Armed Forces News

The Bush administration still objects to the temporary increases in family-separation allowances and imminent-danger pays which are due to expire Dec. 31. Officials, however, will not attempt again to cut benefits for deployed troops, according to Charles Abell, principal defense deputy for personnel and readiness. Under the fiscal 2004 Defense Authorization Act, family separation allowance will revert on Dec. 31 from $250 to $100 monthly and danger pay will go from $225 to $150 a month. Abell indicated to the Senate Armed Services personnel subcommittee earlier this month that, although the extra danger pay “is probably not unreasonable,” the higher separation allowance that includes troops deployed in the U.S. is “excessive.”