What is the Military Lending Act (2006) (US)?

Introduction The Military Lending Act (MLA), 10 U.S. Code § 987, is a Federal law that provides special protections for active duty servicemembers such as capping interest rates on many loan products. It was enacted in 2006. A detailed account of the MLA, including provisions and limitations, can be found on the Federal Reserve website… Read More

What is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) (US)?

Introduction The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law designed to protect servicemembers in a wide range of consumer and legal transactions. The SCRA postpones or suspends certain civil obligations to enable servicemembers to devote their full attention to duty and to relieve stress on their families. The SCRA covers outstanding credit card… Read More

What is the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940 (US)?

Introduction The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) of 1940 provides certain rights and privileges for men and women entering or called to active duty in the armed forces of the United States. Refer to The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (2003), Military Lending Act (2006), Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (2009), and Veterans Benefits… Read More

Should the British Army Adopt Gender-Neutral Naming Conventions for its Ranks?

Calls have been made for the Army to review its ranking system, following on from steps both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Navy (RN) have made towards more inclusive language in recent years. Some army ranks/roles have no female or gender-neutral alternative, such as Guardsman, Kingsman and Craftsman. Last year, the RAF dropped… Read More

What is a Final Tour of Duty Request (UK)?

Introduction There is a little known regulation that covers ‘Final Tour of Duty’ requests. Ordinarily, first and final house moves in the military are not paid for at public expense; however, provision does exist for paying both Disturbance Expense (DE) and Removal of Personal Effects (RPE) at public expense for a final move, providing that… Read More

What is the MOD Ex-Gratia Payment in lieu of Maternity Allowance?

Introduction If you are accompanying your spouse/civil partner overseas and fall pregnant, you may be entitled to an Ex-Gratia Payment in lieu of Maternity Allowance if you are prevented from claiming the normal Maternity Allowance. Outline The MOD Ex-Gratia Payment in lieu of Maternity Allowance policy applies to eligible spouse/civil partners who accompany their Service… Read More

What is the Forces Help to Buy Scheme (UK)?

Introduction The Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme is an advance of salary scheme, which is available to help UK Service personnel who want to buy their first home and to enable the option to self-build amongst eligible Service personnel. Outline Since 2014, Regular Service personnel have been able to take an advance of up… Read More