO Club, etc. By the time one got through that "gauntlet", there wasn't much left to last one the rest of the month!

LTC Ford: Thanks so much for the images! I'd forgotten how much the MPCs looked like "real money". There was an episode of M*A*S*H which depicted the sudden "lock down" of bases during which the then-current series of MPCs were rendered instantly useless by having been replaced by a NEW MPC series! Charles Emerson Winchester is caught "off post" and tries (in vain, as I recall) to get his MPCs onto the post so they can be exchanged.

Response by PO1 Mike Wallace made Jul 10 at 2021 11:10 AM

2021-07-10T11:10:25-04:00

In the early 70's we pulled into Hong Kong and got our pay but it was in US Dollars. That was no problem as there were exchange windows for HK dollars at the landing where the water taxi went. It was the first time I ever saw them or any place refuse American dollars. On ships we always got pain in Dollars expect for places like Japan and Vietnam when we got paid in MPC (Military Pay Certificate).

Response by COL Larry Sage made Jul 14 at 2021 11:12 PM

2021-07-14T23:12:22-04:00

I was the Battalion officer selected as pay officer in Berlin for the 2nd Bn., 6th Inf, BBde on one occasion. I recall the blue seal dollar bills, numerous $2 bills and the gold seal larger denominations. Duty required me to be armed (45 pistol).
I also recall emergency & mandatory Script exchange days in Korea!

Response by SPC John Swann made Jul 16 at 2021 4:07 PM

2021-07-16T16:07:48-04:00

When I was in the Army in the early 1960’s I was station at a Nike battery stateside and had pay call once a month. Paid in cash back then. No such thing as direct deposit.

Response by PO1 Randy Morse made Jul 19 at 2021 7:49 PM

2021-07-19T19:49:48-04:00

When I served on USS Orion, AS-18, in 1978, there was no direct deposit. We had pay call in port ( Charleston, SC) and at the end of the line, there were guys waiting to get their share from loans.

Response by SP5 Stephen Ko made Jul 20 at 2021 3:12 PM

2021-07-20T15:12:55-04:00

I worked as a pay disbursement clerk so I remember it well in Vietnam and Thailand

Response by SP5 Stephen Ko made Jul 20 at 2021 3:14 PM

2021-07-20T15:14:49-04:00

I was a pay disbursement clerk, so I remember pay call well in Vietnam and Thailand

Response by SPC David Batterson made Jul 20 at 2021 4:11 PM

2021-07-20T16:11:45-04:00

We got pay call at Ft. Hood when I was in (1966-68). There was NO direct deposit, and who even had a bank account? I remember others who blew the (small) pay in a week or less. I was careful with my spending.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jul 21 at 2021 7:13 PM

2021-07-21T19:13:14-04:00

Korea, Vietnam and Japan

Response by SP5 Michael O'Reilly made Aug 24 at 2021 10:00 PM

2021-08-24T22:00:35-04:00

1966 basic training at Ft. Ord. I was paid in two dollar bills. If I remember my gross pay was $90.00 my net after going thru the line of Sgts with their hands out I ended up with fifty bucks

Response by SSG Wade Winfield made Sep 3 at 2021 11:45 AM

2021-09-03T11:45:08-04:00

Yep Marines, 1976-1980. In Army till the 80s

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 14 at 2021 4:03 AM

2021-10-14T04:03:59-04:00

I remember pay call as an enlisted man in BCT and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood and later duty as apay officer on rotational duty while assigned aas a platoon leader in A Company, 1st Battalion 52nd Infantry Regiment in Bamberg, FRG at Bamberg, Germany.
FYI SP5 Jeannie Carle SP5 Jerry Mucha SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson LTC John Shaw LTC Greg Henning LTC Private RallyPoint Member MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. LTC Wayne Brandon SSG Michael Noll CSM Charles Hayden SFC William Farrell SP6 Clifford Ward SGM Gerald Fife CSM Bruce Trego SGT Private RallyPoint Member SGT Private RallyPoint Member SMSgt Lawrence McCarter LTC Private RallyPoint Member SPC Michael Terrell

Response by PFC David Foster made Oct 14 at 2021 7:24 AM

2021-10-14T07:24:55-04:00

I was in Germany from 80 to 83... It's really kind of a blur lol.... you know, that German beer hahahaha.....

