Except under special circumstances, who may start or stop an allotment?

The correct answer is that only the member may start or stop an allotment. This answer is rooted in the principle of personal financial control that service members maintain over their own allotments. An allotment is a specific sum of money automatically deducted from a service member's pay for various purposes, such as sending funds to a family member, contributing to a savings account, or paying for insurance.

By requiring that only the member can initiate or terminate an allotment, it ensures that the service member retains authority and responsibility for their financial decisions. This safeguard helps prevent unauthorized changes to their pay and ensures that any adjustments reflect the member's intent and financial strategy.

Other involved parties, such as family members or officers, do not have the authority to make these changes, which helps avoid potential disputes or mismanagement of funds. Only in special circumstances—such as cases involving power of attorney or specific financial arrangements—might some exceptions apply, but generally, the member is the sole individual with the capacity to make these alterations.