Previous Post
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – Learning the Lingo Series: Money, Money, Money
Posted on April 3, 2025 by Jenn D
In this part of the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – Learning the Lingo Series, we are going to explore the acronyms & terms that have to do with all things money! Let’s take a look!
Military Money Acronyms & Terms:
- Advanced Pay – Payment before it is earned
- AER – Army Emergency Relief
- AFAF – Air Force Assistance Fund
- AFAS – Air Force Aid Society
- AIP – Assignment Incentive Pay
- Allotment – A member designated amount that gets paid directly to a person or a place monthly from their pay
- Allowances – Pay and special compensation
- BAH – Basic Allowance for Housing
- BAS – Basic Allowance for Subsistence (food)
- Basic Pay – Member’s military pay based on the member’s grade and years of service
- BRS – Blended Retirement System
- Clothing Allowance – annual amount for members to pay for their uniforms
- CONUS COLA – Cost of Living Allowance in the continental United States
- DFAS – Defense Finance and Accounting Service
- DLA – Dislocation Allowance
- FSA – Family Separation Allowance
- FSGLI – Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance
- HDIP – Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay
- HDP – Hardship Duty Pay
- HFP/IDP – Hostile Fire Pay/Imminent Danger Pay
- LES – Leave and Earning Statement
- OCOLA or OCONUS COLA – Overseas Cost of Living Allowance
- OHA – Overseas Housing Allowance
- Per Diem Compensation – Pay while away from one’s home duty stationPFMP – Personal Financial Management Program (branch specific)
- SBP – Survivor Benefit Plan
- SGLI – Servicemembers’ Group Life
- Special Pay – Pay received for a variety of additional duties or circumstance
- TLA – Temporary Living Allowance
- TLE – Temporary Lodging Expenses
- TSP – Thrift Savings Plan
There are so many different aspects to military money. We hope you have a better grasp of these money terms and acronyms and aren’t saying Whiskey Tango Foxtrot any more!
Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Resources!
Next Post
Written by
More Military Life Posts

Why My Tail Wags for Purina Dog Chow – A Dog’s Perspective🐶
Listen up, humans—I’ve got a secret. 🐾 You know that happy dance I do when...