The Defense Finance and Accounting Service says it is closely monitoring contingency procedures implemented by banks and credit unions to ensure that electronic deposits for military and defense civilians in the Hurricane Katrina impact areas get their money. Mail delivery is another matter. Direct deposit folks should check with their banks, or, if they cannot get their money and need some, with the nearest defense finance office. DFAS says USPS should be announcing central pickup points.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.