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Branch

U.S. Army

Members

About usa central finance and accounting office vietnam

The USA Central Finance and Accounting Office, Vietnam, was established to manage and oversee financial operations for U.S. military forces during the Vietnam War. Operating primarily from Saigon, the office was responsible for processing military pay, handling disbursements, and ensuring accurate accounting of funds in a complex and high-tempo combat environment. The unit supported thousands of service members, coordinated with various military branches, and maintained financial integrity despite frequent logistical and security challenges. Its efforts contributed significantly to the effective administration of U.S. military operations in Southeast Asia until American withdrawal in 1973.

Unit Members

Jackie Lewis

U.S. Army

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Photos

Boot Camp

Company C 1st Bn. 38th Inf. Regt. • U.S. Army • 1989

1980

101st airborne division • U.S. Army

U.S. Army

New uniform for wedding

82nd Airborne • U.S. Army • 2018

About usa central finance and accounting office vietnam

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Establishment and Purpose: The USA Central Finance and Accounting Office (CFAO), Vietnam, was established to manage the complex financial transactions, pay, and accounting functions for U.S. military personnel during the Vietnam War. • Location: The main office was located in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), but had several detachments throughout South Vietnam to support operations in the field. • Massive Scope: At its peak, the CFAO processed millions of dollars each month, handling payroll for tens of thousands of military and civilian personnel as well as payments to contractors and local employees. • Currency Challenges: The office had to navigate complex currency issues, dealing with U.S. dollars, Military Payment Certificates (MPC), and Vietnamese piastres, often swapping between currencies to prevent black market activities. • MPC Exchanges: CFAO played a key role in the sudden and secretive "C-Day" events, when old MPCs were exchanged for new ones to disrupt the black market and prevent currency hoarding. • Combat Zone Duties: Finance personnel sometimes operated in dangerous conditions, traveling to remote firebases and forward operating bases to deliver payroll and provide financial services to troops. • Technological Innovations: The CFAO was an early adopter of computerized accounting systems, using IBM punch cards and mainframes to process vast amounts of financial data. • Fraud Detection: The office was instrumental in uncovering and preventing payroll fraud, including schemes involving "ghost soldiers" and other forms of corruption. • Support to Vietnamese Allies: CFAO also managed financial support and payments to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and other allied forces, adding another layer of complexity to their mission. • Legacy: The experience and procedures developed by the USA Central Finance and Accounting Office in Vietnam laid the groundwork for modern military finance operations and are still referenced in training and doctrine today.