Command Financial NCO Program Soldiers Taking Care of Soldiers 1

BACKGROUND CFNCOP IS A COMMANDER’S PROGRAM CFNCOP STARTED AT FORT CARSON IN 1994 BASED ON THE NAVY ‘S FINANCIAL READINESS PROGRAM OVER 70% OF HIGH RISK BEHAVIORS DUE TO FINANCIAL DISTRESS 11

PURPOSE OF THE CFNCOP TO ENHANCE AND MAINTAIN MISSION READINESS AND PROVIDE QUALITY OF LIFE BY HELPING SOLDIERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS ACHIEVE PERSONAL FINANCIAL READINESS. PROVIDE KNOWLEDGE OF SOUND MONEY MANAGEMENT AND CONSUMER AWARENESS. 13

TO ESTABLISH WITHININ UNITS A PROGRAM OF : PURPOSE OF THE CFNCOP TO ESTABLISH WITHININ UNITS A PROGRAM OF : FINANCIAL AND CONSUMER AWARENESS COUNSELING EDUCATION TO SOLDIERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS TRAINING AND REFERRALS 12

BATTALION SERGEANT MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Interviewing the selectees to ensure the selectees are financial stable. The appointee should be able to meet their personal monthly bills, have not file bankruptcy or intend to file bankruptcy and should not be under financial distress. APPOINT ONE CFNCO AND ALTERNATE PER BN/SQDN PROVIDE COMMAND EMPHASIS AND SUPPORT ENSURE CFNCO IS CERTIFIED AND ATTENDS ALL TRAINING REQUIRED BY THE ACS TRAINING COORDINATOR PROMOTE SUBORDINATE AWARENESS OF CFNCOP 20

BATTALION SERGEANT MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES PROVIDE CFNCO REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND OFFICE. INCLUDE CFNCOP IN UNIT SOP. SCHEDULE UNIT FINANCIAL TRAINING AT LEAST QUARTERLY. DIRECT SOLDIERS SEE CHAIN OF COMMAND & CFNCO PRIOR TO GOING TO AER OR OTHER AGENCIES FOR ASSISTANCE E-6 and BELOW. 20

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMAND FINANCIAL NCO 14

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CFNCO ESTABLISH, ORGANIZE AND ADMINISTER THE CFNCOP. PROVIDE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND CONSUMER AWARENESS COUNSELING. PROVIDE REFERRAL SERVICES. PRESENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND CONSUMER AWARENESS TRAINING. 17

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CFNCO (cont’d) PROVIDE LEADER DESK-SIDE BRIEFINGS MAINTAIN RECORDS CONTINUALLY UPGRADE PROFICIENCY ATTEND ALL MEETINGS AND TNG REQUIRED BY CFNCO TRAINER COORDINATOR MAINTAIN REQUIRED PRIVACY MAINTAIN AN UP-TO-DATE RESOURCE BOOK 18

Benefits to Leadership Leadership has a Subject Matter Expert imbedded within the Battalion A resource within the Battalion and enables the Command to keep a pulse of the needs within the Battalion Financial educator within the BN -Preparing a Budget -Army Emergency Relief -Financial Transition 101 -ACS Resources -How to read an LES -Car Buying Allows Soldiers to obtain quicker turn around time for service 18

CFNCO Dismissal Policy If the CFNCO does not complete the required training within the time allotted by the CFNCO Trainer Coordinator Phase One and Phase Two. If the CFNO has three consecutive unexcused absences he/she will be relieved from the position.   If the CFNCO falsify documentation or misrepresent a case knowingly. 18

Areas of Concerns Soldiers are not aware of AER assistance. Soldiers are buying vehicles without an inspection: Car repair cost $2,000 to $4,000 within 2 to 4 months after the Soldier has brought the vehicle. Non support. Soldiers are separating from the military and are not financially stable. Soldiers are receiving high interest rate loans. “Soldiers helping Soldiers”

Client Assistance Clients Assistance 2012 1,818 $1,779,151.68 1,818 $1,779,151.68 Clients Assistance 2013 1,464 $1,880,314.06 Clients Assistance 2014 1,450 1,998,200.08 There are always situations that are unique or require special consideration. These type cases may necessitate consideration as an exception to policy.  The regulation that governs financial assistance from Army Emergency Relief, AR 930-4, outlines several types of circumstances for which AER does not provide funds.  Some of those categories are:  Legal fees, fines and court costs, overdrawn bank accounts, divorces and marriages. However, there are times when situations are so exceptional and warrant approval, when determined to be in the best interests of the soldier and the Army.  Each case is evaluated on its own merit and no two cases are exactly the same.  While AER funds cannot be used to help a soldier pay a speeding ticket there may be occasions when a ticket not being paid results in a Soldiers arrest.   This situation can be compounded when the Soldier is a single parent or is preparing to deploy.  For this reason, the Garrison Commander has been granted special authority to approve exceptions to policy for up to $3500 in all circumstances except when the request is based on eligibility, or the soldier is requesting an abortion (this can never be authorized using AER funds).  Requests for assistance submitted by Soldiers who are not eligible may be forwarded to the Director of Army Emergency Relief.  These requests will be considered only under extreme hardship and must be fully documented and endorsed by the Garrison Commander.    

Command Financial NCO Program The Army Family taking care of Soldiers! For additional information on Army Emergency Relief, it various programs, and benefits contact your local AER Officer or visit www.aerhq.org