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Oct 14 at 2021 8:27 AM

2021-10-14T08:27:52-04:00

I remember pay call. We were paid in cash. Stateside, I remember all the bands off of bundes of currency laying on the floor around the payroll officer. I remember getting paid in MPC (funny money} on standdown in Vietnam. We only got paid once a month so we all looked forward to payday,even thogh there wasn't a lot to spend it on in Vietnam.

Response by SSG Ronald Ralph made Oct 26 at 2021 7:13 AM

2021-10-26T07:13:15-04:00

Yes, but I do remember it was called “Payday Activities” as well. When I first went active duty in 1982, there wasn’t direct deposit, so we would have to “report for pay” in front of the CO. We’d have to knock on his door three times, he’d respond, “Come in”, and you would enter, close the door, and march to the yellow footprints in front of his desk, and say your rank and name as you salute him. He’d return his salute, and the XO would give you your LES, and the CO would hand you your check. You’d come to attention, salute him again, do an about face, and march out.

After you received your pay, as well as everyone else, there would be a formation, safety briefing, and usually “Payday Activities” would commence. That was usually around 1200 hrs or so. I’d drive home, pick up my wife, and we’d deposit our check, then go shopping at the commissary and PX.

I think it was in ‘84 when direct deposit started and Payday activities diminished.

Response by SP5 Arthur Vines made Oct 26 at 2021 3:00 PM

2021-10-26T15:00:49-04:00

Oh, Yeah! Pay call every month at Reese Barracks in Augsburg 64-66. After the "buy bonds" table, the guys who lent money at 50% interest were waiting to collect. Oh, and we usually went to the bank and cashed the bonds as soon as they came in the mail! Cigarettes were 15 cents a pack with our ration coupons, and some non-smokers would buy a carton and sell packs for 50 cents on credit till next payday. Well, when I joined, E-1 pay was $78/month.

Response by CPO Christian Simonsen made Dec 16 at 2021 10:11 AM

2021-12-16T10:11:41-05:00

I was on the USS MARVIN SHIELDS (DE-1066) deployed to WestPac in the early 70’s. The Disbursing Officer published a money list prior to payday with your balance due to you. You then filled out a chit with the amount you wanted and got in line. You could get all or just a part of your pay in cash.

Response by SFC Antonio Baird made Dec 16 at 2021 10:45 AM

2021-12-16T10:45:17-05:00

My Basic Training group at Ft. Leonard, MO, had to report to the Commander to get paid. Nov 86 to Jan 87.

Response by PO2 Frank Barker made Dec 25 at 2021 4:47 PM

2021-12-25T16:47:21-05:00

Onboard USS FORRESTAL’68-‘70. Pay tables were set up in passageways in several locations throughout the ship. We’d hand a pay chit to the first person at the table along with our ID. He”d check the chit, mark it on a spread sheet and pass it to the next person at the table who counted out the right amount of cash, and slid it to the next person who counted the money, checked the ID, asked for name, rate, and service number. He would hand you the money, which you’d count and sign for. One more person at the table: an armed Marine.

Response by SPC Carol Lahman Rhodes made Dec 26 at 2021 2:57 PM

2021-12-26T14:57:11-05:00

Yes I remember pay call in one overseas assignment

Response by PVT Mark Whitcomb made Dec 28 at 2021 1:36 PM

2021-12-28T13:36:45-05:00

I was in from 74-78 and we always were paid in cash. even stateside. once a month we'd get our 90 buxs. When Carter got into the office I remember we got a huge raise and we all thought we were rich. as an e-4 we got 415 a month. Considering everything was already paid for food barracks etc. we just had a grand old time.

Response by SSG Jerry Seippel made Dec 31 at 2021 11:44 PM

2021-12-31T23:44:31-05:00

The good thing in West Germany was being Pay Guard on because you knew you'd be able to get all of the Marks you needed.

Response by COL Bill Gross made Jan 30 at 2022 5:38 PM

2022-01-30T17:38:48-05:00

Got paid in Vietnam. All was in Military Payment Certificates. Ended up HHC CDR of the 36th ENG Battalion. I handled pay not only for all member of HHC, but for all officers in the battalion. I'd go to the Finance Office at Vhin Long Army Airfield. Be given a bundle of cash, $30,000.00 plus in a mix of MPCs. Pay everyone on the Airfield then hop on a UH-1 to find the officers.

The thing that amazed me was not matter in what order I paid people when I got to the last soldier the cash I had left matched his pay due exactly. It's probably a perfectly simple way to figure out how to do it. I just never did understand how it happened.

