Page 16 - FCA Diamond Point Sept 24_Edits

FROM THE FIELD

BEING A PIONEER IN MILITARY BANKING (Cont’d)
and GS-7 and above for civilians. Cash advances would be limited to 40% of per diem and 100% of
other reimbursable expenses. Soldiers and civilians not meeting travel or grade criteria could be
issued a card based on recommendation from a senior commander or civilian director.

Getting buy-in from MWR and especially billeting offices was a challenge as cash flow is key for

them like any merchant. The “discount rate” Diners Club would charge merchants was higher than
VISA/MasterCard which many facilities already accepted. Reimbursement was slower for MWR

facilities compared to their ability to deposit VISA/MasterCard credit slips with their bank and
quickly receive credit. With Diners Club, organizations needed to mail charge slips to Diners Club

and receive a check reimbursement. Diners Club assigned two full time representatives to support
the Army test. They traveled the globe to work with the test sites while also marshaling local Diners

Club representatives to assist installation MWR and billeting.
Overall, the 6-month test was a success based on cash savings to the government. The test period

generated cash management savings of $103,000 ($290,000 in 2014 dollars). The savings included
a 13% reduction in the amount of advance travel pay taken by travelers, 20% reduction in advance

travel payments as well as a 44% percent reduction in “Due U.S.” settlement vouchers. GSA and

DOD could also harvest accurate data in bargaining for reduced rates by airlines, hotels and rental
car agencies based on traveler’s use.

Though cash management savings was the key driver to measuring the program’s success. Other
observations were also presented to senior leadership.

- Another aspect to the testing of the Diners Club, was acceptance by the travelers

themselves. About 50% of the test participants appreciated the card helping ease travel, reduce the
need to carry cash/travelers checks or use their own credit card to conduct business.

- Travelers were overly critical of Diners Club’s limited acceptance by independent hotels, fast food

establishments and merchants. They appreciated the travel accident insurance, lost baggage
insurance, and no late fees or interest.

Senior leader support was also critical. Senior leaders in and out of the resource management
community recognized the need not only for savings; they also appreciated the potential of safety
The Making of a Non-Commissioned Officer by SSG
and convenience for the traveler. Antidotally, the card became a “must have” among senior leaders
and that itself helped the program acceptance. I had many conversations with aides to general
Alisha A. Gonzalez, 36B SLC, 003-21
officers who appreciated the card’s convenience while on TDY.
Introduction
The ASA-FM, Mr. Michael P. W. Stone, based on the test results and recommendation from the
Great leaders are students of leadership and are constantly evolving and adapting to those whom
Comptroller of the Army; LTG Max W. Noah, that the Army Charge Program be implemented Army-
they lead. The important qualities of an outstanding leader are constant growth and personal
wide by 1 Oct 1986. The Army was ready to say, “Charge It!”
development, being a servant leader, and giving trust and respect. They emulate the ability to
adopt change and are stewards of being a servant leader. From person to person, leadership
Charles (Chip) Kacsur, Jr, Colonel, USA retired, is a 1980 graduate of Penn State University,
looks differently. No two styles are the same, so while someone is developing their leadership
graduating with a degree in Finance and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army’s
style, they take from the people who have been a mentor to them in the past. Not every person
Finance Corps in 1980. His military education and graduate education include the Army’s yearlong
who has authority over others exhibits good behaviors. Through negative behavior, Soldiers and
Training with Industry program (Banking); MBA from Butler University, Masters in Strategic Studies
Leaders learn lessons. Leaders earn trust and respect, and building on that foundation with peers
from the US Army War College and a graduate certificate from Harvard’s Kennedy School of
and subordinates requires consistency. It takes more than a day to develop great leaders.
Government.
Although some people have natural leadership, it does not exempt them from continuing to grow.
Colonel Kacsur served in both command and staff positions throughout the United States, Korea
Growth and Development
and Europe, to include command of the 7th Finance Company, Fort Ord, CA, 1st Finance Battalion,
Growth as a leader comes with self-reflection, willingness to receive constructive criticism, and
Fort Riley, KS and DFAS – St Louis, MO. He also served as an Army Budget Liaison Officer to
taking experiences from others to incorporate and build on. Self-reflection requires a person to
Congress as well as Budget Director, G8, HQ FORSCOM, Ft McPherson, GA. His final assignment
have introspection when situations arise. Internally those persons may seek to understand how
was as a faculty member at the U.S. Army War College. He is also a recipient of the MG Nathan
to address situations from various perspectives. This applies to all ends of the spectrum
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Towson Medallion and is a Distinguished Member of the Finance Regiment.
throughout your leadership career; not every encounter will be a walk in the park. When faced
with adversity, it gives a person an opportunity to cultivate a chance to evaluate the
After retirement from the Army in 2010, Chip continued to serve as a civilian with the Defense
circumstances of each instance. Individuals trying to better themselves value constructive
Finance & Accounting Service in Washington, DC and then as the Chief of Financial Operations for