Oh, by the way, there was a story I heard but never was able to verify, that one Pay Officer in some unit was flying to run pay call. Cash was in his brief case under his seat in the UH-1. Vibrations caused brief case to bounce out the door, hit one of the skids and dispersed all his MPC over the country side.

Response by SFC David S made Mar 27 at 2022 3:20 PM

2022-03-27T15:20:55-04:00

I reported for pay for the first time in basic training at fort Leonard wood, Mo. and again in west Germany.

Response by SGT Charles Whited made Mar 27 at 2022 11:24 PM

2022-03-27T23:24:28-04:00

Ft. Stewart, Ga. 1986.

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Apr 19 at 2022 12:21 PM

2022-04-19T12:21:14-04:00

7th Inf Div, Camp Casey, South Korea, 1968-1970: We had to line up in the mess hall, and "report for pay". We received our "cash" in Military Payment Certificates (MPCs) because U.S. currency ("Greenbacks") were illegal (and great Black Market fodder). Immediately AFTER being paid, we were greeted by another line: This time it was The Club (with your "tab" waiting to be paid), Army Charities, and several others (the chaplain?) now "lost to history". ...and in this case, one had to hold back enough to pay one's houseboy! Precious little of your monthly pay was still in your hand when you left the mess hall!

Response by LT Jim Chatfield made May 27 at 2022 2:54 PM

2022-05-27T14:54:11-04:00

In the early 70s aboard my first ship we were paid in cash in a compartment that had one entrance and one exit. At the exit were Corpsmen with a list of who needed what shots. There was no escape.

Response by MCPO Hilary Kunz made May 29 at 2022 1:51 PM

2022-05-29T13:51:08-04:00

My overseas duty stations were all bases, so we got US dollars. Aboard ship, the Disbo and a couple of armed MAAs doled out cash on the mess decks when I was a blue shirt (E-6 and below). After I made Chief we were paid in the Mess, then when they did the conversion to direct deposit I jumped at the chance to not stand in the pay line.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 29 at 2022 11:43 PM

2022-05-29T23:43:18-04:00

he only time I remember pay call was in basic training after that when We arrived at our permanent bases We received a pay check every two weeks. After the first two years once I had the check I cashed it and made a deposit in both a checking and savings account and kept some money out to spend. I also had an allotment to buy US Savings Bonds each quarter.

Response by CH (MAJ) Eric Dye made May 30 at 2022 2:16 PM

2022-05-30T14:16:10-04:00

In Basic at Ft Leonard Wood, MO in 1976 on pay day; we were marched to one of the gyms; alphabetically put in various lines on one side; some junior officers (LTs as I remember - no NCOs) sat at desks on the opposite sides with a box chained to something; could have been them I don't remember exactly. The officer would called off names on his/her list one-by-one; the response was to be: "HERE, MAAM or SIR!" Double time to the desk; state: PRIVATE XYZ! REPORTING FOR PAY, SIR or MAAM!. He/she pulled an LES off the stack placed it on the desk, asked me to check it and state was that my name! "YES, SIR or MAAM!" There were armed MPs (M16s, helmets and protective vests) walking and observing from the walkway between the lower and upper decks of the bleachers and six similarly outfitted MPs standing behind the Pay Officers. They counted out the pay amount on the table; asked me to count it and if it was correct; to sign a list by my name. Then, I had to listen to a brief exhortation to keep some and convert the rest to AMEX Travelers Checks at another set of desks with civilians there from the post bank who would change the cash into travelers checks; and give a receipt. We were told that the checks were prootection because we signed them on one place and to use them you had to show a military ID and resign on another line which "provided better security" for our pay than cash and they could be used anywhere on Post and in our subsequent travels to AIT locations.
Don't know for sure if it was always done that way; but apparently as I remember they said there was fairly recent problem on Post with recruits/draftees being shaken down for cash. ANYWAY -- you can tell by my remembrance of the details it was a day to remember. After I went to Ft Bragg; they began direct deposit registration; and because we were gone a lot in our unit for TDY; we were required to sign up for and keep a AMEX Gov't Card on our person for use when we were on duty travel.

Response by SSgt David M. made May 31 at 2022 1:04 PM

2022-05-31T13:04:16-04:00

I remember my First Pay Call was in Basic Training! The DI made us all write down the serial numbers of every note we had just to make sure that if we were ever robbed this would be how they would be caught! This was in July 1973 at Fort Lenardwood, Missouri. Then when we were in AIT, at Fort Dix, NJ we had Pay Call. After AIT, I was stationed in Ludwigsburg, Germany and we had Pay Day! I recall once we were paid in very old US Currency that was said to have come from Switzerland, It was all in Gold Notes! I sure wish that I had kept those notes as most were just like new! Would now be worth a lot more than the $20.00 as were printed! I wonder who ended up saving any of them? Live and Learn! ;-)

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made May 31 at 2022 1:24 PM

2022-05-31T13:24:36-04:00

Stateside, Our Money Was Issued As We Entered Our Work Areas.
In Korea, The First Shirt Gave Our Pay To Us.
But We Spent It EVERYWHERE....
MOST Of MINE Was Spent On Booze And Hookers.
I Just Wasted The Rest

Response by SSG Dave Castro made May 31 at 2022 4:25 PM

2022-05-31T16:25:07-04:00

Germany and Nam in the 60's

Response by 1LT Greg Bailey made Jul 7 at 2022 8:29 PM

2022-07-07T20:29:09-04:00

I was pay officer 2 times for 1-506th IN Camp Greaves ROK. 1st time I was given a .45 and an escort with an M16A2 and went by HMMWV to and from Camp Casey. Disbursed and took it back. 2d time just me and a 60 year old .45 $20k atleast in a paper bag transported on the civvie bus. More scared than when I was on a CH47 going into Iraq in Feb 91 with D-2/187 IN for Desert Storm. They had it to the penny as cash was only dispersed to those who requested it. Most everybody had a checking account of some sort.

Response by PO1 Richard Wilson made Aug 21 at 2022 12:36 PM

2022-08-21T12:36:47-04:00

Vietnam with funny money still have a few mpc in locker.

Response by CPL Dante Kimble made Sep 7 at 2022 9:27 AM

2022-09-07T09:27:13-04:00

I remember that in Saudi Arabia, Panama and Kuwait!

Response by 1LT Bill Dickert made Oct 5 at 2022 12:39 AM

2022-10-05T00:39:02-04:00

I served as Pay Officer ( Class A Agent) several times while in Korea 65-66. Most of my Battery members drew pay, in MPC. Not many had Direct Deposit back then.

Response by 1SG Paul Ayotte made Dec 19 at 2022 6:11 PM

2022-12-19T18:11:17-05:00

Just in OSUT @ FT Benning.

Response by PO1 Robert Ryan made Dec 20 at 2022 12:25 PM

2022-12-20T12:25:15-05:00

I also remember pay day activities. Morning inspection then pay day activities. For a long time for me it was as soon as the NCO club opened.

Response by SSG Michael Needham made May 21 at 2023 9:14 PM

2023-05-21T21:14:47-04:00

SFC. Davis brought back a memory , having such a small paycheck there was little need for a checking account I took home less than $100.oo a month , so off to the local bank and turned my hard earned cash into travelers cheques ,a little safer than cash and I was able to cash them in as needed .
Banks couldn't be bothered with a PVT 's pittance pay

Response by CPT Earl George made May 21 at 2023 10:39 PM

2023-05-21T22:39:34-04:00

Germany 1972-1975 3ID. We had pay call the whole time I was there. WE would pick up the payroll in a big room. There might be 30 or 40 other pay officers also picking up the payroll for their unit. You had a guard ,who was armed with a M-16 rifle. You signed for the payroll, counted your cash at a table and then signed again on your way out of the building. The soldier would sign his check and then you would give him the amount in cash. You had to pay all the members in your unit, even if they were away in the hospital, away from the unit for schooling, or any other reason. Got a Huey ride several times to pay individual away for schooling.

Response by PFC Mary Berry(Laincz) made Jul 26 at 2023 12:51 AM

2023-07-26T00:51:13-04:00

Yes still remember going to paycall right after getting married and First Sgt told me to back with the names starting with L. And l told her l was where l was supposed bo be with the Bs and showed her my marriage license. My friends laughed and congratulated me

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Oct 8 at 2023 8:45 AM

2023-10-08T08:45:56-04:00

Yes.

Response by MSgt Gene Jine made Oct 9 at 2023 2:20 PM

2023-10-09T14:20:06-04:00

Every day was a Glorious day, when ya received mail in Vietnam, 1970-71